I'd agree that many of the crazy HOA stories come from CA, they are common all over. Northern VA (metro DC) has them just about everywhere (at least anything built since the mid-70s).

But, most of those mid-70s neighborhoods have fairly light-weight rules... Some architecture review, but generally not the crazy "can't leave garage door open" or "potted plants must all be in pots 13.25" in diameter" stuff.