The Pros and Cons of Living in a Gated Community – What to Consider Before You Buy a Real Estate!

If you’re thinking about buying a house in a gated community, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly 20% of new homes built in the U.S. are in gated communities, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Whether you have expensive furniture or appliances, or you want to know your kids will be safe when they’re playing – gated communities have a lot of appeal. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of living in gated vs non gated communities. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Gated Community?

Before hashing out the various pros and cons of living in a gated community, it’s important to first understand what this type of neighborhood entails. Essentially, a gated community is a largely residential enclave that is guarded by some type of physical barrier – think gates, fences, or even walls. These types of communities can be found in both rural and urban areas, and come in all shapes and sizes.

Gated communities first gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s, as a way to increase safety and security. But these days, there are all sorts of reasons why people might choose to live in a gated community – from the desire for more privacy to the simple fact that it can be seen as a status symbol.

Pros of Living in a Gated Community

There are various positive reasons why real estate investors or buyers are attracted to gated communities for their next home purchase. Some of the most popular reasons are:

Security System

One of the biggest advantages noted by residents of gated communities is the additional sense of security offered. Not only are these enclaves guarded by physical barriers, but they often have security personnel on patrol 24/7. In fact, it’s not uncommon for gated communities to have their own private security guards. This produces less traffic in the area and saves from solicitors and also offers peace of mind for both you and your family, especially if you have young children. Check out our review on tiny house security strategies!

Privacy

Another big perk of living in a gated community is the increased privacy that it affords. If you’re someone who values your privacy, a gated community can be an ideal choice. There is almost zero crime rate in private communities. These types of neighborhoods often have very little through traffic, so you won’t have to worry about strangers driving by your home or loitering in your neighborhood.

Amenities

One of the reasons that gated communities have become so popular in recent years is the range of amenities that they offer residents. Many of these communities have their own private recreation centers, swimming pools, and tennis courts – meaning you won’t have to leave your gated neighborhood to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. In addition, some gated communities also offer residents access to amenities like golf courses, fitness centers, and even restaurants.

 

Cons of Gated Communities

Of course, gated communities are not without their drawbacks. you have to know all of this before home buying from a gated community. Some of the potential disadvantages of living in one of these types of neighborhoods include:

Restrictions on Visitors

One of the first things that you’ll notice about living in a gated community is the restrictions that are placed on visitors. In order to enter, your guests will need to be pre-approved and have their names added to a guest list. In addition, they may also need to show ID or provide a vehicle registration number. This can be inconvenient if you often have friends or family members drop by unannounced.

HOA Fees for Your Real Estate

Another potential downside of living in a gated community is the fact that you’ll likely be required to pay monthly or annual homeowners association (HOA) fees. These fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year, depending on the size and amenities of the community which also increase the property values. In addition, you may also be required to pay special assessments from time to time to cover the costs of repairs or improvements to the community. It creates hassle and increases the cost of living.

However, reputable communities like Stonebridge Ranch always disclose the additional costs upfront to the buyers. So you must check all the fees, home prices, and hidden charges carefully before buying a home in a gated community.

Lack of anonymity

While some people see the lack of through traffic as a benefit, others view it as a disadvantage. If you’re someone who likes your privacy, you may not appreciate having your neighbors know all of your comings and goings. In addition, the lack of anonymity can also make it difficult to meet new people.

Rules

There are tons of rules and regulations to follow if you want to live in a community. You must be aware about common rules regarding clubhouse, landscaping, property taxes, noise level,

As you can see, there are both pros and cons associated with living in a gated community. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to live in one of these types of neighborhoods comes down.

So, should you buy a home in a gated community? Only you can answer that question—but now you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your final decision—and then enjoy all the benefits of living in your beautiful new home!