In defense
of gated communities

As a realtor and a Calabasas resident who works primarily in Calabasas and the Conejo Valley, I represent many clients who are relocating from various parts of the country.

In your recent article about gated communities, I agree with Joan Young’s comments regarding the attractiveness and added value of gated communities. Many of my clients like the idea of these communities for security and resale reasons. I am a baby boomer who resides in a gated community. I foresee an increased interest in this type of community for empty-nesters, retirees and frequent travelers. This "lock and leave" concept is particularly attractive to higher-end clients who are looking for security when they are out of town or staying at their second homes.

This trend is exemplified in the new 55-plus community in Valencia, Belcaro, a gated community presently under construction and selling briskly. It is not designed as assisted living but rather for younger retirees with an active lifestyle. Belcaro’s success will undoubtedly spawn future developments by them and perhaps other visionary developers and builders.

Other newer, upscale communities such as The Island in Bridgeport and the higher-priced tracts around the TPC Golf Course at Westridge, both in Valencia, are gated. David Murdoch’s development of several communities at Sherwood Country Club is also gated, along with Country Club Estates in North Ranch and the majority of communities in the Calabasas area, including the newer and very well received Oaks of Calabasas. There are also several other new and newer tracts throughout the area that are gated.

Laura Lee Anthony’s comment that "if gated was that important, you’d think they’d have search criteria" was particularly surprising to me because there is a "gated community" entry opportunity in CRISNET, the MLS for the Conejo, San Fernando, Simi and Santa Clarita valleys under the "Features" criteria, and I use it often.

Gated Community or GTC is visible to clients on our listing sheets and online under "Features." On Realtor.com, used by a high percentage of buyers (about 70 percent of all buyers look on the Internet today), there is also criteria for "security features" that can be checked, and it refers to gated and guard-gated communities. Additionally, the Westside MLS and Ventura County Coastal MLS (I am a member of both) have search criteria for security, gated communities or guard gates.

It is my professional opinion that gated communities, for all the reasons I have previously mentioned, will become even more viable as the baby boomers age, become empty-nesters, downsize and retire.

Chris Humphrey

Prudential California Realty

West Valley Office