Planned communities have gained momentum since their invention in the 1960s. A study by RCLCO Real Estate Consulting reveals that new homes in the top-selling master-planned communities climbed by nine percent compared to the pace set by them in the first half of 2023. About 41 percent of sales occurred in Florida, followed by 39 percent in Texas. 

These statistics highlight that homeowners are increasingly shifting to planned communities from informal settlements. What could be the reason behind this shift? In 2021, the boom in work-from-home was cited as a major driver behind planned community sales reaching record levels. Of course, ideal lifestyles and desirable locations are other reasons behind their popularity. 

In this article, we’ll discuss four reasons why planned communities are trending. 

1. High Degree of Safety and Security

The national burglary rate in the U.S. in 2021 was 2.71 per 100,000 people, reveals Statista’s June 2023 report. While the numbers show a decrease from 2020, when the burglary rate was 308 cases per 100,000, it’s still a matter of concern. Taking into account these figures, safety has become an important factor when it comes to choosing housing facilities. 

Safety measures are amiss in almost all housing facilities except for planned communities. No wonder they have become much sought-after by people nowadays. All planned communities have gated entrances, providing residents with security. On top of that, security cameras are installed throughout the community to make sure every nook and cranny is safe from thefts, burglars, and trespassers. Security guards further patrol the area 24 hours. 

Many planned communities have police and fire stations. You need not worry much about fire outbreaks or theft in such communities, as help is close to you. 

2. Easy Access to a Wide Range of Services and Amenities

Many believe that planned communities offer nothing except country clubs and parks. But that was a thing of the past. Today, planned communities are built keeping in mind homeowners’ needs. Developers are designing planned communities such that they include all amenities prospective buyers look for in a neighborhood. 

Living in such a community means you can spend more time on recreation than running errands. Beyond country club memberships and parks, planned communities offer various amenities, including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and gyms. Checking off to-do lists becomes easier when everything’s just around the corner. 

Many planned communities also offer a network of scenic trails, interest clubs, golf courses, and a clubhouse with multi-purpose rooms, a barbecue pavilion, fire pits, and pools. 

Note that amenities differ from community to community. But regardless of whichever community you choose, you’ll get an array of options to choose from. Those of you buying a home online must properly go through the comprehensive information on the location, features, square footage, and floor plan, advises Century Communities. 

3. Customizable Homes

A common misconception among homeowners is that planned communities mean living in a cookie-cutter house. But that isn’t the case. Instead of building homes that are identical, planned communities’ developers allow homeowners to customize their spaces. 

During the construction process, builders allow buyers to customize their property. Be it interior and exterior materials and paint colors, landscape, roofing, and flooring, every element can be customized. That way, you can make your home stand out from your neighbors. 

Planned communities also offer different housing options for buyers to choose from. Whether you’re looking for single-family homes or apartments, condominiums, and townhomes, you’ll find everything in planned communities. This customizing option is another reason behind planned communities’ popularity among a wide range of buyers. 

4. Smart Investment

Constrained housing inventory, elevated home prices, and high mortgage rates are a few reasons behind the tepid housing market activity. Many believe that buying a house in such uncertain times in planned communities is risky. But actually, it’s the opposite. Purchasing a home in a planned community is a sound decision you can make. 

Homes in planned communities have a high resale value. That means the value of your planned community home will increase at a faster and more stable pace than it would otherwise. Your home’s value will also be protected in case of a recession, as the amenities offered will prevent it from declining. If you decide to sell your home during a recession, you will probably secure a good deal. Curb appeal and construction quality are other reasons the face value of planned community property doesn’t decline as quickly. 

A Final Word

There you have it! Four reasons why planned communities are trending among property owners. Planned communities offer comfort, convenience, and community under a single roof, which isn’t possible otherwise. No surprise, they have become an appealing option for numerous buyers. Taking into consideration the amenities planned communities offer, homes are pretty affordable. 

When searching for homes, do give planned communities a try. Research your options, explore each of them, compare the benefits with the pricing, and read reviews. Who knows, your dream home may be in one of the planned communities near you.