Thanks for all the responses.
I have considered all the things mentioned above. While many folks don't like HOAs and restrictions, they do a lot to keep up the value and quality of life in the neighborhood. Even though our current home is in an HOA, the HOA has failed in its duty to enforce the covenants and some of the neighbors are letting their houses and property deteriorate. Un mowed lawns, inoperable cars in the driveways, shutters missing from the exterior, lack of maintenance painting, etc.
An age restricted community eliminates the teenagers racing around in their cars and loud parties.
Where we will be living, the HOA maintains the grounds and yards. No more mowing, edging, etc. And of course, no problems with neighbors neglecting their yards, it's all done by the HOA.
The lots are small, but in our experience, we seldom spend time in the yard anyway.
The important thing about living in an HOA is to read the covenants before you buy. If you are not comfortable with the rules, do not buy the home. We are comfortable with these, my only concern is privacy when dressing. This can be fixed with proper window treatments, I just have to keep this in mind when selecting them.
My other concern is, in a more close knit neighborhood, it's more likely than now that folks will be walking by and just ring the doorbell to see if I want to come out and talk.
