There are many advantages associated with living in a gated community, read ten of the main ones…

Public domain image via Pixabay

Gated communities have become the fastest growing form of housing in the United States, as more and more people consider them an attractive alternative to living in urban areas.

There are many reasons why people choose to live in a gated community: security, peace, tranquility, and being part of an exclusive community can all be factors.

This article lists the top 10 advantages of living in a gated community.

1. Safety and Security

For many people, safety and security are the main attractions of gated communities. With only residents and invited guests allowed through the gates, the likelihood of encountering crime and anti-social behavior is greatly reduced. You can go on vacation for a month and not have to worry about your house being broken into or your car being stolen. Gated communities don’t completely stop crime, but they do reduce it, especially if there’s a security guard at the gate, not just a keyboard entry.

2. Privacy

No traffic with no driveways and access to a tightly controlled neighborhood, there is a greater sense of privacy. All community amenities, such as the golf course, tennis courts, clubhouse, and swimming pool are also private. In most gated communities, there is a sense that you can go about your daily business without outside interference.

3. Sense of Community

Gated communities often facilitate neighborhood parties, as well as sports, social, entertainment, and educational groups that foster a sense of community. It’s easy to make friends and find things to do day and night, and be physically and socially active. In an elderly-oriented gated community, residents can provide mutual support for people suffering from illness, mobility problems, and other challenges associated with aging.

4. Leisure Facilities

Many gated communities have many recreational facilities for their residents. This may include golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and even other activities such as exercise and dance classes. These provide entertainment, as well as social opportunities, and are usually managed by the neighborhood management.

Doubles doubles, a popular sport among retirees in many gated communities. Many gated neighborhoods provide spacious and well-maintained recreational facilities.

TheVillagesFL via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

5. Reduce Traffic

Living in a gated neighborhood means there is no way out to compete. This means peace and quiet, as the only traffic usually comes from residents arriving and leaving, which tend to be minimal. Walking and cycling become more fun and safer. In many gated communities, golf carts are the vehicle of choice for local travel.

6. Less Prayer

With access through manned gates, there are fewer solicitors, if any. The only distractions you might have are other residents’ kids trying to sell girl scout cookies, no pushy salespeople or market survey takers.

7. Higher Property Values

A combination of factors including building codes, uniformity of design, and exclusivity associated with limited space generally means that properties in gated communities are more valuable than their equivalents in non-gated neighborhoods. Although that makes homes more expensive to buy, they usually make a good investment, as they increase in value.

8. Play Safe for Kids

A combination of factors make gated communities a safer place for children to play. Limited traffic and slower speeds make the road safer. Controlled access to the neighborhood means that there are no strangers to worry about. Facilities and areas specially built for children keep them busy and safe.

9. Exclusivity

Gated communities are essentially exclusive, and there is a certain social status that comes with living in such a place. You might even share your neighborhood with a movie star or celebrity. There are gated communities that suit specific needs, for example, some have their own air strip, and each house has its own hanger.

10. High House Standards

People who live in gated communities tend to take pride in their homes. Also, there are often rules to make sure that no one lets their house or yard get messy, or make some weird exterior display. The surrounding roads, lawns, ponds, and plants are also usually well managed and maintained.

Gated communities generally have strict rules regarding the management and upkeep of the house, lawn, and yard in general. This helps keep the neighborhood looking tidy and house prices stay high.

Public domain image via Pixabay

Facts About Gated Communities

Most gated and secured communities are privately owned, so hard facts are hard to come by. The facts below are according to AHSUS 2009 estimates.

• 11% of residential communities in the US are gated or secured communities.
• 49.6% of residences are occupied by renters, and 50.4% are occupied by owners.
• 22% of the population is over 65 years old.
• Secured and gated communities are most common in the US West and South, and least common in the Midwest and Northeast.

© 2018 Paul Goodman