I'm not sure I would survive in an HOA community. My 44 home neighborhood, built in 2001-2002, I was instrumental in the initial HOA meetings where we agreed to disband. I really don't need my neighbor two blocks down telling me what kind of shed I can have in my back yard. Or worse yet complaining about the smoker/fence/landscaping etc.
Now there are downsides, as the neighborhood has matured a few folks don't care for their yards anymore and some have too many people under the same roof and thus 5 vehicles where two fit.
Nonetheless, I prefer not having official rules of the neighborhood.
DK