sub divisions and HOA's

[bigeasy1]

Two very different real estate issues between New England and Florida are Sub divisions and Hoa's I'm not familiar with either of them as they are almost non existent in Massachusetts where I live.

In Ma. for the most part there are none of the restrictions that I keep finding in Florida real estate such as monthly or yearly fees,for community perks like pools etc or all kinds of rules on what you can or can't do.
Up north,We have zoning laws set by the towns or cities,but they are fairly lenient,unless your a slob with all kinds of junk laying around.If you keep things neat and orderly its rare to be bothered.

I get the whole thing about rules and regs,no one wants to live next to a house that looks like a junkyard,but many of the places I've see in Fl.have extremely stringent rules,heck some you cant even wash your car in the driveway,what's with that?
Is it just because I'm looking at homes in the 150,000 or so price range? Any advice.I think I'm leaning mid east coast areas.

I could care less about a community house or pools or yada yada. I'd rather have a small house in a less populated area,that's near a non crowded launch ramp ,with a nice size yard.Maybe I have to up my price range. Still have to get my home sold as well,so that can muck up the works.