Gated Isn’t So Great: Why a Planned Community Is a Better Alternative

More and more Americans are moving to the suburbs. There are many reasons behind this shift: the rise of remote work, a desire to escape the city, and bigger houses for less money, to name a few. Suburbs typically also offer more amenities, less traffic, are closer to nature, and have a lower crime rate.

Gated communities in DFW are popular for many of these reasons. However, the problems with gated communities are becoming more apparent, which could be why non-gated communities like Pecan Square by Hillwood are attracting buyers and overall outperforming the new home market.

What Are Gated Communities?

Gated communities have been around since ancient times. The walls of Jericho were built about 8000 BCE. Hundreds of medieval towns and cities were fortified with walls. Quebec, Ontario still retains some of its old city walls that date back hundreds of years. Walls were built around cities to keep invaders out and citizens safe.

In the early 20th century, suburban gated communities in DFW and many other regions began springing up. Houses within these neighborhoods targeted the wealthiest homeowners who wanted extra security measures and exclusivity and were willing to pay for it. 

Physical Characteristics of Modern Gated Communities

Gated communities became more common in the U.S. in the last decades of the 20th century. Physical hallmarks of these communities include:

• Walls: Like those found in the ancient cities, walls provide restricted access, creating a secure enclave for homeowners.
• Controlled access points: Entry is only possible at designated checkpoints, where homeowners may open the gate with a code or an access card.
• Security measures: Gated communities typically employ security personnel who patrol the neighborhood.
• Community amenities: Homeownership in a gated community may include access to swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers.
• Expensive homes: Gated communities typically contain luxury homes with high-end finish outs on large lots and usually fetch high prices.

Pros and Cons of Living in a Gated Community

Beyond the physical characteristics, gated communities offer residents:

• Security features: Living behind walls with controlled access points gives a feeling of being removed from the broader community.
• Privacy: Where only residents and their approved guests can enter the community, providing protection from uninvited visitors.
• Exclusivity: Due to higher HOA fees and maintenance costs, residents are assured they will live among others of similar economic circumstances.

While many gated communities consider these positive aspects, some view them as drawbacks. The retreat behind walls may provide a false sense of security while creating greater economic disparity in residential neighborhoods, which can lead to higher crime rates.

Gated communities tend to be less private than anticipated. Strict security measures can limit personal freedoms. Security personnel monitor every visitor and delivery, and friends must gain access through formal processes rather than dropping by spontaneously.

Gated Communities vs. Non-Gated Communities

A non-gated new home planned community has many of the aspects that make a gated community attractive, including a suburban location, carefully designed use of greenspace, and community amenities. Many new home communities, like Pecan Square, also provide residents with an array of planned social activities to help residents meet and get to know their neighbors.

A non-gated planned community also differs from a gated one in several important ways: 

• Carefully planned walking trails
• Recreational amenities
• Community centers
• Shared spaces for social gatherings

These residential areas differ from gated developments in several important ways:

• Affordability: Unlike homes in gated communities that focus on luxury properties, non-gated communities offer various single-family homes at different price points, making them accessible to more buyers. Pecan Square’s new homes start in the high $300,000s.
• Diversity: A wider range of home types and property values means more diverse neighbors from different walks of life can create a vibrant community.
• Community Spirit: While gated communities choose exclusivity, those in planned neighborhoods without gates select an inclusive community lifestyle.

Pecan Square Offers More than Most Planned Communities

When you compare gated vs. non gated communities, you’ll see that most planned communities offer homes, basic amenities, green spaces, and the opportunity to meet your neighbors.

But, like most of Hillwood’s new home communities, Pecan Square’s amenities far exceed the basics offered elsewhere. In fact, many of our amenities have received awards from the Dallas Builders’ Association:

• The Arena has outdoor and indoor spaces with playgrounds, basketball and pickleball courts, an outdoor kitchen, fire pits, a stage for live music, big screens, lawn games, and more.

• The Greeting House offers an expansive coworking space with meeting rooms, printing and copying capabilities, lockers, a snack station, and more.

• Jackson Hall is an award-winning amenity with a spacious game room, two resort-style pools and a splash area, a fully equipped fitness center, and more.

Our neighborhood design was intentionally created to be walkable, with a vast network of paths and trails, so people could walk to our amenities, walk their children to the onsite elementary school, and bump into their neighbors, all while enjoying the natural beauty around them.

Building a Stronger Community with Pecan Square

Pecan Square’s award-winning lifestyle program helps neighbors form friendships through community events, workshops, clubs and activities that are open to all, like:

• The 4th of July Freedom Fest
• The Puh-Kahn Festival
• The Crafters Club
• The Dallas Cowboys Rowdies
• Community-based philanthropy projects  

From adult happy hours to kid-centric ”camps,” there is something for everyone. And no walls to keep anyone out!

To learn more about our new home planned community, stop by Pecan Square’s Greeting House for a tour! Our builders have available inventory, and many are offering incentives! Browse for your home online, then visit our builder’s models to learn more about special offers.