That’s exactly right. HOAs do have a place. The idea that they are all run by crazy zealots is a bit of a myth. The whole purpose of an HOA is to preserve property values and—generally—to impose common sense restrictions. I know of developments subject to “no large truck” rules and the reason generally is because of the size of the driveways and how close they are to one another, not because some busy-body doesn’t like the look of a truck in a driveway. As other posters point out, if you don’t like HOAs, don’t buy in a development subject to one.
Are you sure you value freedom?
What other "common sense restrictions" might there be?
People who want to live in sterile little cliques certainly should have the freedom to do so,just don't pretend it is good for everyone.
Among the many things commonly prohibited by HOAs are doghouses,children's playsets,grills,clotheslines,portable kiddie pools,propane tanks,CB,ham, or TV antennas,vehicles in driveway after certain hours ,painting one's home without committee approval of the colors,flags,flowerbeds,gardens,and more I'm sure.There probably are HOAs that prohibit firearms and pointy sticks,too.
It never ceases to amaze me that people might pay large sums of money to avoid the burden of freedom.
But just remember...when 51% of us members have a more energy efficient refrigerator or a barbecue with a smoke scrubber or a GM Volt.....
You're gonna get them too or we're throwing your sorry a$$ out!....*W* (kinda like the difference between a Republic and a democracy...ain't it...)