Most cities have ordinances in place now that require all newly built subdivisions to have HOA's. It allows the city not have to worry about code enforcement since the HOA gets to enforce their own codes.

I have an HOA where I live and they catch stuff fairly quick. I've avoided fines up this point but I have had to make some fairly costly repairs to my home to avoid them. It really does suck getting those love letters in the mail but at the same time it keeps people from parking broken down cars in their driveways and painting their houses obnoxious colors.

My next house is going to be on land. That way if the neighbors park their broken down shit on their property I'll be far enough away that I won't give a crap. Hell if I have land I just might start to collect broken down crap.