Beyond the Gate

Something I have never written about over the years is the concept of gated communities. Until last night, I didn’t know that Columbia/HoCo had any.

We do.

What do you think about gated communities? Is that something that would appeal to you when looking for a home? Or would it be a deal breaker?

I find it interesting that the Wikipedia article on gated communities states:

The purpose of gates is not to deter or prevent crime but to provide the perception of security and exclusivity.

I think that another Rouse community, The Village of Cross Keys in Baltimore, was once or perhaps still is a gated community. What did Rouse think of gated communities, I wonder?

I must admit that something about the concept troubles me. Once you put up walls and fences and a gatehouse, do you lose a sense of connection with the greater community? Do you think of yourself and your concerns as somehow separate from those of folks outside the walls?

I don’t know. I guess I’m just on the outside looking in.