For the most part, I thought HOA in Houston and Austin were cheap. $50/month typical and $200/month maximum. Some included trash. I consider $150/month in SD cheap

Well, what about the killer HOA in Irvine and Mission Viejo? Some of the condos are $300+! Insanity! On top of that they are charging $200-300/month Mello Roos. That is $600-700 just in fees. Then you have your astronomical property taxes.