[Drew68]

We have one but it’s pretty low key...basically exists to keep the street lights going and maintain the landscaping at the entrance.

Same here.

Lived under two HOAs. No problems.

Mow your grass. Don't let your front yard look like a used car lot or your driveway become a year-round flea market. I was fine with this.

Most HOAs exist to keep up property values. Of course, some are overbearing and run by busybodies. But we all have choices. Live under one of you want to, don't live under one if you don't, but if you choose to, you'd better read up on what's permitted.

That's the problem. Either people don't read the rules or they do read the rules but think that they don't apply to them.

And, yes, I realize the original story in this thread is about something completely different.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Or they change the rules because the HOA was bought by some mega-corp.

People who live in HOA's are unnaturally interested in what their neighbor is doing.

Something like a cult.

And just like a cult they do not allow you to say you would rather not worship Dagon thank you very much.

It is really a sick, sad mindset.