Then why would you choose to live among a community of people who agree to live by a set of standards with respect to their property if all you want to do is go

Then why would you choose to live among a community of people who agree to live by a set of standards with respect to their property if all you want to do is go home and chill? HOAs exist mostly for those who want to live in a community of people where everyone else does care about one another, where there are common properties that are shared and taken care of, and where everyone has a responsibility to maintain their property. That is not for everyone, absolutely, but if it's not for you, then don't live there. From the way your post is written, it suggests you wanted the benefit of living in an HOA without contributing to any of the responsibilities.