When looking to buy a new home, there are countless considerations and questions you should ask yourself in order to find the dream house that meets all your needs. Among these questions, one should be whether or not you should purchase a home in a gated community. So below, we discuss some of the main benefits and drawbacks of living in a gated community. 

4 Cons of gated communities

HOA fees

Much of the time, gated communities have an active HOA for the neighborhood, and the monthly or quarterly fees may be a drawback of living in these areas. Fees can range drastically, so this could deter potential buyers from purchasing a home in the area. 

Rules and restrictions

When living in a gated complex, there are likely rules for the neighborhood that you will need to adhere to. This is especially true when you want to make changes to the property like painting the house or doing landscaping work, which may not be appealing to all potential buyers.

Higher home prices

Given the high curb appeal, privacy, and exclusivity of guarded estates, there is often high demand for these homes. Thus, the houses in these areas tend to be more expensive than other homes, which can be a barrier to entry for many buyers.   

Deliveries

It can be challenging to receive deliveries when living in a gated community, with most residents needing a code to enter the neighborhood. If this isn’t given out properly or the delivery driver isn’t able to enter it correctly, you may miss out on important services or deliveries. 

4 Pros of gated estates

Security

Oftentimes the main benefit of living in a gated community is the security that is included in these neighborhoods. Of course, the gate entrance to the community is the major point of security, while many times these neighborhoods have 24/7 security or surveillance for an added layer of protection. 

Little traffic

When living in a gated community, most of the time the only people driving through the streets are the actual residents or guests of the residents. This cuts down on a lot of traffic that is common in other neighborhoods and makes the street much safer for families and young children. 

Higher home value

Due to the privacy, calmness, and manicured look of most gated communities, the home values in these areas tend to be higher than in other neighborhoods, driven by the high demand for such homes. This can be a major selling point for buyers who might want to sell one day, which makes gated developments more appealing to them.

Amenities

Many private communities offer a host of amenities for residents, including swimming pools, private parks, walking paths, tennis courts, and more. Even with the additional HOA fees, many find that it is worth it when considering the numerous amenities that they get to enjoy.

In sum, the choice to purchase a home in a gated community is a personal decision. While a good choice for some, living in a gated community is not the right option for everyone. Taking into consideration the points above and what you are looking for in a potential home and neighborhood, you can make the choice that is right for you and your family. 

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Bailey Schramm is a guest writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with fence manufacturer, Viking Fence.