What's the deal with all these gated communities?

[Paula]

Our cottage happened to be a new gated community when we bought it. The gates did not influence our decision either way, nor can I say I think about them much today. We just liked the cottages and the way the community looked, in large part because it was a small quiet unpretentious community -- gates don't necessary suggest pretentiousness. The gates were open during the day and closed at night. My only concern is how we'll have pizza delivered in the evening if we ever order pizza to be delivered. (I think we'll figure that one out).

 

[Smiling JOe]

Our cottage happened to be a new gated community when we bought it. The gates did not influence our decision either way, nor can I say I think about them much today. We just liked the cottages and the way the community looked, in large part because it was a small quiet unpretentious community -- gates don't necessary suggest pretentiousness. The gates were open during the day and closed at night. My only concern is how we'll have pizza delivered in the evening if we ever order pizza to be delivered. (I think we'll figure that one out).

The bigger problem is finding someone to deliver pizza. I know what some of you are going to say, but I find their food to be as tasty as their customer service.

 

[Kurt]

Quite often having a gate is simply marketing that says "we're upscale/exclusive".

If you have a guard/patrol that acually monitors activity, that is real security, otherwise a gate just keeps out the lowlifes looking for a DVD player to trade for crystal meth.

Gates in SoWal are about marketing and keeping the riff raff out, rather than real security. I understand the appeal if it is your second home and you live far away.

I can foresee a day when many more gates/security are added in SoWal. A challenge to the ideas of openness fostered by New Urbanism.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Speaking of gated communities, have any of you tried to drive into Wild Heron. Now that is security. Realtors cannot even show property in Wild Heron (problem in my opinion) without being escorted by the listing agent.

 

[hutch]

SJ My neighbor is an agent for Wild Heron. He is a great guy and will get you in any time. His name is Bob Debellis. Tell tell him you are a friend of the hutch. I think this weekend they are having a showing of model homes and giving away prizes. Business must be down.

the hutch

 

[Oldtimer]

Gates & fences suck!

Just my humble (but always correct) opinon.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Gates & fences suck!

Just my humble (but always correct) opinon.

But what about my fence that keeps Molly safe and sound????

 

[Jdarg]

But what about my fence that keeps Molly safe and sound????

Different kind of fence with a "real" purpose.


But I am a sucker for "old" fences- picket and wrought iron and with neat patterns. The kind that would never be mistaken for the kind to keep anyone out- just pretty. And welcoming!

 

[katie blue]

But I am a sucker for "old" fences- picket and wrought iron and with neat patterns.

Me too, Jdarg! Even though I don't choose to live in a gated community, interesting fences can be cool. Always wanted to make a photo coffee table book of great old fences along the US roadside.

I'm not sure gates in SoWal accomplish that much besides projecting an image, but really, image is all you have to sell when you are developing a new community without any previous history. And whether it's for the perception of security or the projection of status, there's a segment of society that obviously demands those gates, because otherwise developers wouldnt bother to put them in.

Any criminal worth his salt can get into practically any house, gated or not. Real security comes in the form of alert, concerned neighbors in a good community. Luckily the majority of thefts in SoWal probably have more to do with renters than with actual burglars. The door to my beach house was left wide open for 2 weeks (!) by a negligent contractor once, and nothing was touched. And I'm right near 30a.

 

[John]

I understand the "image" thing and why all (most) of you don't like the gates. I never considered myself a "Gated Community" kind of person. However, I now live in a small development of 50-lots, located...behind a gate!

But now that i'm now on the other side of that gate, I really like it. I suspect that it cuts down on a lot of traffic. You know, otherwise good folks just wanting to cruise through and check things out, especially in the busy tourist season. But it's really nice to hang out with the kids and neighbors and not have any cars pass by. It's nice and quiet.

My 2-cents; easy on the flames.