Should You Buy a Home in a Gated Community

Before you buy a home in a gated community, there are several things to consider.  Some areas of the country have very few gated communities, while in others it is more the norm.   You need to know what you're getting into when buying in a gated community with a homeowner's association.  Some people like them while others prefer something else.   It's good to know what you're buying into.

Rules and Regulations

Every gated community has rules and regulations along with bylaws, covenants, conditions and restricitons.   These are written when the community is first built and may be updated by the homeowner's association, commonly referred to as the HOA, from time to time.   They spell out what is allowed in the community and what is not.  For example, you have to keep your house in conformity with the rest of the community, so you cannot paint it some weird color.  That type of thing.

Homeowner's Fees

Gated communities have monthly maintenance.  It can vary from low to high, depending on a number of things.  Is the community guard gated or does it have a gate with a phone?  Some communities today have virtual gates.  Do they take care of your lawn?  If so, does it include trees, bushes and sprinklers?  Does the community have a clubhouse?  Clubhouses vary from non-existent in gated communities to 30,000 square feet with all types of activities, and everything in between.  Tennis courts, pickle ball, fitness center, cafes, social halls, on-site recreational directiors and so on.  As a general rule, the more amenities the community has, the higher the HOA fee.

Note:  When I say gated communities in this article, I am referring to regular gated communities, not communities with mandatory equity known as country clubs (these are a totally different story.)  These regular communiites have no equity memberships.

Your homeowner's fees will include the gate and sign in frount, but they may also include basic cable, expanded cable or even wifi and internet.  It may or may not include painting of houses every seven or so years or the powerwashing of roofs.  Each gated community can be different, so it's a good idea to find out what your homeowner's fees include and if you're okay with paying them.  Some inlcude monitoring of alarms.  So you normally get something for your money.

Trucks and Boats

If you have a truck, especially if it has writing on the sides for a business, check if community allows this.  Many gated communities do not allow them, except if they're in the garage.  Will your truck fit in the garage?  Some will allow magnetic panels but not all.

If you have a boat, unless it's a kayak and can fit in your garage, odds are it's not allowed to be there.  You may have to consider other options if you want to keep a boat behind a fence.  And while we're on fences, if you want one, will the community allow it?  Many do but some don't.  

Renting

Are you planning to live in your house, or are you buying it as an investment?  If you're buying a home in a gated community as an investment with the intention of renting it, is there a wait to rent?  Some communities have no wait to rent, while others have a wait of one, two or even three years.  

Signs

Most gated communities do not allow any signs on your lawn or in your windows   There are always exceptions but, for the most part, they're not allowed.

Pets

This is a big one, especially if you're a cat or dog person.  Is the gated community pet friendly?  If it is, will it be pet friendly to your pet?  In other words, if you have a lab or a goldendoodle, does the community allow large pets?  Some do and some don't.  Some have a limit of two pets with a maximum weight of 20 lbs.  If you have three dogs or two cats and a dog, you may want to look at another community that will be pet friendly to your pets.  

Security

Some people like gated communities because they feel a sense of security.  Everyone coming in has to pass through the gate.   There is no right or wrong here. 

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in a gated community is a personal choice.  It's what you can live with, what you are comfortable living with.   It doesn't matter what your friends can live with - it's you.  Most people are okay with gated communities.  They enjoy the lifestyle, but they are not for everyone.  So do your due diligence and find out what the rules and regulations are in the gated community you're looking in.