[Moneyguy1]

HOAs vary. We have one (if you can call it that) with no dues and no rights to tell you what color, what kind of plants and all that petty srap. It is volunteer, and does a mighty good job of keeping our medians clean and free of debris and even offering to act as go-between if neighbors have a problem. When we were house hunting six years ago, experience in real estate dictated we did NOT want a dues collecting dictatorship limiting our choices. We are intelligent enough and considerate of our neighbors. Most people are, and municipalities generally have laws that cover things that are truly hazardous or that reduce property values (junk cars, etc).