The deed-restricted communities are ok if you want those services, but they also will restrict many things like what you are allowed to plant, Susan.
Since that would have cramped my style way too much, our first requirement when we looked for a house was "non-deed restricted". Those HOA's Boards are full of well-meaning volunteers who are often frustrated politicians. They love to make rules and then strut around making sure people abide by them.
There are usually County ordinances about things like farm animals (except chickens, which are widely accepted in many residential areas now). Counties (at least ours does) also will enforce mowing and general maintenance rules.
HOA fees can be very steep, too. My brother owns a 2br. condo down the street from me, and his monthly HOA fee is around $250/month. That does include building maintenance and insurance as well as the garden and pool maintenance.
