What are the pros and cons living in a gated community?

Question

what are the things that are beneficial living in a gated community and what are the things that are just a pain in the behind?

Answer 1

Pros:  a lot less drive through traffic. No door to door sales men generally, higher property values.

Cons: Homeowner association.

          

The gates have to be of high quality there is a lot of Junk out there that makes living in the community a hassle. A good gate system with a great service crew supporting them is a must. A lot of time the property management companies hire cheap service companies who cause more problems than good.

Answer 2

I work in a gated community, and I don't have to put all my tools away if I walk off the job for a moment, or even overnight.  Security is the biggest plus.  Not having to worry about locking every little thing up all the time just to keep what is yours.  Kids can play in the street with greater degree of safety and finally, there seems to be a closer relationship between neighbors which has many benefits.  The cons, if any, would have to be...uh...having to authorize the entry of the pizza delivery man and tipping bigger for his hassle.  Really, I can't think of any cons.

Answer 3

pros

means no solicitors

no one 'dropping by'

less crime

cons

its a pain in the but to go and have to let people in the gate (unless there is a gate keeper)

you dont know who has given the passcode to whom (could be some wierdo or robber)

Answer 4

I have  friends who live in a gated community and they really enjoy living there.  I have never heard them speak about any drawbacks. They feel secure, have full services provided to them and also a very full social calendar.