When looking to buy a home in an active adult community, most prospective residents consider the homes themselves. However, the amenities residents can take advantage of are also an important factor. For many people, gated communities provide a sense of security and peace of mind.
Residents of active adult communities can find pros and cons with a gated neighborhood. Some gated communities feature a gate with a security code, while others have a manned booth. According to the Department of Justice, homes in gated communities have slightly lower rates of home burglaries than homes in open neighborhoods. Gated communities can also provide a sense of exclusivity, keep out salesmen, and decrease pass-through traffic. For many active adults, a gated community offers a quieter lifestyle.
In the Richmond, Virginia area, homebuyers looking for a gated community have four choices. Three feel more like neighborhoods, with under 100 homes, while one is a mid-sized community with 746 homes. Keep reading to explore the four gated communities of Richmond.
CrossRidge – Glen Allen
Low $300s – High $400s
Located in the northwestern suburb of Glen Allen, the gated CrossRidge community offers a collection of neighborhoods. Two of the neighborhoods feature single-family homes while the remaining four feature townhomes and duplex models. Eagle Builders began construction in 2001 and completed the 746-home community in 2013. Homes for sale consist of two to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms, all with attached two-car garages.
The Pavilion Club sits right next to the entrance gate and provides a space for all residents to stay active and enjoy time with neighbors. The fitness center, pools, and meeting rooms host classes, clubs, and planned events throughout the year.
The Manor At Hunton Park – Glen Allen
Mid $300s – Mid $400s
For prospective homebuyers who like the Glen Allen area but want a smaller gated community, The Manor at Hunton Park provides 86 homes offered for resale. The attached homes feature two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Residents experience maintenance-free living with open floor plans and first-floor master suites.
Each home also features a backyard and patio, but residents don’t need to worry about upkeep and outdoor chores. All exterior home services are provided by the homeowners’ association. The clubhouse offers a place for residents to socialize and relax with their extra free time.
Liberty Trace – Mechanicsville
Mid $200s – High $200s
Liberty Trace includes new and resale homes for sale in a tranquil gated community on the northeast side of Richmond in Mechanicsville. Shurm Homes began construction on the 75 townhomes that will make up the community in 2013. Prospective residents can choose from six models that feature three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and a one- or two-car garage.
Residents enjoy the walking and biking trails near the community and the tennis courts. An additional amenity is the availability of RV and boat parking. The homes are also minutes from big box stores and shopping centers with restaurants and stores.
Atlee Station Village – Mechanicsville
High $300s – Mid $500s
At Atlee Station Village, residents find an intimate neighborhood centered around a community clubhouse. Colonial Homecrafters plans to build just 60 attached homes total. The six models offered are larger than other homes in gated communities around Richmond and range from 2,600 to 3,300 square feet. Prospective homebuyers can choose from homes with three or four bedrooms and two-and-a-half or three bathrooms.
The clubhouse includes meeting rooms as well as an exercise room. The outdoor pool sits adjacent to a 600-square-foot covered patio, where neighbors can enjoy reading, playing cards, and socializing with neighbors. Also located in Mechanicsville, residents have easy access to I-295 and I-95. Residents can enjoy shopping at big box stores and boutiques, going to the movies, and dining out at the nearby Virginia Center Commons.
