How to Choose the Right Message Boards for Your Residential Community

Community message boards are one of the most effective tools for keeping residents informed, engaged, and connected. Whether you're managing a new residential development or revitalizing a long-established HOA, outdoor message boards provide a centralized location for important announcements, event flyers, rules, and neighborhood updates.

As shown below, a message board consists of a freestanding flat structure in which bulletins, maps, memos and other essential information can be housed. But not all message centers are created equal. The right outdoor bulletin board setup can elevate your community’s professionalism and functionality—while the wrong one can become a weather-beaten eyesore. To take advantage of them in your residential community, you'll need to choose the right message boards.

Outdoor Message Board: A weather-resistant display case mounted in shared community areas to post notices, announcements, or flyers relevant to residents.

Prioritize Weatherproof and Lockable Designs

No matter where your community is located, your message board needs to be tough enough to withstand the elements. Choose weatherproof outdoor bulletin boards with rust-resistant hardware, shatterproof polycarbonate windows, and fully enclosed locking cases.

Q: Do message boards need to be lockable?
A: Absolutely—lockable outdoor notice boards protect postings from tampering and unauthorized changes, which is especially important for HOA rule enforcement and official notices.

Durability is also critical. Look for aluminum frames or composite materials treated with UV-resistant coatings to prevent fading, warping, and damage over time. Many HOA managers now prefer community message boards with roofs or overhangs for added protection and longevity.

Weatherproof Bulletin Board: An outdoor posting display designed to resist rain, sun, humidity, and wind without damage to content or materials.

Match Design to Community Aesthetics

Your message center shouldn’t feel like an afterthought. It should blend with the architectural style and branding of your neighborhood. That might mean using a faux woodgrain frame finish in a traditional subdivision or a sleek, modern aluminum design for a contemporary condo community.

To enhance curb appeal, many communities install outdoor bulletin boards with posts that match existing street signage or mailbox systems. You can also opt for customizable header panels engraved with your community name, logo, or HOA branding.

Q: Can message boards improve curb appeal?
A: Yes—when chosen with care, they reinforce your community’s identity and show residents and visitors that the neighborhood is well-managed and organized.

Choose the Right Size and Layout

The size of your community message board depends on how much information you need to share and where the board will be located. Smaller boards (1–2 doors) are ideal for entryways or kiosks; larger boards (3–4 doors) work well at pool houses, mail centers, or clubhouses.

Interior layouts can be customized, too. Options include cork backing for push pins, magnetic surfaces for easy changes, or letter board slats for formal messaging. Consider boards with built-in lighting if your neighborhood has poor nighttime visibility.

Enclosed Bulletin Board: A secure, lockable notice display unit with a transparent cover, designed for exterior use to prevent vandalism or weather damage.

Install Strategically for Maximum Visibility

Location matters. Place outdoor community boards in areas with consistent foot traffic, such as near cluster mailboxes, clubhouses, tennis courts, or playgrounds. Mount boards at a comfortable eye-level height and ensure ADA compliance for accessibility.

To encourage regular engagement, use large fonts and clean layouts, and consider rotating messages or seasonal themes. Some boards even include community maps or QR codes that link to neighborhood websites or social platforms.

Q: Where should message boards be installed?
A: Focus on high-traffic areas like mail centers, community entrances, and clubhouses to ensure residents frequently see important updates.

Let Forsite Help You Design the Perfect Message Center

At Forsite, we don’t just manufacture signage—we help communities communicate better. Our message boards are built to withstand years of outdoor exposure while enhancing your community’s overall appeal.

Whether you're looking for a freestanding HOA message center, a weatherproof cork board, or a fully enclosed outdoor bulletin board with a roof, we can help you choose the right solution for your neighborhood’s needs and aesthetics.

About Forsite:

Welcome to Forsite! You’ve found your best source custom street signs and community wayfinding signs. We manufacture and install upscale site amenities throughout the United States.

Forsite can provide all of your signage needs for your Master Planned Community or  Residential Development. We help our customers to create a uniform, upscale appearance and increase property values by "bundling" themed packages of decorative street signage, mailboxes, post and wall mounted lighting, and wayfinding signage

You can count on the experts at Forsite to help improve the quality of your community today. Contact us today to get started by talking to one of our experienced team members at 855-537-0200.