Is the $525 the property taxes or the condo fees? I live in a house so no condo fees, property taxes however are very high in this area, about $500 a month.

Well some house owners have to pay home owners association fees in addition to property taxes. :S

I'd hope its not $500/mo. HOA fees are usually $500/yr around here...and thats average.

I'm moving into a condo real soon here and there's a mandatory $350/mo HOA fee. Thanks Los Angeles.

Mandatory as imposed by the City of Los Angeles? Who does the money go to?

Sorry that's not what I meant. I was just implying how expensive the cost of living in LA is since $350 can get you a 1bd apt here in OKC. :/

Anyways the HOA pretty goes towards the amenities within the complex.

Well, we just refinanced on the condo. We now pay $1900/mo which includes our tax escrow account. The $525 is for condo association fees in addition to the $1900 making it a painful $2425 monthly. Ah, the cost of living in a great city.