We have an HOA, it maintains green areas and parks around the neighborhood. Makes sense to me. It's not city land so someone has to pay for the maintenance, we as homeowners use the green areas and parks for pets, ourselves, and kids. It's nice to have those amenities. I have found out not all HOAs are about door knockers and other things. Ours is quite tame and not expensive. Some of the houses pay more to the HOA to cover their lawn care.