The Truth About Realty.com

When you think of a gated community, what comes to mind? Probably things like safety, security, exclusivity, expensive homes, and more. But what else lies behind those gates?

Gated communities provide a lot of benefits to the residents that live within them. The number one reason people choose to live in gated communities is likely the security element. Because gated communities are private, they are more difficult to access than a standard community. Criminal activity is reduced in gated communities, and solicitors will have a more difficult time bothering residents.

Traffic and speeding cars are also reduced behind the gates, making it quieter and safer for children to play and ride bicycles within these neighborhoods. You likely won’t have the morning commute using your street as a shortcut either.

Another positive aspect of gated communities is a higher standard of home quality, and stricter building codes that promote uniformity in design. That means more sales comparables and better value for all the homeowners within the community. Homeowners in these neighborhoods also generally have a higher pride of ownership, and keep their homes in good condition. Along with that, gated communities create a scarcity effect, with few homes within these neighborhoods typically available for sale at the same time, adding more bite to the value.

There may also be social benefits, such as a community center or events that promote group activities for families to get to know each other.

So what about the cons of gated communities?

For one, gated communities often come with high asking prices and costly HOA fees to pay for things such gate guards, private security, roads and maintenance. Most roads are deemed private, and you may have to foot the bill to fix those potholes or repave a bumpy road. As far as security goes, the safety of gated communities is dependent upon the quality of the system in place, as well as the surrounding areas. And there’s a good chance the community won’t be patrolled by a sheriff unless the HOA approves such action.

Not all gated communities have live guards either, and automated gates aren’t very difficult to breach. If the gate is guarded, visitors and contractors may get aggravated waiting in line to come to your home. In fact, many gated communities limit the time contractors may visit your home, and may block them altogether on holidays. Family and friends will also have to wait during busy periods, and you’ll likely need to call down to the gate every time a visitor is expected.

Gated communities are also typically located farther away from businesses and other services, making the commute a bit longer just to drive out of your neighborhood every day. Also watch out for properties located just inside the gates, or within view of the gates, as they may see a dip in value.

Well these may not seem like serious issues, HOA fees alone can make affordability a problem. At the same time, if you do get your hands on a home in a gated community, there’s a good chance your home will appreciate nicely in the years to come.