Everything You Need to Know About Living in a Gated Community
May 6, 2022 / Luxury
From the prestigious allure that comes with a private neighbourhood to enhanced security and the surrounding ambience of gorgeous, well-maintained properties, gated communities have a lot to offer.
In the Greater Toronto Area, a growing number of buyers are shifting their attention to lifestyle-focused communities. Gated neighbourhoods are among these tailored living spaces gaining momentum.
While there are plenty of advantages to living in a gated community, it’s not for everyone. If you’re interested in living in a gated community, here are a few things you should know before you begin your home buying journey.
Looking for the best gated communities in the Greater Toronto Area? We ranked our favourites here.
Local Considerations
You may not know that gated communities are actually far less common in Canada compared to our American neighbours. While this is primarily due to the raised security and safety concerns down south, our local government regulations also play a role too.
Many municipalities in Ontario place certain restrictions on just how closed-off or secure gated communities can really be. In the York Region, government policy bans any security measures that could hinder emergency response vehicles when entering the community. Despite these restrictions, Canadian gated communities still offer an authentic experience for residents and their popularity is growing.
Buying a home for the first time? Check out these other blog posts to get a sense of what you can expect from the process.
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Greater Privacy and Less Traffic
One of the most appealing features of gated communities is the immense privacy they provide for residents. With restricted access to the roadways, your immediate neighbours are practically the only people you’ll see around the community. This restricted access can also mean no solicitors at your door, another great perk of a private community lifestyle.
As an extension of this privacy, less public access to the community also means less traffic. If you’re a fan of peaceful, quiet streets and less foot traffic around your home, a gated community could be a great place to call home.
Buying a home soon? Explore these helpful articles from our blog.
Community Spirit
In addition to privacy, living in a gated community usually comes with a great neighbourly atmosphere. While private communities aren’t for everyone, those who appreciate their benefits will get along well with other people who feel the same.
It may seem counterintuitive, however, homeowners in gated communities are often just as welcoming to newcomers as in traditional neighbourhoods. In a private small-community environment, residents can feel more open to getting to know their neighbours.
Plus, there are typically great community amenities to enjoy with your neighbours, such as tennis courts, pools or even golf courses. Some communities also host clubs and social events for residents.
Interested in traditional neighbourhoods too? Check out our Vaughan Neighbourhood Guides here.
Safety and Security
One of the most significant factors in the rising popularity of gated communities is their additional measures of safety and security for residents. Each community will have its own approach to security, however, there are some common elements. First and foremost, gated communities have restricted access. As only residents and their guests can enter, criminal activity or other publically unpleasant behaviour is almost non-existent.
For surveillance, an abundance of well-placed security cameras is the standard. Gated communities with more affluent properties will often have a 24/7 on-site security presence as well. For residents who spend a lot of time away from their home, this can mean additional peace of mind.
Of course, crime is not 100% preventable. However, with the enhanced security and surveillance of most modern gated communities, it is far less likely.
Elevated Costs
As you may expect, the allure and advantages that come with a gated community also come with a significant price tag. Gated communities typically boost significantly higher property values compared to neighbouring communities. That being said, the pricier upfront costs of buying in a gated community could in turn mean a greater return on your investment when it comes time to sell.
In addition to the elevated costs of buying within a gated neighbourhood, residents are also subject to a number of regular fees based on amenities. General maintenance and security upgrades are just some of the costs that are passed on to homeowners. Additional expenses may be built into your homeowner’s association (HOA) dues or separate costs. While these extra expenses aren’t often out of the realm of affordability for most high-end buyers, they are worth keeping in mind.
If you have concerns about the fees that come with living in a gated community, chat with a real estate agent. As experts in the local market, they can help your financial planning by identifying the additional costs and expenses for each unique community.
Ready to find the perfect home for your next chapter in life? Work with the #1 real estate team in Vaughan! Call 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com today.
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