Are gated communities really safer? I say no, gated communities are not any safer than non-gated communities. Although vandalism and smash-n-grab incidences are relatively lower in gated communities, home burglaries and car theft incidences are about the same. This definitely underlines the oft-cited sense of security value concept that real estate developers hobnob about. People are willing to shell out extra cash for that sense of protection that they are safe in their little haven even though they really aren’t.
I have always lived in non-gated communities. My personal experiences tell me that the gates were only a psychological barrier in the minds of the residents and not the potential criminal. In most communities, visitors could mention any random condo number or name that we were supposedly visiting and the guard would let you in. Others are controlled by access codes that any Tom, Dick, and Harry seem to know. Pizza delivery guys, Fedex/UPS delivery employees, local Chinese takeout guys, etc know the code and the codes rarely changed. Anyone could easily tailgate their way in if they were quick enough and if you could not, residents usually offer their card just because you're blocking their way.
Gated communities thus offer only a sense of security that doesn’t seemingly exist. So what do gates do? They slow down cars, make it hard to visit people, and cost you additional association fees.
What really matters.
What matters in terms of neighborhood safety is who's living there: Are residents looking out for their neighbors?(THIS IS ANOTHER ISSUE LIVING BEHIND THE GARAGE DOOR) Are they taking responsibility? If it's a rental community, is there professional management? Are renters being screened for criminal records?
My suggestion
Get out from behind your garage door and meet your neighbors. Spend time being part of the community that you live in. Surprise some people, sit in your driveway and say Hi to people who pass by.......
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