Planned communities were designed to be examples of ideal living conditions, a utopia of neat homes, clean streets, manicured lawns, and safe environments. They are the brain child of architects who visualize what a perfect life should look like. They are often the response to chaotic and disorganized urban conditions, and what some people believe to be the unattractive conglomerate of the suburbs. Some planned communities consist of apartments, developed in large communities with central facilities, such as recreational, social, and shopping areas.
Planned communities do have their purpose, and no one can dispute the fact that they are attractive and neat. Young working couples, who have full schedules and busy social lives, seldom, if ever, want to take the time to live in a home where they have maintenance chores. Nor do they want to live in neighborhoods that may be run down, noisy, or dangerous. They are more than willing to live in a planned environment, where they can devote their time to their own pursuits.
Senior planned communities are popular with those who have given up a lifetime of home maintenance, mowing and work, and want to devote their time to retirement activities. They want a community that they can trust, in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. They are looking for a home where someone else takes care of the property, and in many cases, where security guards keep out unwanted visitors.
On the other hand, if you are one of the millions of Americans with a lot of activities going on around your home, more than two cars, and the habit of being a little different in your idea of home decorating, yard art and lifestyles, planned communities are probably not for you.
Right along with the safety and cleanliness of the planned community comes certain restrictions, rules and regulations. You may technically own the home, condo, or apartment, however, that doesn’t necessarily meant that you are free to do as you like with it. These ground rules are set down by the very community that you may have decided to join, and should be examined before you sign on or buy. Planned communities may also involve many people living in close proximity to one another, which may or may not suit some.
Planned communities are wonderful for certain people, who do not mind living in a homogenized environment, because they choose to concentrate on other activities. It is probably not the best decision for those who are more individual in their lifestyle and how they express it in their homes and surroundings.
