As you consider the different housing choices for your retirement years, one popular option is a gated active adult community. These popular neighborhoods have a number of unique benefits. Before you pick your next home, you owe it to yourself to see what this kind of neighborhood has to offer.
For 10 reasons why you might love living in a gated active adult community, read on.
1. Privacy
By nature, a gated community means that the people who come through the gates need permission to enter. They either live there, have a resident’s permission to visit, or have some other reason to come inside the gates. You’re not going to have random strangers wandering past your door whenever they feel like it.
There are some people from outside the community who are allowed to come in, such as delivery drivers or contractors who have been hired to do work. But these people still have to get permission to come in, and the hours they’re allowed to be in the neighborhood are limited. You won’t have to worry about who is passing your house because the gate keeps out people who don’t have a reason to be there.
2. A Feeling of Community
A common problem of modern life is isolation, and this can get worse as you age. But an active adult community is designed to combat these issues, helping you to connect with others and have a busy, happy life.
You can meet your neighbors during community programs or even just a neighborhood walk. The people who live around you are likely to have similar interests and free time, making it easier to get to know people and establish a social network. Also, many communities offer specific events to help residents get to know each other better.
3. Layers of Security
Most gated communities not only have a gate to keep unwanted people out, but they also have security cameras and guards. These extra layers of protection make the homes and cars inside a gated community much less attractive to criminals. Adding complications to a potential crime is a great way to discourage it from happening.
4. Less Traffic
Having lots of cars passing by your home can be noisy and frustrating. But living in a gated community drastically reduces the number of cars you’ll have to deal with. They simply can’t drive past your home if they don’t have a reason to be there.
People from outside the community won’t be able to cut through your neighborhood to avoid traffic elsewhere, and they won’t get lost and accidentally end up on your street. Since there’s no outside traffic, the only cars you’ll have to share the streets with are your neighbors’ cars and any visitors they may have.
5. No Solicitors
Don’t worry about who’s ringing your doorbell; it’s not a salesperson of any kind. No one enjoys dealing with solicitors, and a gated community makes sure you don’t have to. Strangers aren’t allowed inside without permission from a resident, so any eager door-to-door salespeople just have to find someone else to hear their pitch.
6. Preserved Property Value
All the things that appeal to you about a gated community also appeal to other people. By creating a stable environment, the properties in gated communities avoid some real estate market swings.
These homes tend to be built to be higher-value properties, and the extra protection of the community helps them hang onto that value. When the time comes for you to sell your property, you can be confident that people will be eager to buy it.
7. Amenities Inside the Community
Most gated communities strive to meet the needs of their residents. They may have added amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, recreation center, walking trails, dog parks, or tennis courts. You can probably find a ton of things to do without ever leaving your neighborhood, as well as plenty of friends to stay active with.
8. Amenities Near the Community
Naturally, the businesses around your neighborhood will be geared to meet the needs of the people who live nearby. With a concentrated population of people 55 and up, many of these businesses will be interested in offering exactly what you’re looking for. Let the power of the free market work for you!
9. Travel Without Worry
If you want to take a trip, worries about what’s going on at home shouldn’t mar the joys of the open road. Knowing that your home is secure inside the gates can give you peace of mind when you’re away. Also, many communities maintain the landscaping for you, so you don’t have to worry about coming home to a wild, unkempt yard. Simply lock up and hit the road, knowing that everything will be fine while you’re away.
10. Community Standards
Everyone who chooses to live in a gated community agrees to live by certain standards. It’s not up to you to convince your neighbors not to have loud parties all night or let their dogs wander onto your property. The neighborhood homeowner’s association (HOA) agreement is made to prevent just these sorts of problems.
No one wants to get into an argument with their neighbor. The HOA is a great way to sidestep these potential problems and live in peace with the people around you.
55places Can Help You Find the Perfect Home
If you’re looking for a gated active adult community, 55places is here to help! We’ve assembled a select team of real estate professionals around the country to meet the needs of homebuyers who are 55+. Whether you’re interested in a gated community or something else, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
For more information or to discuss what kind of home would be right for you, contact us today!
