[s1artibartfast]

Freedom of choice and mutual consent. Everyone owning a house in a HOA signed on the dotted line.

Not for me, but some people hate long grass and are willing to waive their property rights so they don't have to see it.

I'm glad there is an outlet where they can do their own thing without involving me.

The fact that this sometimes becomes a municipality issue is a major failing.

[hgsgm]

HOA doesn't have an opt-out, and does have a monopoly on homes within a geographical area. And often nearby areas have HOAs also. And HOAs can be kept secret from home buyers until after they sign a purchase contract. So meaningful consent is often absent.

[Volundr]

And in fact most new developments are built with HOAs already intact, meaning finding a home without an HOA is constantly becoming harder. This isn't a free market customer choice thing. The supply comes with the burden whether the customer wants it or not.