That’s hilarious about your non-HOA neighborhood. Still, I think I’d rather have that than an HOA. I like the idea that once you buy something, especially something so expensive and personal, you can do with it what you will. For me it means I’ll be cautious about where I choose to live, including talking with all the neighbors (both to get a feel for how they are and to see if they’ll move sometime soon).
Besides, staring at the same lawns and same colors and same decor seems so Stepford-wife-ish to me. I like to mix it up, even if it means having eyesores in the neighborhood. Also, by comparison, it will make my house look much nicer! There’s so much talk of “freedom” these days, it’s kind of funny that we so willingly give it up, even in our own homes. That’s another topic I guess.