Whatcom County has numerous gated communities. Some are for "active adults" (age 55 and over); others are open to all ages. Also known as "planned communities," most offer a variety of additional amenities, such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf courses or putting greens, and gardening areas. Locations are offered on saltwater or fresh water marinas.
Why do people consider a gated community? Words most often mentioned are "security" and "peace of mind." Homeowners who like to travel or maintain a second home are often attracted to gated communities. They know when absent, their home is secure through a gate code, or verification by the security guards.
Such is the case of Birch Bay Village, which staffs security guards at its gate, who wave homeowners in and out and keep a wary eye on strangers. Semiahmoo is a planned community with electronic gates, activated by a code for each of the neighborhoods in the complex. Sealinks, another gated community in Birch Bay, also has a similar gate code arrangement. El Dorado Estates, a condo devleopment for active adults, has a gate code system. An exit gate was installed after their last two buildings were completed.
Sudden Valley is a "gateless" community which is open to all ages. Each of the main entrances to the different divisions of this planned community is identified by a particular gate number. Visitors need to know the physical address, which differs from the mailing address for Sudden Valley residents. Sudden Valley offers all the amenities of a gated community. The Village at Cordata is one of several clusters of homes and condos with no gates, but qualifies as a planned community for active adults with their clubhouses and meeting areas for members. The new Cordata Park Place Condominiums includes both single family and zero-lot line ramblers for active adults.
Planned and gated communities are increasing as their popularity grows, particularly among retirees and those who are planning for retirement, travel, and other leisure opportunities in the future.
By Kathy Auerbach, ABR, CRS, GRI, reprinted from the October 2003 issue of Pacific Northwest Retirement Magazine, pp. 32-33.