A gated community or walled enclave/community is a type of housing project, estate, or layout, where there are guarded, enclosed and controlled exits and entrances for people, visitors, and vehicles.
Gated communities are housing projects, townships, enclaves, estates, or areas, which are demarcated from the surrounding areas. They are mostly synonymous with closed-off fences and walls. They usually have internal residential zones with pathways and also have common amenities for occupants. Bigger communities may have complete self-sufficiency in terms of amenities, i.e. without needing to go out of the community.
India has several such gated communities, especially in major cities such as New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and others. They are also present throughout several peripheral and suburban zones of major cities while being located on Highways and near other major connectivity lifelines as well in some cases. There are gated communities which often cater to those in specific categories/professions, i.e. press officers’ housing colonies or Government employees’ housing estates for instance. These communities are sealed off from the neighborhood through walls and come with controlled and guarded entry/exit points. They mostly have security provisions and monitoring, along with several common amenities and facilities. They are more preferred for several benefits.
These include their higher security with CCTVs, security guards, intercom facilities, and the like. They offer higher safety in terms of hazards and mishaps with their superior amenities. Most communities offer great luxury and other features. Many of them have greenery, trees, parks, sports and exercise facilities, and open spaces. They also come with other facilities like power and water back-up, sewage treatment, water recycling, and more.
They are often managed by residents’ welfare associations which make sure that maintenance and all other aspects are taken care of. They also have protocols and rules for all residents to follow, thereby ensuring the maintenance of a harmonious, peaceful, and suitable atmosphere. Gated communities also offer great opportunities for socializing, building friendships, and celebrating special occasions together with gusto. They offer several other amenities which emphasize on relaxation, recreation, and entertainment at times. Some even have basic utilities contained within the campus. While prices of units in gated communities are often higher, it is mostly worth it, since they tend to have higher demand and witness handsome price appreciation in the long run as well.
