I own a hangar at 45G (Brighton, Michigan) that is a mix of homes and hangars.

The hangar homes adjacent the runway and also the hangars (T's and boxes) all own shares of the airport association that has well defined rules about hangar use that mimics that of a municipal airport (aviation primary use requirements, etc). There is a board, several committees, etc. that manage the bylaws, revisions, and other administrative items (we had a lawsuit recently over tree maintenance of a neighbor for example), and airport management. The association sets the fee structure, and as a collective we determine the contribution levels and priorities.

When I purchased my hangar in 2020 I had to agree to the rules and obligations for the ownership of the airport share, as well as the rules around hangar use, etc.

It's a great value with very good cost control. I believe that much of the airports success is based on its model, the mix of residential and T-hangars, and the amazing commitment of the residents in both.

If I were to ever take on developing an airport for more than just myself, I would follow the model. It's proven to be very successful and more importantly, sustainable.

I live on a small grass runway airpark. I love it. Have some awesome folks as neighbors. Opening the door of my hangar and being 100ft from the runway is great. Just remember, A-holes are everywhere and impossible to escape from whether you live on an airpark or have a private strip. I figured out a long time ago that it's a mistake to have A-hole avoidance as a primary decision making consideration. You'll end up frustrated and depressed when you suffer the sacrifice you made AND still have the A-hole problem.

gregwyatt wrote:Just remember, A-holes are everywhere and impossible to escape from whether you live on an airpark or have a private strip. I figured out a long time ago that it's a mistake to have A-hole avoidance as a primary decision making consideration.

It true that you can't eliminate the chance of this, but you've been lucky. I would never buy into an air park with a known history of litigation among the residents. Were it not for that, I would have been in Sisters a couple of decades ago.

YMMV

CAVU

My wife and I moved to Washington State from the DC suburbs in 2014. While living in Virginia, there were looooong wait times for hangar space. I wouldn't park my fabric covered plane outside year round, so I settled for a shared hangar in West Virginia, 90 minutes from my home. Less than ideal for sure. When we moved to Washington State, being closer to my plane was a priority for me. I was primarily interested in a residential airpark. My wife's priority was a water view, and very few of the airparks offered that. As we dug into the details, other issues arose that got my attention. Most airparks in my area did not have a mechanic, or fuel on the field. Those were important attributes for me as well as being close to our home. Finally, we considered the resale value of an airport home and worried that our market would be limited to aircraft owners and that meant a serious reduction in potential buyers if/when the time came. Our solution was to buy a lot 4 minutes from a paved airport operated by the local Port Authority. There are 2 options for A&Ps on the field and avgas. Better yet, my wife got the water view she wanted. Everybody's happy. Bottom line - figure out what is most important to you and shop accordingly. The comradery of airport living is more important to some and that is why there are so many successful airparks. Other attributes are more important to others - hence the number of private hangars on public airports. There's an option that will cover any and all desires, but only when those desires are clearly recognized and prioritized. Happy shopping!

Built/lived on airpark since 1992. Town bought airport from backruptcy in mid 90s so private house/property owner's pay a yearly "Through the fence fee" to Town. Basically, Fed required to maintain FAA help for an FAA backed airport. 100+ homes with 30+ hangars and only 15-20 regular users. As houses are resold, many are non-aviation buyers; but, FAA supported so no non-flying issues. Some complaints: but, it's nice have big brother actually helping by taking the complaints and basically tell them to pound sand- it's an FAA airport. Very soft or basically NO HOA. You have a problem with a bad neighbor; don't talk or associate with them- life is too short for that. I can see someday selling and moving to a small community with a small local airport if/when money is an issue and we need to cash out- prices are literally 5+Xs what we built for in 1991. New buyers LOVE the big garages and our views of the Rockies.

Overall, we love it.
Jack

Thats two different things (active lawsuits and AH avoidance). I wouldn't buy at an airpark where current litigation risk shutting it down.