We have always avoided HOA fees and mello roos like the plague. Property taxes have always been a consideration when buying, especially our first house.
In the longer term property taxes (because of the prop 13 limitations) tend to keep people in homes who otherwise might consider moving. Remember that once you purchase, future property taxes are capped at an annual 2% increase. People who have lived in their place for 5+ years actually have an incentive to keep living in their homes to avoid a huge property tax increase.
