Gated communities and neighborhoods: What to know

In this article:

If you’re on the hunt for a new home, it’s important to not just consider the type of home you want to buy. You also have to consider the type of neighborhood you want to live in and what types of perks you’re hoping to gain access to in your new neighborhood. For some, gated communities offer clear advantages — such as enhanced security and privacy.

What is a gated community?

A gated community is a residential neighborhood in which a gate controls who can enter. Sometimes these gates have keypads on them that grant access and other times they have security guards working them in order to check guests in. Either way, the general public can’t access the neighborhood or community, and residents have to permit their guests to enter. 

The homeowners in a gated community often share resources such as swimming pools, club houses, and parks. These communities tend to only have residential homes and resources, so you won’t find stores or other essentials, like postal offices, in them. Condos and townhouses can be in gated communities, but so can single-family homes.

Many people prefer to live in a gated neighborhood for the added security that the gated element brings. If you have your heart set on living in a gated community, you can do some online research to find them and what homes are currently for sale in those neighborhoods — or you can work with a real estate agent who is familiar with the area and can point you in the right direction. If you’re thinking of buying a house, it’s wise to have an agent on your side in general. 

Pros of living in a gated neighborhood

While having a gate to increase security in your community may seem like a purely positive asset at first glance, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with living in such a neighborhood that you should keep in mind. 

  • Enhanced privacy and security: While the security that comes with a gate isn’t foolproof, it can greatly increase privacy and safety for residents. At the very least, a gate can lower the amount of door to door solicitors that come through the neighborhood.
  • Luxe amenities: Often, gated communities come with nice amenities such as private parks, swimming pools, club houses, sports courts, and even hiking trails. 
  • Landscaping and maintenance: Because gated communities are usually planned communities with homeowners associations (HOA), they typically have regularly scheduled maintenance and landscaping of common areas so residents can enjoy a pristine neighborhood. 
  • Lower drive through traffic: One thing a gate helps keep out is heavy traffic since no one can cut through the neighborhood in an attempt to avoid commuter traffic. 

Cons of living in a gated neighborhood

There are also downsides to living in a gated community.

  • Home prices can be high: Thanks to all of the perks that tend to come with a gated community, it can be expensive to live in one. 
  • Steep HOA fees: HOA fees can also be high, especially if your gated community employs security guards and has expensive amenities to upkeep like swimming pools and community centers. 
  • Strict rules: Alongside HOA fees, you can also expect to have a long list of rules and regulations you have to follow when you live in a gated community — such as what color you can paint your house. 
  • Delivery access is difficult: Any delivery driver or service provider you need to come to the house can easily get stuck at the gate if they don’t have the security code or advanced permission to enter. This can cause confusion and delays that can lead to your takeout getting cold or your packages not arriving.

Is living in a gated community right for you?

It’s easy to see the appeal of a gated community, but it’s also easy to see why some homebuyers may not find the added expense and fuss worth the perks. If privacy and security is a top concern for you, living in a gated community may give you some much needed peace of mind. 

On the other hand, if you live in a safe community you may not feel like the addition of a gate is worth the effort it involves or the added costs it brings with it. Take some time to weigh the pros and cons, as well as your personal preferences, to see which type of community is the right fit for you. 

Orchard gives a guaranteed cash offer — and so much more

We provide peace of mind that your home will sell, plus list your home on the market to maximize your earnings.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Sell for more with value-boosting improvements

When you list with Orchard, we’ll get your home show-ready and make repairs to increase your home’s value at no upfront cost.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Buy a new home knowing you’ve sold your current one

Orchard guarantees your home will sell, so you can buy your next one worry-free.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Orchard gives a guaranteed cash offer — and so much more

We provide peace of mind that your home will sell, plus list your home on the market to maximize your earnings.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

How much can I make selling my home?

Use our home sale calculator to estimate your net proceeds.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Don’t navigate the market alone

Our Home Advisors are experienced local agents who know how to sell for top dollar and help win your dream home.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Let’s match you with a real estate agent

All Orchard Home Advisors are experienced agents who know your local market inside and out. Request a consult today.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Close faster with a cash offer

Did you know cash offers are 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller? Let us help you make one on your next home.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Know what your home is really worth

Get the most accurate free home valuation — in minutes

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Curious what your monthly mortgage payment would be?

Orchard Home Loans shops the market to find your best rates.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Stand out to sellers with a cash offer

A cash offer is 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller. Get qualified today.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Don’t miss out on your dream home

Make a cash offer now, and Orchard will sell your old home after you move.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Your dream home is waiting for you

Tell us your must-haves to see personalized home recommendations that meet your criteria.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

The stress-free way to buy and sell

With Orchard, secure your dream home before you list. Avoid home showings, rentals, and double moves.

Learn More