I think an important thing is that there is not much common property in the HOA's domain, which therefore limits the fees the can collect. When there are high fees, HOA's attract the worst of society.

My HOA is $100/yr and the only common property are some pillars at the 2 entrances. We do have rules that I actually like, for example:

- don't leave your trash cans visible from the street

- no driveway basketball goals or other sports equipment

- no motor homes or boats parked in driveways

- no long-term parking on the street; guests for parties are fine

- fences have to be approved. We have 5-6 different kinds that they accept, but not 30

- sheds and other detached storage buildings have to be approved. Anything attached to the house doesn't require approval

These rules to me are to maintain property values of the neighborhood. It's not like the HOA's that insist you get a new roof every 10 years or paint your house every 5 years, or the HOA hires someone to do it and sends you the bill. My sister was in one of those in FL for a vacation home and she sold it, not just for that reason, but it was definitely a factor.