Gated communities used to be only for the very wealthy or in apartment buildings where the traffic in and out was controlled. Not anymore. Gated communities are becoming very popular all around the United States. People who are looking for a new home may have even visited one in a gated community with their real estate agent.
But when is a gated community worth the extra amenity?
One of the beauties of a gated community, whether it's comprised of single family homes, apartments or condominiums, is that the traffic in the community is highly restricted. There is no through traffic in these areas and only authorized people have access to the gate after certain hours. During the day the community is accessible to the postal service and other delivery services. At night, it is locked down and accessible to the residents and anyone who has a pass key.
Additionally, crime rates in gated communities tend to be lower than in ungated communities. That is not to say that crime does not occur. Any enterprising thief will figure out how to get through the gate, especially if it only uses a key pass to open. Guarded gates are more difficult to sneak into, but where there is will, there is a way. Even if you live in a gated community, you need to be wary of crime.
Most gated communities have seen a steady home value within them. People are proud to live in a community that they feel secure in and they exhibit a very strong sense of pride in their homes. If a gated community is the right area for you, always look for a home that is not near the gate itself. This is going to be the highest amount of traffic in the community and nobody wants to listen to the gate opening and closing all day and all night.
Gated communities are not recommended for single people who tend to be a bit on the impatient side. They will not deal well with having to wait for the gate to open or make special arrangements if a delivery person needs to call during hours when the gate is closed.
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