Buying a Home in a Gated Community: 6 Things to Know

The thought of living in a gated community conjures up images of pristine, resort-like, community-oriented neighborhoods. It can be extremely appealing to prospective home buyers to purchase a home in a gated community for various reasons. Still, there are upsides and downsides to consider to ensure buying a home in this type of community lines up with your lifestyle.

Here’s what you need to know.

6 Things You Need to Know About Being a Homeowner in a Gated Community

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in a gated community, there are some pros and cons to consider beforehand, especially since living in this type of community is a significantly different experience than living in an ungated community. Weighing the perks and pitfalls can help you decide if a home in a gated community is the right fit for your investment in a home, as well as your lifestyle — both in the short and long term.

Here are 6 things you need to be aware of if you’re considering whether or not to become a homeowner in a gated community.

#1. Living in a Gated Community Offers Great Amenities

Undoubtedly, living in a gated community typically provides stellar amenities compared to an ungated neighborhood or complex. Gated communities usually offer things like community pools, golf courses, tennis courts, community centers, fitness centers, and more. These amenities can enhance your quality of life, draw in neighbors for a communal feel, and make you truly love where you live.

#2. Owning a Home in a Gated Community Comes with a Premium

The perks of living in a gated community don’t come for free — literally. Homes in these neighborhoods are typically priced higher than comparable homes in the area outside of the gates. This is because homes in gated communities typically have a higher property value. You can also expect to pay higher HOA fees to maintain the order of the community and keep it in tip-top shape.

#3. Your HOA Can Be Very Strict

Speaking of which, HOAs in gated communities can be stricter than HOAs in other communities. Because gated community HOAs have a duty to maintain property values, they typically have rigid rules and regulations. If you’re interested in more flexibility with your property, buying a home in a gated community may not offer this.

#4. It Can Be Easier to Have a Sense of Community

Gated communities offer, well, a stronger sense of community. It’s not uncommon for neighborhood groups or simply a set of neighbors to host social gatherings and events on a regular basis, especially centered around the amenities within the community. This makes it much easier to build connections within your neighborhood and feel a stronger sense of belonging and kinship with your neighbors.

#5. The Gates of a Gated Community Can Cause Issues

A major perk of gated communities is the security offered by the gates themselves, in addition to possibly having a security guard manning the gates at all times. Still, every guest or delivery company will have to check in at the gates and wait for approval for access, then they can drive to your home. This can take time and be inconvenient, especially if they’re coming at peak hours.

#6. They’re Safer, but Not Impenetrable

Like we shared in reason #5, buying a home in a gated community offers plenty of added and enhanced safety. Still, it’s important to note that while gated communities are typically much safer, they’re also not completely impenetrable. Gated communities aren’t immune to crime, though with security, security cameras, and neighborhood watch groups, you can count on living in a home in a gated community being safer than a typical, ungated neighborhood.

If you buy a home in a gated community, you’ll have more peace of mind, but you should still use home and property safety best practices.

Interested in Buying a Home in a Gated Community? Top Real Estate Agents Can Help

Living in a gated community offers plenty to enhance your lifestyle. While it comes with its own potential pitfalls to consider, you may still find yourself leaning towards buying a home in a gated community. If you decide to buy this type of home, you’ll need to find a top real estate agent in your area to help you find the perfect gated community for you.

Professional, trusted, and top-performing real estate agents are available in your area and know how to find the perfect homes to fit your needs. You can connect with them today on RealEstateAgents.com — so don’t miss out!