Gated communities

[Greatday]

One of the major benefits of a Gated Community (there are two types of gated communities - one that has full time security on the gate - the other with a code to open the gate), is controlling the access to those who simply like to "drive through communities" - Gated communities DO limit / reduce the amount of traffic going through the community -

I happen to live in a community with full time security at the gate - our community owns the streets - as homeowners, we maintain the streets - not the city.

Twice a year we have community block parties - we don't have to get permission from the city - we just do it. Then, at Christmas, we have community caroling - and we control the access to the community -

Not for everyone to be sure. But personally, we love it

[poolgirl51]

Ok here is what gets me riled up about folks who complain about living in a gated community or a community with a strong HOA. If you choose to live in such a community why would you complain about it later? Before you make your largest and most important investment (your home) shouldn't you check out the restrictions present in the neighborhood you choose?

All such communities are required to share these restrictions with you before you close. If you know it is a HOA community and you don't check it out first you only have yourself to blame.

I have lived in both types of communities and find that neighborhoods with a strong HOA tend to maintain their value better than those without a strong HOA.

Just my two cents worth.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by poolgirl51

Ok here is what gets me riled up about folks who complain about living in a gated community or a community with a strong HOA. If you choose to live in such a community why would you complain about it later? Before you make your largest and most important investment (your home) shouldn't you check out the restrictions present in the neighborhood you choose?

All such communities are required to share these restrictions with you before you close. If you know it is a HOA community and you don't check it out first you only have yourself to blame.

I have lived in both types of communities and find that neighborhoods with a strong HOA tend to maintain their value better than those without a strong HOA.

Just my two cents worth.

Thank you, Poolgirl . . . BEAUTIFULLY STATED!

I am always amazed when "nutcases" make a major lifetime purchase without reading the FINE PRINT and then complain!

[ruthnski]

Start with the overall community, not the gated part. We live in Sierra Vista, AZ, which is a town of 40,000 plus, 4600 ft. elevation south of Tucson. It is a very friendly place with relatively low crime rate. If your gated community is surrounded by a high-crime city of course you have less safety. The next thing is the population of your gated community. Meet the neighbors you will be living among. Is it an active, young-minded group? Do people use the recreation centers, is there a lot going on? We have no guard on the gates but to my knowledge in 7 years we have had no break-ins or other crime here. Neighbors look out for each other. We live in Winterhaven if you want to check it out on the web.

[spyderman]

What do you think of Quailwood Community??? Anyone please chime in

[AZ91]

I live in a gated community. It doesn't stop anyone from getting in who wants to. Completely unnecessary except for the snob factor.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Bottom line . . . COMMON SENSE is the best form of security![/b]

Absolutely! Unfortunately, it's so out of fashion in this neck of the woods...

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by poolgirl51

All such communities are required to share these restrictions with you before you close. If you know it is a HOA community and you don't check it out first you only have yourself to blame.

Because if you want a new or at least new-ER house, there's no escape, unless you can afford a custom home on a large lot. It's just like anything else... The next generation will wonder what a house without HOA is. You're getting stripped of every freedom and choice, one by one.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Magnum Mike

Bummer, I couldn't have said it any better! Sometimes you make too much sense!

Sometimes I scare myself, Mike!