An article on the huge growth in gated communities

Bill Masen - December 17, 2021

https://www.estatelife.co.za/the-global-rise-of-gated-communities-a-by-product-of-shifting-social-needs/

One of the most notable features of urbanisation in recent years has been the surge in popularity of gated residential communities and commercial parks and, although often associated primarily with security, there is a lot more to the growing global trend than a peaceful night’s sleep.

Chris Cilliers, CEO and Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in the Winelands, believes that that these developments truly are a sign of the times for a number of reasons over and above need for heightened security.

“This trend has been one of the most widespread global patterns of development over the past three decades and, transcending cultures, the rise of gated communities has not only been prolific in the Western world but also in countries like Egypt, Turkey and Russia.

“People who prefer living in gated communities are seeking certain values, be it a sense of community, prestige, lifestyle, convenience or security.”

Cilliers says that convenience is a key factor in the appeal of these properties.

“Since the advent of the digital age, we have become increasingly used to having every convenience at our fingertips or the click of a mouse and, in gated residential communities, especially lifestyle estates, this need is very much catered for.

“Many now have facilities such as a golf courses, tennis courts swimming pools and gyms and, as the collective memberships to such facilities would costs an exorbitant amount, significant savings is an added benefit.

“In the commercial sector, developments that are generally faring best are the newer parks or precincts which offer a safe environment and often the convenience of being mixed-use which means that staff needn’t even leave the property to have lunch or visit the hairdresser.”

Shifting demographics have also been a major influencer, especially the fact that life expectancy today is higher than it has ever been.

“It’s predicted that by 2050 the global percentage of people aged over 60 will exceed that of those under 15 for the first time,” says Cilliers.  “They are also more vibrant and active at this age than the generations before them and therefore have very different property requirements for their golden years and is making a notable impact on the industry, especially in developed economies.

“Most looking to extend their independent lifestyles well into retirement and when they do give up the family home there is a growing preference for multi-generational communities, preferably with amenities.”

And, as they will also require more nursing homes, healthcare and associated facilities will also become more significant.

Cilliers says that increased congestion in cities is also driving people to seek peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle and gated communities, even in the heart of cities, offer them a tranquil haven.

“As entry is restricted, there tends to be a lot less traffic in streets within gated communities which considerably cut down on the noise levels and the lack of traffic also creates a safer environment for children.

“There is also far less chance of them encountering strangers and, with dedicated communal play areas, it’s also easier for parents to monitor their kids.”

Another advantage of living in a gated community is the extra privacy that it provides.

“As only residents and verified guests are permitted access, residents can enjoy their own space with little chance of intrusion by trespassers or strangers ringing their door bells – and the world at large.”

Cilliers adds that people who enjoy living in clean and orderly environments are also attracted to these communities.

“Estates generally have stricter community rules and codes of conduct which require everyone to take care of their homes and surrounding property and be considerate of their neighbours and this makes for a peaceful living environment and also keeps up the appearances and value of the community.

“It also engenders a strong sense of community which is lacking in so many neighbourhoods these days.”

Cilliers concludes: “With emergent trends like cocooning and hipsturbia fast becoming established trends, it is unlikely that the growing popularity of gated commercial and residential communities is likely to wane any time soon.”

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15 million Americans now live in gated communities and its increasing, Also in Canada, Jamaica, Brazil, Turkey, UK, Australia, India and South Africa and the numbers are increasing yearly.    One snippet I picked up  on this issue is that though SECURITY and SAFETY are still the prime motivating factors, some gated communities (out of town) are now starting to develop a strong interest in SELF SUFFICIENCY on issues like renewable energy and food. It appears to be a case that society is going back to the medievil concept of WALLED TOWNS as seen across the UK / EU etc.

Earlier gated communities focused on Luxury properties for reach elites to live in, but more and more a trend towards ECO COMMUNITIES but with ” security” are becoming more popular.   There appears to be a natural trend by people to seek as much SELF RELIANCE and SELF SUFFICIENCY as possible instead of simple social elitism.   Rather than mansions with doric pillars and fountains, homes with VAWTs and PV systems, Passive Solar , Ground source heat etc and instead of ornate gardens more people are wanting green houses and space to grow or graze critters.

It appears to my eyes to be a case where more and more people who can are embracing many of the core factors of prepping, as they catch up with us in realising just how vulnerable society has become.

 

My parents have moved into a recently constructed gated community. The gates are only closed during the night and are open during the day. They still get solicitors (what we in America call salesman and such, I think solicitor in the UK is your word for our lawyer), mailmen and trashmen go through, and there is no security guard. So not exactly like what this article is talking about, but maybe a middle ground. It’s not wide open and used as a way for through traffic like normal city streets. 

There is a greater sense of quietness, peace, and community in their neighborhood. 

My word of warning is that most of these gated communities will involve an HOA. Don’t get me started on HOA’s… If I have to submit a letter of writing for approval from the board to plant a bush in my yard, how am I going to adequately prepare and do what I need for survival? There’s no way they would allow for rain catchment, solar panels, generators, or many other things.

Many of the other aspects of a gated community like decreased traffic and increased privacy and quiet are all very good points though.

 

The type of gated communities based upon social climbing , snobbery and HOA’s does not appeal to me, but the eco communities certainly do 🙂   Orchards, Vegatable plots, VAWTS, Green Houses in a semi secure community holds more appeal than manicured lawns, Spas, and club houses do.

 

oh yes! If you were to get into one of those eco communities and had a good group of neighbors, you’ll have an incredible prepping group. That would be so awesome.