Why anyone would want to live in these petty little dictatorships is beyond me...
Often times it is not a matter of choice, other than at the time of purchasing the home. The HOA is rarely considered when purchasing a home and yet controls virtually all aspects of external appearance.
“Why anyone would want to live in these petty little dictatorships is beyond me...”
Because the other choices are extremely limited. Almost all new houses are built by developers in deed restricted communities. Older houses don’t meet hurricane codes and generally haven’t aged well.
In parts of Florida it can be tough getting a building permit for a custom home because the developers control the building commissions.
In some areas, there is nothing left but HOA’s. Often the facts aren’t disclosed (mine certainly weren’t!)then the HOA board arbitrarily does anything they wish. But no agency oversees these little tyrants or will act to control them.