The problem with HOA vs other types of voluntary associations is that it’s very difficult to get out of an HOA — you have literally one recourse: sell and move.

The problem with HOA vs other types of voluntary associations is that it’s very difficult to get out of an HOA — you have literally one recourse: sell and move. That’s a huge barrier because even if you wanted to you may not be able to afford to sell and move. And HOA rules change so the terms you now object to were perhaps not even in place when you agreed to join the HOA. It becomes coercive. When my wife and I last moved to another city and were looking to buy, our first requirement was that our house not be encumbered with an HOA.