Gated community advantages and disadvantages are plenty on both sides.For me, the advantages are more.But for many, this can be a difficult choice.In a city like Kolkata where the urban overcrowding is making green spaces and play areas a scarcity, the gated community may be just what you need.

When we were looking for a home we had a few things in mind.

Location, location location!Don’t be surprised.If both partners are working this can and will make or break the deal.Luckily we found a property with metro, car and the circular rail options all close by.

When location is perfect then I feel the other parts may be adjusted.Primarily you want it to be a haven.A tranquil oasis in a crowded jungle.Though I am always wishing for a green island, it’s still in the dream stage.Definitely one day.But for now, I will tell you why I love Gated communities.

Gated community: Advantages

The word  Community

This takes on a new meaning when you are living with 500 other families. Not only is it a mini village in an urban setup, it actually helps set up an atmosphere for people to have a life outside their home and office. When it’s a community living together it’s easier to plan festivals, events and celebrate occasions with a close at hand group of social connections. It’s unlikely to be best friends with everyone, but social courtesy makes being pleasant and friendly easier and less time-consuming.

You no longer have to travel halfway across the city to relax a favorite family club.The community club is perfect with its option of the indoor swimming pool and food options. If the maid is skipping then you never need to worry about making dinner after a long day at work.

It’s also a support system in an emergency.While old-time para culture in Kolkata ensure the mashi,pishi, and kaku helped everyone when there was a family emergency.Nowadays it’s more difficult with commercial places jostling for spaces even in residential areas with standalone houses.
But even in complexes with commercial setup, the families are close-knit.Like this community initiative in Mumbai which made me smile.

Security

This is immense. While incidents of theft can happen anywhere, it’s easier to make sure of good security in a gated community.There are often guards round the clock with intercom facility and now even CCTV monitoring.This is very expensive and difficult if it’s a standalone house.Now when it’s a single building with multiple flats often the maintenance budget is not enough for good quality security system. This may vary, but a casual guard at the gate is more likely making strangers have easy access to your home.

The Greenery and Quality of Life

Busy city life leaves little time for peace and relaxation. What happens to the weekends.A quick trip to Mandarmoni may not be possible with the weather and traffic being what it is in Kolkata.Wouldn’t it be perfect if you enjoy opportunity   to unwind right where you lived? Green places, trees, water bodies, kitchen garden, jogging path, flower garden everything.Also, you have little headache when it came to maintaining this.

This is where gated communities win hands down.You will be paying extra for these facilities but in the long run it’s well worth it.At the end of the day, a stroll in the green park watching your kids play in the park will always bring a smile on your face. The sound of their laughter and the soft green grass underneath will make you feel lighter even after a heavy day at work. No waiting for vacations to live a little.Be alive every day .rejuvenate in your own community backyard and embrace daily wellness which will keep you healthier and more p roductive.

Lifestyle

Now this will have a mixed response from many.But if you are hardworking,  you will want to enjoy the good things in life. The swimming pool once a month at an expensive family club, which you need to travel for two hours in high traffic to reach, is not a sign of healthy lifestyle.

Daily healthy lifestyle practices are needed for long-term benefits.The easiest way to do this is exercise daily and always include easy to maintain routines.That’s why the walkways, gym and swimming pool in gated communities will be a blessing for busy professionals.Don’t let your health take a backseat Go for a mooring walk, swim, lift a few weights and you are set for the day.
If you want a good lifestyle gated communities will make it easier.But not automatic.The choice will always be in your hand.

Maintenance

This is one headache which makes adulting a challenge.Imagine having a plumber, an electrician a jack of all trades available at the drop of a hat?This is what happens in a gated community where often many people are enrolled as maintenance staff. Some exclusive luxury communities also provide laundry, housekeeping and other specialized services. Even if this comes at a cost, it’s well worth the peace of mind.Service people are notoriously overworked and unavailable just when you need them.

Networking

The modern gated community often has a cluster of families with professionals.This gives you a unique opportunity for getting professional help when you need it .But use this with care.Lawyers don’t like discussing cases when they are relaxing with their families. It’s best to take an appointment if you do need their advice professionally and not just gate-crash on family time.

Other facilities:

Daily amenities shops, schools, medicine shops Doctor’s chamber and a multitude of additional facilities are often offered inside gated Communities.Like in South City Kolkata the school, mall and the medicine shop makes it a complete township, with no need to step out even on weekends.The spacious community spaces are also great for hosting family functions with very little headache.Backup power, water treatment plants, rooftop gardens and even badminton courts are often added as perks.

More property Value

While the cost of buying is more, so is the property value during reselling.Definitely a big factor when you decide to buy a home for investment purpose.

Gated community: Disadvantages

The price

Cost of living in a gated community may be higher than average.It’s often more than a standalone building flat.The common spaces and extras make the cost higher.But this is more of an investment to  have good  long term quality of life on a daily basis. But be careful while balancing the home loan with lifestyle.The pressure of the EMI will play a significant effect on life.So don’t go for luxury properties if you will be paying off the loan for more than your working life or compromising on important financial investments like health, education or retirement planning.So it’s a balance.

Gated communities need good maintenance. Until and unless the cooperative managing it is sincere, this can be a nightmare.You will be paying for everything and still have to shell out more during emergencies.
The extras promised during selling the flat don’t look so good when you look at your bank balance and rising costs of daily living.The more people there are the more the chaos sometimes.
But at the end of the day, it’s your life, you need to choose what will keep you happy.
Buying your home is an important decision so choose wisely.

A few gated communities in Kolkata which I loved

• Vedic Village
• South City Kolkata
• Diamond City South and North
• Greenfield City
• Modello High with all AC flats, a dedicated commercial space and state of art amenities like elevated podium swimming pool etc make it a Dream Home for you and your family.

One standalone property which may trump it all

Trump Tower Kolkata is all set to change how you think of  Kolkata.The skyline is never going to be the same again and they have a rooftop swimming pool.

Takeaway:

Gated community, standalone property?The answer will depend on your budget, your needs and how important you think the quality of life is.Tell me in the comments below your thoughts.Which one is your favourite?