Most Americans dream of their perfect home, designing every detail in their head. When it comes time to look for a house to buy, you'll probably know every detail you want to have. Equally important is location, and you've probably considered that as well. You may want to live somewhere warmer, or maybe close to the beach. Buying a house in a master planned community can provide both the house and the location you want. Let's take a look at some other reasons to live in a master planned community.

Modern Living

Many master planned communities are newer housing developments. While this technically means they are still under construction, you do benefit from having a home that tries to stay ahead of the game in terms of materials, design, and furnishings. You'll likely get even more optional features if your home is still being built. From technologically advanced appliances to luxurious floor plans, master planned communities give you the home you've always wanted.

Security

No one wants to live where they don't feel safe, and master planned communities are usually very safe. This is in large part due to the Neighborhood Watch programs that these communities feature. In addition to resident-run security, many master planned communities provide their own 24-hour security detail. These communities are usually gated as well, so only you, your neighbors, or your guests have access to your neighborhood. You might even feel comfortable with letting the kids play out in the street, even after dark.

Amenities

Image via Flickr by AngryJulieMonday

Perhaps the biggest draw of a moving into a master planned community is the amenities. Private pools are almost always a given, and many feature clubhouses, tennis courts, and golf courses. In Austin, Texas, the Santa Rita Ranch community offers 1 gigabit internet to its residents. As stated before, master planned communities are constantly building, and they constantly add amenities. Be sure to look into what your prospective neighborhood has planned for the future.

Community 

All these wonderful amenities give you a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors. Whether it's exercising together at the community gym or taking a dip at the pool, you'll make many new friends. Plus, the community may host regular events where you can mingle with others who live in the area.

Value

Buying a house is a risky investment. You'll likely be locked into a 30-year mortgage, and a lot of things can change in that time. Luckily, master planned communities take away much of that risk because they are long-term, well designed, projects. You won't have to deal with overdevelopment, congestion, or an unwanted business popping up. Also, houses in these communities retain their value better than homes in other neighborhoods.

When it comes time to buy a home, you'll probably have a good idea of what you want in a house and where you want that house located. Consider a home in a master planned community. It may already have everything you need, and it is a safe investment that comes with a real sense of community, safety, and value.