10 Advantages of Living in a Gated Community
July 12th, 2024
Benefits of Living in a Gated Community
Are you thinking about moving to a gated community? Here are the ten top benefits of living in a gated community!
Gated communities are residential communities with restricted access and a physical barrier barring non-residents from entering without prior permission. This community type typically offers high-quality living and unparalleled luxury through beautiful homes, shared community spaces, and sought-after amenities.
Gated communities aim to provide their residents with privacy and security. Although they may be more expensive, they offer many advantages that are worth the price for many individuals and families.
These community types are found all over the country and are ideal neighborhoods for those looking for a quiet atmosphere and a tight-knit community feel. Gated communities are found in Raleigh, and the homes in these communities are simply breathtaking.
No matter your reason for considering moving to a gated community, the pros outweigh the cons, and the advantages they offer could lead to you living the lifestyle you have always dreamed of.
Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area are growing exponentially, and many young professionals, families, and retirees are looking for a place to live that will grow with them.
Providing excellent community amenities and higher home standards than non-gated neighborhoods, this is your guide to the top ten advantages of living in a gated community if you are considering moving to one.
Check out these gated community benefits
Chapters
1. Sense of Community
A gated community can offer a sense of community that a non-gated neighborhood might not have. Residents might feel a more profound sense of connection with their neighbors when living in a gated community since the gate can provide a more secluded living environment.
Residents in a gated community might feel a stronger camaraderie with their neighbors and have more social interactions. A gated community's prestige and exclusivity encourage a greater sense of belonging with neighbors.
Gated communities often offer top-rated amenities and host community events to further bring neighbors together. This tight-knit community feel is sought after by many families and retirees, making it an essential advantage of choosing to live in a gated community.
2. Privacy
One of the many reasons homeowners choose to live in a gated community is its enhanced privacy. Not only are the entrances to the neighborhood controlled by gates, but gated communities are also enclosed by walls or fences.
This increase in privacy is why gated communities are considered luxurious and worth calling home. A keypad or security officer often controls the front gate, which keeps non-residents out.
Many retirees like living in gated communities for their privacy, making them ideal for individuals searching for a secluded and quiet place to call home, no matter their location.
3. Safety
Gated communities look and feel secure, which is why they are rising in popularity. This enhanced level of security is a big draw for homeowners who want to feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their homes.
Gated communities are generally known to be safe, as they provide controlled entry points, security cameras, and other security features not offered in non-gated residential neighborhoods.
Reducing the risk of burglaries, vandalism, and solicitation, living in a gated community offers residents a sense of ease that can not be found in any other neighborhood.
Remember that just because a neighborhood is gated does not mean it is completly immune from crime. Sometimes, burglars target gated communities because homeowners tend to think that the gates provide enough security and let their guard down.
If you are looking for a safe place to live, consider the beautiful city of Raleigh.
4. Nice Facilities
Most gated communities offer high-quality services and exclusive amenities to residents. While each community is different, most gated communities have standard features, including community pools, tennis courts, a private golf course, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a luxurious clubhouse, well-maintained landscaping, walking trails, and private parks.
Many individuals prioritize the nice facilities offered over any of the other advantages of a gated community. When choosing a neighborhood, the facilities will be an essential part of life, so it is advised to choose wisely when buying a home.
For instance, choosing a gated community with a private golf course might be a good idea if you are an avid golfer. This will allow you to play when you want to, get familiar with the holes, and play with your neighbors and fellow golf lovers.
Before moving to a gated community, you can learn all you can about the facilities offered and take advantage of them to get the whole experience.
5. Higher Home Standards
Gated communities are known for their prestige and elevated lifestyle standards. To meet these standards, most gated communities hold their residents to a higher standard of home quality.
Not only are gated communities private and safer than traditional residential neighborhoods, but they are also more expensive and have higher home values. Residents need to take care of their homes to keep these values high.
What could also be considered a con is that gated communities generally have strict HOAs that have set rules and regulations regarding maintenance standards, noise levels, and appearances to ensure that every resident does their part to maintain the luxury the community conveys.
Since Homeowners associations tend to have a large presence in gated communities, they also typically have higher HOA fees. In some cases, the HOA will charge more fees if community members do not follow specific rules and regulations.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a household's monthly HOA fee is $170, but most homeowners pay less than $50. Gated communities might have higher fees than this average, especially if higher-end and popular areas.
6. Great For Children and Pedestrians
Gated communities are great places to raise a family because they offer safety for children and amenities geared toward them. Kids can explore the neighborhood and play with their friends safely.
Great for small children and teenagers, gated communities offer a greater sense of community for kids just as much as adults. Usually designed with families in mind, gated communities provide immediate connections to other families going through the same life experiences.
Offering convenience not found in traditional non-gated neighborhoods, the neighborhood's community shared spaces and amenities provide the perfect meeting spaces for kids and their friends.
These types of communities are also ideal for pedestrians since most feature walking trails or sidewalks. On a warm and sunny day, there is no better way to get outside and explore the fresh air than by walking or running through the neighborhood.
If you are looking for family-friendly activities, many gated communities provide fun things to do, from swimming at the neighborhood pool to spending the day at the community park.
7. Eco-Friendly Environment
With the demand for sustainable homes on the rise, some gated communities are taking the extra steps necessary to make a difference and promote an eco-friendly environment.
With the absence of traffic from outsiders, well-maintained landscaping, and family-friendly community green spaces found throughout the neighborhood, gated communities provide a greener environment in general.
Some gated communities are even transitioning to sustainable energy sources such as solar power through roof solar panels. Gated communities can promote sustainability and encourage energy efficiency by adopting sustainable living practices.
8. Lifestyle
A gated community's lifestyle is often luxurious and coveted. While it certainly depends on the level of sophistication that the gated community offers, especially in Raleigh, it provides a certain prestige to maintain its high property values.
Many individuals and families would like to live in a gated community at some point in their lives, and part of the reason is the lifestyle that comes with it.
Residents of a gated community get increased security, privacy, and a tight-knit community all in one once they purchase a home within the gates. Not to mention, there is immediate access to top-of-the-line facilities and amenities that can only be accessed by property owners and their prospective guests.
9. Quiet Atmosphere
Perfect for individuals searching for a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, gated communities provide a sense of seclusion and privacy that other neighborhoods are lacking.
Most retired people love living in gated communities because of their quiet atmosphere. Found secluded and set away from busy roads and popular public areas, gated communities keep non-residents out, which helps the community stay peaceful and quiet.
If you want to experience solitude while still living in a safe area near other people, a gated community might be the perfect place for you. Plus, with less traffic, there will be a lack of excessive road noise.
10. Reduced Traffic
Perhaps one of the best advantages of living in a gated community is the reduced traffic. Most gated communities experience less traffic overall since access to the community is limited to residents and the occasional delivery driver or maintenance worker.
This reduced road traffic is part of what makes the community so pedestrian—and kid-friendly. It encourages residents to walk throughout the neighborhood instead of driving to where they want to go.
With fewer cars driving throughout the neighborhood, it results in quieter streets and provides a welcoming environment for pets. If you are moving to Raleigh, 96% of households own a vehicle, so most homeowners can be seen commuting to and from work.
Methodology
We used data and information from Value Penguin and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the top advantages of living in a gated community.
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of a gated community?
While gated communities have many pros, including privacy, safety, a sense of community, a quiet atmosphere, higher home standards, and excellent facilities, they also have their fair share of cons, including the high cost of living, HOA restrictions, strict rules, and additional fees.
Why do people want to live in a gated community?
Gated communities are popular places to live because they provide a sense of community, increased security, recreational amenities, and better privacy overall.
Are gated communities statistically safer?
Gated communities are known to have security guards and video camera systems, which leads to a much lower crime rate compared to non-gated residential neighborhoods.
Advantages of Living in a Gated Community - Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to move to a gated community for the home itself or for the community amenities, these neighborhood types certianly provide a unique experience for its residents.
Even though gated communities are known for their higher home prices, strict HOA restrictions and rules, and additional fees, sometimes the advantages that they bring residents make it all worth it.
Once you and your family have decided to move to a gated community, reach out to one of the many experienced Realty Specialists at Raleigh Realty. We are ready to assist and help you find your dream home.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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