Advantages and disadvantages of living in a gated community

Advantages and disadvantages of living in a gated community

Should you buy a home located in a gated community? On the surface, it’s easy to see the appeal of buying property in a gated community. However, there’s more to consider the more closely you look. Aside from the clean, well-maintained aesthetic and peace of mind that comes with a literal neighbourhood gatekeeper, community living isn’t all good. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a gated community. If you are a home buyer unsure if you should buy a home in a gated community this article will help you determine whether or not a gated community is the right choice for you and your family.

What is a gated community?

A gated community is a form of a housing estate or residential association that is guarded and confined within walls or fences. This community consists of a symbolic number of houses built within a common reserved area with a lot of assets available within. The benefits of living in a gated community include various amenities that residents can enjoy together.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in a gated community

The advantages of living in a gated community

Enhanced security

Gated communities typically employ 24-hour security guards, have camera surveillance and controlled access, and maintain walls and fences. Many will also erect speed bumps to slow down drivers, and traffic volume is likely to be low anyway. Overall, they make the environment safer and more family-friendly.

Access to amenities

Buyer’s looking for resort-style amenities can oftentimes find what they are looking for in gated communities. While some gated communities may only offer a few amenities, like a community pool others have extensive amenities like a clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, basketball courts, an on-site property manager, and more.

Limited traffic

Gated communities offer limited traffic since the only people allowed through the gates will be residents and guests of residents. Driver’s speeding within the community is not very common since they reside in the neighbourhood too and want to keep it safe for all residents especially children playing outside.

A sense of community

Another one of the charming benefits of living in a gated community is the sense of community that it elicits. Due to lots of common resources shared, the residents of the community are more likely to develop happy relations with each other.

Better property value

Gated communities usually have better property value especially when it is from a trusted builder or developer. So, if you are considering buying a home in a gated community to sell, later on, this is an added advantage.

The disadvantages of living in a gated community

Rules and restrictions

Not every home buyer wants to get permission to make changes to their property or be forced to abide by rules, so gated communities that have rules and restrictions may not be a good option for buyers who don’t want to be restricted.

Higher costs

The exclusivity of gated communities means that properties will have a higher value, which means the buyer will be paying a higher price upfront. This is offset by the fact that the buyer is receiving a higher-value property, which will benefit them in the long run.

False sense of security

Yes, gated communities are more secure than non-gated communities, but crime happens everywhere, so it is very important to remain vigilant at all times. Criminals will find a way to get through the gate and past the guard if they want to.

Reduced personal privacy and control

Gated communities offer safety and security, but often at the expense of personal privacy and control. If you’re considering a property in one of these communities, be sure to read the HOA regulations in advance. If they seem too rigid, you might want to find a different property.

Final thoughts

Buying a home in a gated community is not for everyone, there are many factors home buyers should take into consideration when deciding if buying a home in a gated community is the right choice for them.

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