Are homeowners associations just government by another name, or are homeowners associations the free market exemplified?

Libertarian supporters of homeowners associations argue that HOAs are a microcosm of libertarian ideals. When owners purchase their homes in an area governed by an HOA, they willingly enter into a contractual agreement to abide by certain rules and regulations. By having a hand in guiding those policies, homeowners have the ability to direct and influence the environment they live in - a practical expression of self-governance. 

Further, unlike a government, participation in an HOA is a voluntary form of collective funding, actively agreed upon by all members. Rather than relying on coercive tax-funded government services, homeowners can pool resources together voluntarily to maintain desired features, such as on-site facilities including pools, gyms, or recreational centers. 

Some supporters of homeowners associations also argue that the additional regulations they impose, such as restrictions on modifications to the external aesthetics of an owner’s home, are voluntary methods to protect other homeowners’ investments and maintain higher property values. 

Libertarians who oppose homeowners associations view HOAs as an unnecessary layer of regulation that infringes on property rights and personal freedom. While on the surface, joining an HOA is voluntary, in many urban and suburban areas, the vast majority of housing communities are managed by HOAs. For many homeowners, it's less of a choice and more of a default situation. This lack of choice, or false choice, can be seen as a form of coercion.

Additionally, the power dynamics within HOAs can often mirror those in government, and thus are subject to the same criticisms. While HOAs are intended to be democratic and representative, they can sometimes fall prey to petty politics, power trips, or poor management, undermining the argument that HOAs are fundamentally different or superior to government bodies.

Libertarians often espouse the belief that one should be able to do whatever they want with their property, provided it does not harm others. They argue that HOAs, with their ability to regulate aspects like home color, landscaping, and renovations, unnecessarily intrude on these freedoms.

What do you think? Are HOAs a free market solution to community regulations? Or are they just another layer of red tape?