There is something about gated communities that is truly American. Usually situated within suburban areas, they are given real names, such as Acadia Meadows or Yosemite Rivers. They have narrow, curvy streets that also have clever names like Bubbling Brook Circle. As long as you can accumulate the listing, you have the actual houses. Although several of them tend to be large 3-bedrooms or larger, they all look identical. Almost all of them have manicured lawns that look much better than the golf course in town. But for many people, this represents a panoramic view of the American Dream. If you’re considering buying a home in a gated community, it’s worth taking to find out the pros and cons. Here are some of them.
A big advantage for most prospective householders is that homes in gated communities retain their market value. Since the maintenance standards for almost all gated communities are so rigid and there is actually less traffic, home appraisal values in most gated residential areas are expected to remain high. It’s also relatively easy to resell your home when you want to move.
One drawback for many is the offensive head of household association. The scenario of what an HOA calls for its owners has become the stuff of legend. The absurd criteria by which a house and lawn are essentially maintained can make one angry. For example, if you have your own idea of what paint you want for your house and how you want the interior design done, you just can’t do all of this without following the guidelines set forth by the association. In other words, you are controlled by them in terms of how your house should look. For most people, this setting can be very annoying. But for some, it may seem fine.
Another benefit that one can gain from a gated community is security. This is very good for those who have children. Knowing there is a security guard watching your door gives you peace of mind when you are away from home. Due to minimal vehicle traffic within a gated community, your children can safely play and ride their bikes.
On the other hand, having a door guard can also be a hassle. For example, when you need a plumber right away or want to order food delivery, you should inform the gate guard of any incoming visitors. This can cause inconvenience for your visitors because they have to wait for you to let them in. Sometimes you may not be able to remember your scheduled appointments because you may have other important things to attend to.
Buying a home is a stressful experience, but when you consider the pros and cons of what it’s like to reside in a gated community, the process can be consuming. The safest advice is to talk to those you know personally who live in a gated community and get the inside scoop on being a gated community resident.