American gated communities have evolved to fit a variety of budgets, lifestyles and needs. They aren’t just a haven for retirees or the ultra-wealthy, although those communities are still prevalent.
Florida and California have the highest number of gated communities, in part because of weather and space. Retirees in particular chose Florida in the 1970s because of the lower taxes.
CNBC toured three gated communities in Palm Beach County, Florida. The most desirable neighborhoods tout amenities like golf access, water access, or “concierge-style living,” said Lindsey Tronolone, realtor at The Jupiter Group at Compass.
“The market is changing for gated communities that have really these top-tier amenities,” she said.
While security remains a key and desirable feature, it’s not as heavily emphasized in the U.S. as in other countries where rates of violent crime are higher. Some gates in the U.S. are manned, while others are not.
