Gated Communities in San Antonio-Part 2

Gated Communities in San Antonio-Part 2

gated community A few days ago, I wrote about gated communities, "San Antonio's Gated Communities: Secure But It's Not Fort Knox." That post discussed a bit of the history of gated communities, as well as the security issues associated with gated communities.

There are a few other issues about which one needs to consider regarding gated communities in San Antonio.

By restricting access, the streets within the community are not maintained by the city or county. The residents of the community must pay for the street maintenance. This is usually handled in the assessment or payments made for the Home Owners Association dues and fees.
Some may consider this double taxation because the residents do pay property taxes for road maintenance. But the gates and restricted access make the roads in the community private roads. Residents pay for upkeep.
This is similar to residents who pay taxes for public education but elect to have their children educated in private schools.
Along the same lines, any landscaping, or water use done in the common areas are also the responsibility of the homeowners in the community.
Power for the street lights-homeowners pay.
Some have the opinion that since the streets are private, traffic rules are not enforced. You don't see a lot of traffic officers patrolling in gated communities, but I'm not sure that is a defense I'd want to try in court.

Because traffic is somewhat limitted in many gated communities, kids can get a sense that they do not have to be as careful on their bikes, scooters, skateboards, or walking with their phones, game boys, or whatever the other latest electronic gadget of the day. Accidents happen. Watch for the kids and teach them to watch for themselves.

Many have tales regarding the pros and cons of gated communities, and Home Owners Associations. There are positives and because we are human, there can be negatives too. If you have members of the community who are engaged in making things better for the community, it can be great.

A nice thing to have is people in the community who are involved but not intrusive. Interested but not busy bodies. Observant of things that seem out of place, but not gossipers. Let me know when you find that ideal spot.

Looking for a way to buy or sell some real estate? Call me, I have some ideas I'd like to share with you.

PREVIOUS POSTS

An Affordable House For Sale Near UTSA
In Case You Missed These- July 10-16
Speechless Sunday:Sunday Stroll-What Is?

San Antonio's Gated Communities:Secure But It's Not Fort Knox
San Antonio's Alamo Quarry Market
Interesting Posts on ActiveRain, First Week of July 2011

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Wayne Johnson
18756 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio Texas 78258

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors®
Texas Real Estate License # 0566780

wjohnson@cbharper.com

Wayne-Johnson.com

210.483.6329 (Tel)
210.483.4729 (Fax)

Texas Law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage services: http://www.trec.state.tx.us/pdf/contracts/OP-K.pdf

Posted Thursday Jul 21