We have an HOA and it's not really terrible either. Most of the money (only recently raised to $100 er year) goes towards the custom mailbox frames & street sign posts along with maintenance for the common grounds. Their bigger rules (guidelines) are 1. no above ground pools and 2. if you're gonna build a shed make it a permanent structure; on a slab or at least gravel base, and try to make it match the house.

Thankfully it's not an HOA where there is a dedicated color all houses have to be painted, and you need approval for landscaping.