The people who hate HOA's probably didn't read them before they moved in, or they shouldn't have moved in if they didn't agree with the rules. 

I wouldn't live in an HOA personally, but they exist for a reason. If you find one that works for you, I say do it.

Aardvark

When I retire, my ideal situation would be to own a small condo or apartment with a good HOA.  I know people hate HOAs, but I'd rather pay a fee to have someone else take care of all the maintenance tasks than to do it myself.

I wouldn't mind renting either.  But with renting I'm always afraid of the potential instability posed by landlords.

econ

Is It Better to Rent or Buy? (The Economist/SN Magazine)

denlillaapan

When I retire, my ideal situation would be to own a small condo or apartment with a good HOA.  I know people hate HOAs, but I'd rather pay a fee to have someone else take care of all the maintenance tasks than to do it myself.

I wouldn't mind renting either.  But with renting I'm always afraid of the potential instability posed by landlords.