The Sweet Allure of Gated Communities

Secure, private, and old-fashioned neighborhood relationships–this is what makes a gated community so appealing to high-end home buyers. These neighborhoods are believed to provide a better quality of life for residents than those in the outside world with its traffic jams, graffiti, and criminal activity.

If you’re thinking about buying a new home, but are having trouble choosing a neighborhood because of safety concerns, a gated community might be a viable option for you and your family.

Gated communities are residential enclaves which are bordered by perimeter walls and feature security gates that limit who can enter the development. Many of these communities have security guards posted at entrance ways 24 hours a day, and it is their job to make sure that whoever enters the grounds is allowed to be there. Residents must notify the guard if they are expecting a guest or a delivery to ensure that their visitor is allowed in.

This strict monitoring of comings-and-goings can make some people feel uncomfortable, especially when there are long lines to get into the development, but these inconveniences are a small price to pay for knowing that you’re safe inside the neighborhood.

In addition to security guards, many developments also have surveillance cameras operating throughout the community, with a particular focus on entry points.

Celebrities, athletes, and CEO’s value the heightened security and privacy of a gated community. In an un-gated community, it is much easier for criminals to enter a home and either steal the contents inside, or cause damage to the property. In addition, paparazzi are able to hound their celebrity targets because they stay on public streets. In a gated community however, burglars, the paparazzi, and curious onlookers aren’t allowed inside, which enables the residents to live in peace.

Private neighborhoods also offer buyers a sound financial investment. There are a limited number of properties available in a gated community, which increases their worth. These developments are seen as exclusive, highly desirable status symbols for many buyers, which adds to the property value.

The luxury houses in these enclaves are highly coveted, and will continue to have strong property values for years to come. In addition, housing prices tend to remain constant despite downturns in the national real estate market. There will always be a market for those who want the lifestyle and amenities that come with gated communities, so buying a home in one is a smart investment.

Services and amenities that can be found in planned communities include swimming pools, private docks, golf courses, and even grocery stores. These truly are communities, with nearly everything you need all in one spot. This means that you can enjoy your surroundings knowing that you’re safe from the less desirable elements of the outside world such as muggings, speeding traffic, litter, and panhandlers.

A sense of community is renewed in gated areas. They hearken back to friendlier times, with neighbors knowing each other and greeting each other on the street. A large number of these communities have events and workshops for residents to participate in, which brings the people together. In addition, having on-site pools, fitness facilities and playgrounds enables residents to interact in a peaceful environment and strengthen their bonds as neighbors.

Amerivest is a realty company based in southwest Florida, and specializes in Naples real estate. Search for Pelican Bay homes and view property listings in this exclusive Naples community by visiting us at NaplesGuru.com.