The Advantages of a Gated Community
Looking for your first house? Upgrading to a bigger house? Downsizing for retirement? There is a lot to consider when buying a home. In addition to the fun parts like design, location and amenities, security should be high on your list. One of the most apparent signs of a security-minded community is the presence of gates and/or a guardhouse to gain entry to the neighborhood.
Knowing that only authorized people can gain access to your neighborhood is comforting. However, this sense of security doesn’t come cheap. In fact, the American Real Estate Society found that homes in gated communities cost an average of $30,000 more than homes in non-gated neighborhoods. Is it worth that premium?
Home burglary overall has been down over the last few years. And, an older study by the Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics did show that household burglaries were less common in neighborhoods with gates or with restricted access (guard, doorman, etc.). What other benefits are there to a gated neighborhood?
Advantages to a Gated Community
- Privacy. First and foremost, gates limit who has access to the neighborhood. You don’t have to worry about unwanted solicitors. And they keep non-residents from using the amenities of the neighborhood.
- Traffic. Cut through traffic can be tough on neighborhoods. Especially those near major thoroughfares. But, with access gates, your subdivision will be safe from these traffic dodgers.
- Sense of Community. Many gated communities have added amenities. They may have pools, tennis courts, running trails and even sports complexes or equestrian centers. Some also have lakes or other water features. Residents are able to socialize using these private facilities with their neighbors.
- Property values. While it may cost more to buy a home in a gated community, the property values stay strong. These neighborhoods typically have more requirements for maintaining your property. This helps to keep the neighborhood clean and attractive.
Don’t Get a False Sense of Security
Even in a gated community, still be sure to do your due diligence on safety and security before signing on the dotted line. Check on the following items to confirm things are as secure as they seem.
- Are the gates used correctly and consistently? Having gates only helps if they are kept closed. Be sure the gates are closed 24×7. Also access should only granted to authorized people.
- How is access granted? Residents should have to use a card, fob or electonic reader on their vehicle to open the gate. If codes are entered into a phone entry system, they should be unique to the resident. You don’t want “generic” codes circulating. Non-residents should have to be buzzed in by a resident.
- Are there other security features in the neighborhood? Many communities have a security patrol, access gates to the pool and amenities areas and even security cameras. If the neighborhood is only relying on the gates to keep the area secure, this might not be enough.
- Check crime statistics. There are a number of websites and apps these days that allow you to check the crime rates in an area. Be sure you go through this step when looking for a new home. Even if your gated community is hitting all the marks for security, you still want to know about the surrounding area. You want to feel safe when you are grocery shopping, at the gas station or running in the park.
We Can Help
Cultris Security provides CCTV, gate entry and access control for many communities around Houston. Plus, we can provide intrusion alarms, monitoring and CCTV for homeowners. Call us at 281-506-8466 or contact us online for more information and a free quote!
