The greenbelts become places to jog, walk the dog, ride your bike or just meander. Many newer developments are built around artificial lakes or golf courses to add a touch of cool, green relief to the surroundings. On the higher end of the price scale, some communities are gated and have their own security. Homeowner associations have become more common, both in older neighborhoods and in new developments. In new developments especially, they act as a form of low-level government, enforcing various restrictions in the property deeds in an effort to keep property values up for all association members.
Enforcement is usually through fines, after the homeowner has been given some warnings.
The associations use their dues to keep up common areas, such as greenbelts and roadside landscaping. Restrictions can be as loose as making sure that all the houses are painted in a similar palette of colors or as tight as not allowing outdoor speakers in a patio area. Outdoor remodeling and building additions often have to be reviewed by the associations in order to ensure that they comply with the deed restrictions. This is in addition to any review procedure that a city might have. The associations evolved because of the vast differences in neighborhood upkeep, especially in Phoenix proper.