For every power mad, crappy HOA (or condo board or whatever) there are probably 10 good ones, maybe more. You never hear about the good ones. But the bad ones are enough that you should be very wary of ever putting yourself under the subjugation of a HOA. Because you own the place but you don't really own the place, and all it takes is a minor shift in the power dynamics of a good HOA and now your life is hell. But even for a well run and fair HOA the costs associated with maintaining any development are substantial. Go to the meetings and get copies of the financial records and you'll see just what's involved. And not just the money but the time, and depending on the place it can be all volunteered time as well. Our place is run by a management company but the tenants consist of a lot of retired professional people and they have lots of spare time to make sure every penny of their fees are being well spent. Regardless the fees are expensive and the on-going succession of one-time costs for this repair or that upgrade are always an unpleasant, pricey surprise. But they are reality. I'm an owner only because of a set of circumstances outside of my control. But someday I will be able to get out of it. I would never willing buy a condo or other domicile with a HOA. Even a good one. Owning your own place won't necessarily be cheaper -- it might, but there's no guarantee, maintaining a house is expensive -- but at least you're your own boss.