I don't understand why folks who don't have HOAs get so excited about them. Nobody is compelled to live in a neighborhood that has one. An earlier complainer in this thread coincidentally posted a pic in another thread of what apparently is his home. Large trash cans in the front yard, trailer in front drive, fence falling down.... I can drive ten minutes and see homes where people are proud to display every piece of rusted metal and faded plastic they've ever acquired. No apologies for not wanting to live like that.