A couple of things I'd add to my previous (generally supportive) comments about HOAs ...
1. I am not fond of an HOA whose jurisdiction includes anything other than streets and open spaces for stormwater drainage or similar functional purposes. Pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, clubhouses, and golf courses (to a lesser extent) bring nothing but potential trouble.
2. The most troublesome HOA owners I've known are people who probably have no business owning a home in a civilized community in the first place.
I don’t live in an HOA community anymore. I am not closed to option doing so after retirement (if I decide to move). But I know a lot that before considering a home, the HOA documents and financial position need to be read and understood first.
Common area maintenance, enforcement of the architectural standards, covenants, hiring property manager, getting money worth from property manager, collection of assessments is the basic function.
Pool clubs, golf, tennis, brings a whole other list of issues, but if done right with the right people and management, can be rewarding for people. Like you, I would avoid amenities add-ons today as something I would not want in my neighborhood. But they require budgeted contributions to capital reserves. Too many HOAs under fund or don’t fund them b/c neighbors driving $60,000 lease vehicles don’t like “high assessments”.
IOW, they hope to get out before the repair and replacement is needed. Some actually told me since they aren’t going to be living there when the roof is projected to be replaced, they shouldn’t be forced to contribute today for tomorrow leaving a large amount of money behind.(!) I asked them if they were going to put that in their real estate ad ... that the HOA capital reserve was underfunded, and new owner might need to pay for the “new roof”? (PS - an HOA should not overfund its capital reserves either.)