We have an HOA and it’s not really terrible either. Most of the money (only recently raised to $100 er year) goes towards the custom mailbox frames & street sign posts along with maintenance for the common grounds. Their bigger rules (guidelines) are 1. no above ground pools and 2. if you’re gonna build a shed make it a permanent structure; on a slab or at least gravel base, and try to make it match the house.
Thankfully it’s not an HOA where there is a dedicated color all houses have to be painted, and you need approval for landscaping.
We have an HOA and it’s not really terrible either. Most of the money (only recently raised to $100 er year) goes towards the custom mailbox frames & street sign posts along with maintenance for the common grounds. Their bigger rules (guidelines) are 1. no above ground pools and 2. if you’re gonna build a shed make it a permanent structure; on a slab or at least gravel base, and try to make it match the house.
Thankfully it’s not an HOA where there is a dedicated color all houses have to be painted, and you need approval for landscaping.
That’s how ours is. Mostly just collects and manages funds for tree trimming, (communal) landscaping, and to pay the snow plows in the winter.
There’s a little micro-management (trash cans have to be out of view except during pickup days, etc) but nothing too draconian.
That said, if/when I ever move, I’m going out of my way to not live in an HOA.