With over 11 million households living in gated communities, it is social proof that they are a very desired way of living. It is no longer just expensive homes and exclusivity nowadays, there are a plethora of benefits for living in a gated community.
Beyond the fence, there are many other desired perks of living in a gated community. Some of those perks include security, a sense of community, higher property value and less traffic.
But why purchase a home in a gated community? It seems like there are a lot of benefits, but how do you know if it is a perfect fit for you and your family?
Below we have the best list of the top facts of living in a gated neighborhood. Read on to discover why it may be the best choice for you and your family.
What Are Gated Communities?
Gated communities are residential areas with restricted access that were designed to make normally public spaces a more private place. Unfortunately, they were designed originally for segregation, but as of more recent times have been adapted by nowadays western society.
Believe it or not, gated communities originate from the middle ages and the Renaissance times when kings would provide gated sections for their families and loyal patrons during the times of sieges and sicknesses. Of course, nowadays our gated communities are equipped with guarded gates and not a moat with crocodiles, but they are still just as effective!
There are three main types of gated communities, which all entail their own list of benefits.
Lifestyle Communities
Places like retirement communities, suburban new towns, and leisure communities are all part of the lifestyle community. They provide many different activities that are close to their own homes such as horseback riding, golf, swimming pools, a clubhouse, and more.
Elite Communities
Elite Communities are primarily secluded for the rich and famous, imagine places such as Hollywood Hills. Their main focus is their image, and they focus more on status and exclusion.
Security Zone Communities
This type of community does not have as much of a good rep as they focus more on segregation. It is usually guarded by the residents themselves, as their mentality is more of a “fortress” focus. You will usually see these communities as the inner city, while they try and keep out the lower income neighborhoods.
Now that you know more about gated communities, let’s talk about the awesome perks!
Predictability
If you are a person who steers away from uncertainty, then you may enjoy the sense of a predictable living experience in a gated community. These neighborhoods have more of a feeling of uniformity than other types of communities.
People with similar mindsets seem to flock to the same type of living environments, so you are guaranteed your neighbors will be predictable, as well as the traffic. This also goes for renovations, there will be less construction as there are much higher maintenance costs and rules to abide by.
Higher Resale Value
Studies show that homes in gated communities are $30 000 higher than other neighborhoods. The fact that these houses sell at a premium says a lot for what they have to offer as a whole. Companies like Grand Living Realty are now focusing primarily on these homes because of their incredible value.
These homes are generally kept in better condition, as homeowners tend to have a higher sense of ownership pride.
Restricted Access
No need to worry about too many strangers knocking on your door. With guarded gates at the entrance of your neighborhood, there are much lesser chances to have someone trying to sell you knives or teach you about their “beliefs” in life.
Less Traffic
Because of the guarded entrance, and the fact that there is no “through” road, you will experience a sense of peace and quiet like no other. The only cars that pass through are your neighbors or their guests, (which is also somewhat restricted).
So less of a need to worry about your children playing hockey on the street, ride their bicycles, or your cat or dog being struck by a car. No longer will you have to deal with people using your street as a shortcut on their daily commute to work.
Safety and Peace Of Mind
If you want to live in an area where you are not bothered and can have an uninterrupted cup of tea on your deck, then consider moving to a gated community.
Criminal activity is reduced, generally, there is a locked gate at the entrance with a keypad, so this keeps away many burglars and thieves. Solicitors will also have a harder time getting to your door, but you may have to deal with the odd sale of girl guide cookies!
Of course, this is all dependant on the security system in place. While you are home shopping, check out the security systems and protocols.
Do they have a neighborhood watch? Is there a guarded entrance? How high are the Fences? These are all questions that need to be asked to ensure adequate safety in your household.
A Sense of Community
Nothing beats living in a great, close-knit community. Your children have many friends to play with, and you will always have a neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar from.
Usually, gated communities have events such as holiday gatherings, safety meetings, and baking exchanges. This seems to be one of the most desired perks of living in a gated community.
You gain more than a beautiful, new home and safety, you gain new friends that will have your back when you need it.
Have Questions?
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