The Advantages/Disadvantages of a Gated Community

The Advantages/Disadvantages of a Gated Community

Many people move into gated communities for safety or privacy reasons. In some cases, gated communities can provide you with these assurances. However, the biggest misnomer is that if a community is gated, the gatekeeper’s gate will only allow registered guests to enter. This is true in some cases. If the roads in a gated community are maintained by the county or city (as opposed to a homeowners association), no one can legally be denied entry. Anyone wishing to enter must stop at the gate and answer any questions the gatekeeper asks—name, address, purpose of visit. If the homeowners association maintains the roads, residents of the community must register the name of the guest with the gatekeeper in order to enter or they will be denied entry.

Most gates will have a camera to monitor anyone entering and exiting, which can be a security advantage. Gate types vary, however, and some gates are easy to walk around, jump over, etc. However, the gate generally prevents people from simply entering the neighborhood to walk or drive.

Gated communities also contribute to the cost of the monthly/quarterly fees you pay to your homeowners association. The costs cover the gate itself, any maintenance, and even labor if someone is hired to physically guard the gate. If the gate is broken for some reason, there is no reduction in fees for the time the gate is not working. A broken gate can also cause unnecessary inconveniences for homeowners or their guests trying to get in.

To learn more about gated communities or to schedule an appointment with an agent, contact Your Global Agents today or visit our office