We don't have an HOA. They were trying to start one. The supporters of the HOA made a huge impression by turning the meeting into a giant bitch session. There was enough dissent to make it a moot point, although they did talk about starting one without us, in which case we would not have been subject to their rules/fees/dues. They may actually have gone through with it. I don't know. Those of us that are vets were on the opposition. I gave up 5 years of my life to serve this country in support of the Constitution. I am not about to sign away any of my rights voluntarily.
Too many rules and people on power trips for me. For every good HOA, there's a bad one. To each his own.
I won't ever allow myself to walk into another situation that will dictate what trees, color doors, flags, dishes, mailbox, etc. If I wanted socialism I would go to Europe/Russia or elect a democrat.