Florida is kind of the land of gated communities. People that are buying in Florida, they want the ease of living. They want to live in paradise without all the maintenance.>> Lindsay Tronolone is a realtor in Palm Beach County, Florida, a hub for luxury real estate. The area also boasts dozens of gated communities. Some sell waterfront condos.Others have multi-million dollar mansions. People are moving here for the golf. You're not going to pay $225,000 for a golf membership and not be using it.that gated ...

Market Trends & Drivers - Gated communities in Florida offer ease of living and maintenance-free paradise, attracting retirees, golfers, families, and young professionals [1][2][3][21] - The popularity of gated communities stems from a desire for privacy, exclusivity, and a perceived location premium [3][4] - Post-Great Recession, gated communities shifted towards marketing themselves as middle-class communities, emphasizing good schools [6] - A recent trend involves coupling gated communities with master-planned communities to increase economic and social diversity [20][21] Financial Aspects & Costs - Homes in gated communities are typically 5-10% more expensive than non-gated homes in the same area, potentially reaching 15-20% at the high end [12] - Additional costs include Homeowner's Association (HOA) fees and membership fees, which vary based on upkeep and amenities [4][13][15] - PGA National membership costs between $115,000 and $225,000, with additional fees [16] - A home in Frenchman's Reserve sold for $14 million in 2020 and is now listed for $36 million, representing a 5% higher appreciation rate than the national average [15] Drawbacks & Considerations - Gated communities can have restrictive HOA policies, potentially lacking diversity and limiting property owner autonomy [4][13] - HOA rules often restrict renting, making it difficult to use these homes as Airbnb or investment properties [17][18] - Some critique gated communities for being isolating and hindering social interaction with diverse backgrounds [19] Security & Amenities - While safety is a draw, the primary focus in the US is often controlling access to the community and its amenities [8][9] - Gated communities offer various amenities, including golf courses, spas, pools, restaurants, and fitness centers [10][11][12] - Frenchman's Reserve offers luxury amenities like an onsite spa, hair salon, nail salon, and a 24/7 weight room with personal trainers [12]