Gated communities are the lifestyle of choice in South Florida. They’re so popular, you can choose from existing gated communities or new construction wherever you’re looking in Palm Beach County or Port St. Lucie.
If you’re new to this lifestyle, what exactly is a gated community? It means access is controlled by a guardhouse at the entrance staffed 24/7 or by a keypad that opens a gate. Most have a separate lane for residents who have a device to automatically open a drop-down arm. Visitors and workers have to stop by the guardhouse to be admitted. Residents leave those names at the gate, or the guard calls the resident. Everyone stopping at the gate is required to show a driver’s license or photo ID.
Your Lang Realty agent will help you identify the gated communities in your price range and locations.
There are three types of gated communities:
- Country Clubs are the most exclusive, and always include at least one golf course. Most, but not all, require a membership fee for entry and an annual “mandatory membership” to maintain the golf courses, pro shop, sports instructions, clubhouse, spa, dining and other shared amenities. Most have levels of membership that include just social for older residents who no longer play. The lifestyles range from high-end, resort-style living to country clubs that don’t charge an additional fee or provide that level of amenities. Your Lang Realty agent will know the difference.
- Clubhouse communities mean your home or condo purchase includes all shared amenities like a clubhouse with card rooms, pool, tennis and pickleball courts and playgrounds with other kid-centered spaces. A social director oversees clubs and plans activities. There’s usually only a breakfast vendor, no dining. There’s no golf course, either, so residents play at public courses or join country clubs that offer golf memberships to non-residents.
- 55+ now called active adult communities usually offer the same amenities as clubhouse communities, but at least one owner must be 55 or older. Each community has rules about the age of family members still living at home.
Why live in a gated community?
Security. Amenities. Organized activities. They’re often called “adult day camps.” Most are in the western suburbs but have a city address. So, residents pay different rates of property tax, can’t vote in municipal elections and have county police and fire departments and trash collection agencies.
What are the pros and cons of gated communities?
These communities are overseen by homeowner associations, elected residents who have meetings residents can attend, but HOAs have the authority to vote on expenditures like a clubhouse renovation. Even most open access neighborhoods have homeowner associations with similar authority.
