Freedom is generally understood to be a trade-off with various levels of control and power. There's a lot of subjectivity in the freedom concept, especially in America. In other countries it's treated more monolithically when talking about America, but that's not always fair.
An HOA itself also falls under various systems of control, from interpersonal social control e.g. within its board, to
the levels of legal systems inside of which it operates.
The benefits really depend on you. Some people like the HOA for perfectly fine social reasons. Are you after status? Maybe the strictest HOA neighborhood just has it. Are you after structure and control at a fine-grained level? Great, and might as well get on the board while you are at it. More structure makes a lot of people feel safer and even more free inside their own skin (freedom to see one's preferred perspectives celebrated! Feels good in that you can be yourself); that's just how psychology works.
Another important factor: Will you even be home much? Do you just need a place to stay that's orderly, pleasant, and convenient, and you can afford to hire people to take care of upkeep? Or is your home more of the main place for you, a subjectively calibrated environment? A big part of your identity?
Instead of bashing HOAs I think it's a good idea to educate people in living and lifestyle design. You can then find your best-fit from the inside (of you) out, and it's less about avoiding stuff like the HOA.
An HOA itself also falls under various systems of control, from interpersonal social control e.g. within its board, to the levels of legal systems inside of which it operates.
The benefits really depend on you. Some people like the HOA for perfectly fine social reasons. Are you after status? Maybe the strictest HOA neighborhood just has it. Are you after structure and control at a fine-grained level? Great, and might as well get on the board while you are at it. More structure makes a lot of people feel safer and even more free inside their own skin (freedom to see one's preferred perspectives celebrated! Feels good in that you can be yourself); that's just how psychology works.
Another important factor: Will you even be home much? Do you just need a place to stay that's orderly, pleasant, and convenient, and you can afford to hire people to take care of upkeep? Or is your home more of the main place for you, a subjectively calibrated environment? A big part of your identity?
Instead of bashing HOAs I think it's a good idea to educate people in living and lifestyle design. You can then find your best-fit from the inside (of you) out, and it's less about avoiding stuff like the HOA.