We had a very bad experience in a non-HOA neighborhood when a prostitution and drug ring moved in next door to us. Our property value dropped to almost nothing.
Our experience with HOAs in future housing and with our business condo has been excellent.
My advice: Choice a house that suits your personality and temperament. Personally, I choose living with an HOA.
Should have called me. Back in the day, that was my speciality. Getting rid of vagrants and pests. HOA’s are just communism light.