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.
Four years ago we built in a small sub (6 lots) with an HOA dominated by the developer.
Once the last parcel was sold, we threw the developer out and along with two others, broke the association by refusing to attend meetings: the bylaws requiring at least 4 out of the 6 being in attendance to have a quorum.