“maybe some rural property with appliances in the yard are warranted.
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That’s about as liberal as saying the central US is “fly over country”. To claim rural means inbred hillbilly is nothing but liberal propaganda.
You obviously have not been into anything rural.
Cities are the worst of the nasty neighborhoods and they even have real govenrments and not some busybody yuppies playing make-believe government.
If you do not like the rules of the HOA do not buy in that neighborhood. Your choice, but if you want to live in a nicer neighborhood you are probably going to have a HOA. It is the best way to make sure all the properties are kept up. I like having one, it helps keep scummy neighbors out.