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A Comprehensive Guide to Gated Communities

Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) come in many forms. Single-family communities offer a classic neighborhood feel, while high-rises and condominiums add an element of luxury. For homeowners looking to blend both lifestyles, a gated community might be the perfect fit. If you’re wondering what is a gated community and why are they so popular, read on. You’ll learn the benefits of gated community living, the types of gated communities, and more in our comprehensive guide.

What Is a Gated Community?

A gated community is a neighborhood where a group of homes is enclosed by a gate or wall, providing residents with an added sense of security and exclusivity. A homeowners’ association run by an official board of directors, gated neighborhoods offer privacy, restricted access, and a wealth of amenities. However, they’re also governed by a set of rules and regulations found in the community’s governing documents and enforced by the HOA board. Gated communities often include:

  • Homeowner fees. Paid to the HOA on a regular basis—usually monthly, quarterly, or annually—HOA fees, or dues, contribute to day-to-day operations, amenity upkeep, and reserve funds.  

  • Shared amenities. High-priority gated community amenities may include a pool, gym, restaurant, playground, tennis/pickleball courts, walking trails, gift shops, and golf courses.

  • Controlled entrances. Whether it’s a security guard, remote control, access code, or another type of vetted entry, access to a gated community is strictly controlled.

Learn More: HOA 101: What is an HOA?

The Benefits of Gated Communities

One of the main reasons people buy into a gated HOA community is due to the consistency of property values. An elected board of directors is there to help you protect your investment—and ensure that investment maintains its value. All owners must comply with the community guidelines related to the upkeep of their lawns, homes, and personal property. This is not only for a homeowner’s benefit but also for the benefit of the entire community. Here are some of the other big perks of gated communities:

  • Safety: Security cameras, a security presence, and physical barriers help make a gated community a safe place to live.

  • Pedestrian-friendly: With restricted entry to the community, fewer cars are on the roads, making it easier and safer for residents and children to walk outdoors. 

  • Privacy: Because access is controlled, residents have the power to choose who visits them and may be able to avoid solicitors and unwanted guests.

  • Tight-knit community: Residents attracted to this lifestyle often share similar interests, find immediate common ground, and form tighter bonds.

  • Aesthetics: Gated communities' visual appeal doesn’t stop at entryways. These neighborhoods also tend to prioritize landscaping, architecture, and amenities.

Gated Community Security

The greatest and most prominent feature of gated communities is the added layer of protection that they provide to residents. In fact, homes in gated communities are burglarized 33% less than homes in non-gated communities. While the level of security may vary from one community to the next, you should be able to reference the HOA’s governing documents to learn the types of security measures that are in place. Factors like the HOA budget, local resources, and community size may also influence the amount of security. Additional security features you might find in a gated HOA include:

  • A guard: Guards are responsible for monitoring every person who comes and goes, and they are positioned at the front entry to make sure only those invited in the neighborhood get in.

  • 24-hour security patrol: An entire team is assigned to protect the community, walking the grounds and reporting or responding to any suspicious activity in and around homes.

  • A callbox: Whether they work in conjunction with a guard or stand on their own, callboxes require guests to stop and establish their presence before entering the community, giving homeowners or a community leader the power to grant access.

  • Surveillance: From tiny doorbell cameras to outdoor systems throughout the neighborhood, gated communities often have security cameras to record all entries to the community and any criminal activity.

Learn More: 6 Safety Tips for Your HOA

Types of Gated Communities

Like all HOAs, gated communities can serve different types of lifestyles and residents. Each comes with unique features and benefits specific to their target demographic. Three of the most common gated HOAs include:

  • Luxury communities. These gated communities contain high-end homes for high-earning families. With amenities and architecture to match, they live up to their name with large homes and high levels of security. 

  • Golf/resort communities. With more of a country club feel, these communities emphasize landscaping and their environment to make entering the gates feel like stepping into a new world where rest and relaxation are the top priorities.
  • Retirement communities. Set up just for seniors, gated retirement communities often feature protected and private walking pathways and social centers, perfect for retirees looking to take a step back from city living.

Before You Buy into a Gated Community

Buying a home in a gated community can be a good investment, as the privacy, amenities, and HOA lifestyle usually offer a positive return. However, it’s a big purchase that requires thought and planning. To confirm it’s the right fit for you, consider:

  • The security plan. Review the security rules and regulations in the governing documents to ensure they meet your expectations.

  • The common areas. Visit the common areas and amenities to guarantee the maintenance and level of service is as promised.

  • The rules and bylaws. Inspect the community’s governing documents to ensure the rules, restrictions, and other guidelines align with your lifestyle.
  • The cost. Ask if there are any additional costs to cover equipment, amenities, and personnel that you’ll need to calculate into your budget.

Gated Communities and New Homeowners

Now that this helpful gated community guide has answered the question, “What is a gated community?”, you can feel more confident settling into one. To help guide you as a new homeowner in an HOA, download our “New HOA Homeowner Move-In Checklist.” In it, you’ll find all the must-dos for checking into your new home.