HHI for Country club membership?

[Anonymous]

I have always thought it would be so nice to be a member of a CC because you have a "third place" to go (outside of your home and office), to work out, play tennis, have dinner, and maybe golf (but granted we are not golfers). Over the years, our kids (or DH and I) have been invited to events at Congressional, Kenwood, Chevy Chase, Columbia, Manor, Army Navy, and Bethesda Country Club. They all seem great! (Of course, I know that there are differences among them for sure.)

Our HHI is $600+, but that is a recent development, and so it would not be prudent for us to join, as we are squirreling away money now. Also my DH is reluctant to join at CC because he does not think he would use it. We're in our early 50's and I wonder if it's too late. Still, if I joined, I am pretty sure I'd enjoy it because I like to work out, play tennis, and socialize.

Here's the point of my post (if anyone is still with me)! I was chatting with friends from college recently at a girls' weekend. They are all more successful people -- ER doctor, engineering business owner, and college professor. My friends said that their DH's would never be willing to join a country club, even though they can easily afford it. I was kind of surprised, since it seems like it would be a lot of fun to join a CC. But it seems like there are people out there who would not join, regardless of net worth or HHI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much are country club memberships? I think that is the only question that needs to be asked.

Some are super cheap in the exurbs. Stoneleigh, for example, in western Loudoun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We made 700k last year and haven't done it. My goal is to raise children who make it to adulthood without ever memorizing a member number to buy their chicken fingers poolside.

That’s good that will probably make sure they are good people focused on the right stuff.

[Anonymous]

The best reasons to have a membership are small kids or golfers. Then tennis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have always thought it would be so nice to be a member of a CC because you have a "third place" to go (outside of your home and office), to work out, play tennis, have dinner, and maybe golf (but granted we are not golfers). Over the years, our kids (or DH and I) have been invited to events at Congressional, Kenwood, Chevy Chase, Columbia, Manor, Army Navy, and Bethesda Country Club. They all seem great! (Of course, I know that there are differences among them for sure.)

Our HHI is $600+, but that is a recent development, and so it would not be prudent for us to join, as we are squirreling away money now. Also my DH is reluctant to join at CC because he does not think he would use it. We're in our early 50's and I wonder if it's too late. Still, if I joined, I am pretty sure I'd enjoy it because I like to work out, play tennis, and socialize.

Here's the point of my post (if anyone is still with me)! I was chatting with friends from college recently at a girls' weekend. They are all more successful people -- ER doctor, engineering business owner, and college professor. My friends said that their DH's would never be willing to join a country club, even though they can easily afford it. I was kind of surprised, since it seems like it would be a lot of fun to join a CC. But it seems like there are people out there who would not join, regardless of net worth or HHI.

The concept of a "third place" doesn't really apply to country clubs--sociologically it was initially defined as a place where status wasn't a barrier to entry and had no impact on participation. Sort of the exact opposite of a country club. Third places are supposed to have an impact on civic life not just personal life. That may be while a lot of people who would like a 3rd place in their life don't want to go to a country club to fulfill that role.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A friend of DHs recently looked into Army Navy CC. $88,000 initial fee for civilians.
I don’t think they’ll be joining despite a very reasonable HHI

We joined ANCC 10 years ago as Social Members, and the cost was only a $10K initial fee, and now roughly $400 a month fees for dues and improvements. We are not military, just civilians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have always thought it would be so nice to be a member of a CC because you have a "third place" to go (outside of your home and office), to work out, play tennis, have dinner, and maybe golf (but granted we are not golfers). Over the years, our kids (or DH and I) have been invited to events at Congressional, Kenwood, Chevy Chase, Columbia, Manor, Army Navy, and Bethesda Country Club. They all seem great! (Of course, I know that there are differences among them for sure.)

Our HHI is $600+, but that is a recent development, and so it would not be prudent for us to join, as we are squirreling away money now. Also my DH is reluctant to join at CC because he does not think he would use it. We're in our early 50's and I wonder if it's too late. Still, if I joined, I am pretty sure I'd enjoy it because I like to work out, play tennis, and socialize.

Here's the point of my post (if anyone is still with me)! I was chatting with friends from college recently at a girls' weekend. They are all more successful people -- ER doctor, engineering business owner, and college professor. My friends said that their DH's would never be willing to join a country club, even though they can easily afford it. I was kind of surprised, since it seems like it would be a lot of fun to join a CC. But it seems like there are people out there who would not join, regardless of net worth or HHI.

I agree with this and it is how we use our club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are at 7-800k hhi and would never even think about joining a dc area county club. I assume everyone at a club makes several million a year or inherited millions.

We just work for a living! Thankfully we have an excellent neighborhood pool.

The more expensive clubs in this area are a mix of people with family money, retired people who are pretty well to do, and the working rich -- doctors, lawyers, business execs. That is by far the largest group at my club. Certainly more than half maybe a lot more. HHI can range from 500k to several million. The key thing needed is to be able to afford the up front fee, the monthly, and what you spend there. Clubs are expensive. We go to Easter brunch every year. That is at least $100 a pop (could be more). Dinner is not cheap. Even food at the pool is not cheap. You do not pay golf fees but if you have guests come you pay their fees. You have to be comfortable paying for this. Almost a least 1,000 a month -- could easily by 1,500-2,000 all in. To be at ease paying for this you income has to exceed you expenses by a fair amount. So you could join at any income if that is true. In this area, many people making the mentioned 375,000 are maxed out -- house, retirement, college savings, lifestyle. There would be no budget to spend 20,000 every year on a club. But if there was -- then it would work. People making the 700,000- 800,000 above could be maxed out but many have the cushion.

The most use we ever got out of the club was when the kids were 0-18. Many people with kids at young ages can't join but that is the right time if you can swing it.

[Anonymous]

There is no HHI at which I would consider joining a country club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no HHI at which I would consider joining a country club.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Full service CC's tend to be very expensive with golf, tennis, swim etc etc plus food minimums. Unless you really use it it's a waste of money. If a lot of your friends are members that's a good reason to join but again only if you really use it. Don't do a cost/benefit analysis (# rounds of golf etc) because the numbers will say no.

If you pay for a pool for the summer throw that cost in. You can throw gym cost in. Tennis and then Golf. 25% of your eat out budget. It makes it look a little better but certainly not cost effective. I have been a member for almost 20 years. Near our house. Love it. We use it. If you will then it is great.

In terms of HHI. I really don't see how a non-rich family could pull it off below 250k. I was 350k when we joined but was almost 20 years ago. To fit into the lifestyle and be in the same conversations I would think we are talking 400k minimum.

HHI $600+ and this mentality is why you couldn't pay me to join one. Couldn't possibly imagine being stuck in a foursome with someone making $375k, what on earth would they have to talk about?!

375 and 600 don't live in the same world. You would have lots to talk about but what you are probably not talking about is private school for multiple kids. 1 or more vacation homes. Going on multiple expensive vacations a year. The issue is not with the 600k talking to the 375k. It is the 375k feeling comfortable in the conversation.

I've been both and am now $750K and let me tell you, there is nothing I detest more than the "conversations" that consist of people one-upping each other with their latest hotel or vacation destination and seeing who whips out the more prestigious credit card when the bill comes. These are not conversations. They are status displays for social jockeying. I prefer my friends (of any income) any day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no HHI at which I would consider joining a country club.

Come to the Midwest where dues are $2k a year for social, no initiation fee, and where you can get a decent house for $150k. It would soon lose the sheen and be totally accessible. Our club is for middle class people who just want a nice pool, a few Sunday brunches on holidays, and a Santa you can schedule that isn’t the mall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no HHI at which I would consider joining a country club.

Come to the Midwest where dues are $2k a year for social, no initiation fee, and where you can get a decent house for $150k. It would soon lose the sheen and be totally accessible. Our club is for middle class people who just want a nice pool, a few Sunday brunches on holidays, and a Santa you can schedule that isn’t the mall.

Umm my grandparents CC in Minnesota costs $100k to join. There are rich people everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Full service CC's tend to be very expensive with golf, tennis, swim etc etc plus food minimums. Unless you really use it it's a waste of money. If a lot of your friends are members that's a good reason to join but again only if you really use it. Don't do a cost/benefit analysis (# rounds of golf etc) because the numbers will say no.

If you pay for a pool for the summer throw that cost in. You can throw gym cost in. Tennis and then Golf. 25% of your eat out budget. It makes it look a little better but certainly not cost effective. I have been a member for almost 20 years. Near our house. Love it. We use it. If you will then it is great.

In terms of HHI. I really don't see how a non-rich family could pull it off below 250k. I was 350k when we joined but was almost 20 years ago. To fit into the lifestyle and be in the same conversations I would think we are talking 400k minimum.

HHI $600+ and this mentality is why you couldn't pay me to join one. Couldn't possibly imagine being stuck in a foursome with someone making $375k, what on earth would they have to talk about?!

375 and 600 don't live in the same world. You would have lots to talk about but what you are probably not talking about is private school for multiple kids. 1 or more vacation homes. Going on multiple expensive vacations a year. The issue is not with the 600k talking to the 375k. It is the 375k feeling comfortable in the conversation.

We don’t talk about money related matters. That’s low brow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no HHI at which I would consider joining a country club.

We’ll so miss your charming self at the club!