As soon as a neighborhood is reasonably “nice”… HOA. But not “because” of the HOA. But, that’s just the way it is. Unless you move to the country.
As for backstabbing, clicks and power-grabs. Seen it. But usually, what happens is that the people that “care oh so much” are intellectually challenged. Not sure which is worse.
“board members are dealing with subcontractors, budgeting, activities (like community garage sales or easter egg hunts), insurance, and collections”
Why would board members be dealing with any of those? They shouldn’t be. Example: A community garage sale shouldn’t involve a 3rd party. Period. Geez. Collections? For HOA dues? 5 rule violations… PER MONTH! Holy crap. Yeah. No thank you.
