What is difference between a neighborhood civic association and a homeowners association?

A civic association gathers and operates around a civic principle. A homeowners association is a land-use covenant made with the local municipality, county and state that gathers and operates real estate around a set of covenants, conditions, restrictions and reservations.

Generally, membership in a civic association is optional; membership in a homeowners association is mandatory when a person purchases property within the boundaries of the association's land plat.