The pros and cons of planned communities are as diverse as the people who choose to live in them. Planned communities are exactly that, communities which have every single detail well accounted for. Planned communities are usually constructed on underdeveloped areas which are basically good for nothing other than housing. Planned communities date right back to biblical days. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in one day.” And the Egyptians in particular, had the most superb planned community known to mankind. Planned communities are not rushed development projects, every minute detail is mapped out to ensure that there are ample areas of open grassed space, adequate public facilities, appropriately sized schools, well constructed buildings, medical facilities, emergency facilities, public transport, playgrounds and so forth. Nothing is left to sheer luck.
Back in 30’s the concept of planned communities in America had taken root. But in the 1940’s when GIs returned home, a major population explosion was evident. Thus planned communities soon became a reality. Today we see a host of planned communities every which way we look. Obviously there are benefits to planned communities otherwise they would not exist today. But when benefits come into the equation, the downsides come into the equation as well. Read on to learn both the pros and cons of planned communities.
Rules And Regulations:
If you intend to buy in a planned community you must be aware that some home ownership associations can be extremely ruthless. This means that their rules and regulations can be quite over the top. In fact you may end up quite frustrated with the rules which tell you how you must maintain your lawn, what alterations to your home you are permitted to carry out and the ones which are vetoed. You may even be told what colours you can and can’t paint your house, what plants you can grow, what trees are not allowed and even what types of pets are allowed. This can be far too ruthless for your way of thinking so ensure you read the deeds of any planned purchase before you sign on the dotted lines. Think about your lack of freedom to do as you wish with your own home.
Committees:
At times some planned communities demand that you join a committee. This could have you paying a joining fee as well as other ongoing costs. You may not particularly like being committed to anything such as this. Most times a new member will feel extremely suppressed, talked down to and have absolutely no prominence whatsoever, you will merely be a number for quite some time. You don’t wish to be apart of hierarchical concepts and ideas, arguments and so forth. This might not be exactly what you deem as being a part of the community. A host of community centres basically dominate the housing industry. On the flip side, you could be the type of person who thrives on challenges. You could change people’s way of thinking.
Home density:
Many planned communities are restricted in size. This leads to traffic congestion and houses with very little back and front yards. The walls of your house will feel like they’re closing in and privacy is non existent. If you’re claustrophobic at the best of times, you will be stressed and frustrated.
Gated Communities:
Many planned communities are gated or patrolled to ease safety concerns. Apart from the home owner’s association fees, you may be required to help fund maintenance and gardening costs. You can end up paying through the nose for convenience, safety as well ad the upkeep of swimming pools, tennis courts etc. But the fact still remains that your family should feel a whole lot safer.
Price:
Planned communities are very diverse in prices. It should not be hard to find a home which suits your budget. It should be much easier to find multi-family homes which are priced way below single family homes in other areas. Planned development are ideal for first home buyers. But there are resale concerns, planned community houses are very hard to sell because developers always have something more modern and waiting in the wings. But they do sell eventually.
Convenience:
Convenience is a must when looking for a home for your family. Most larger planned communities incorporate medical facilities, schools, dentists, grocery stores etc, into construction plans. This allows residents to access shopping and a host of other services without the need to leave the perimeter of the planned community. Some communities are even built around ocean fronts, rivers, golf courses, picturesque scenic and historical delights.
The pros and the cons of living in a planned community must be weighed up well prior to committing yourself to living in one. What suits one person’s concept of happy living may not suit another’s. Consider the issues prior to purchasing in a planned community, once you sign on the doted line it’s too late to change your mind.
