a form of closed community
a place where you have fences erected to separate you from the rest of the community next door, down the block or across the world
An enclosed neighborhood or subdivision that restricts access through security gates. With smaller and newer communities, the gates are not always manned. Gated communities typically have homeowners associations, which charge a periodic assessment and is responsible for maintaining gate security and common areas. Some cities do prohibit or limit gated communities, especially if they block off existing or major city roadways.
A neighborhood or group of neighborhoods, usually surrounded by masonry walls, restricting access through the use of a manned guard station or electronically operated gates. The electronic gates may be opened through the use of individual remote controls and/or a numeric keypad and code. Some gated communities restrict entry at all times, while others only limit access during the evening hours. The City of Houston does not allow public city streets to be gated off, so only neighborhoods with private streets, may have restricted access. The costs associated with maintaining a manned guard gate can significantly impact monthly maintenance fees, depending on the size of the community.
A fenced housing development, which usually has a security guard.
A private, fenced-in housing development, sometimes employing security guards.
In its modern form, a gated community is a form of residential community sometimes characterised by a closed perimeter of walls and fences, but always containing controlled entrances for pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles. Gated communities usually consist of small residential streets and include various amenities. For smaller communities this may be only a park or other common area.