Community living has many practical benefits, but most of all, a house becomes a home only when like-minded people bring warmth and laughter to your space

As the German writer and statesman, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said: “The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers, and cities; but to know someone who thinks and feels with us, and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.”

In the transformation of a mere house to a home, there is no doubt that the #community plays a very large role. A house, however beautiful it might be, and however scenic its view, is nothing without the warmth and laughter that like-minded people can bring. 

The concept of community living has been gaining ground in India, with housing projects designed for senior living, and a new trend of fully furnished co-living spaces driven by millennials where like-minded people live, work and play together. 

Community living, however, is not just confined to such specific groups; it is at the heart of housing projects that are designed to meet the needs of all family members, from the eldest to the youngest. It offers a variety of benefits and has become particularly crucial in our pandemic-struck age where residents are often confined to their homes or immediate neighbourhoods, either by the authorities or by the fact that going out could simply be dangerous. The Magicbricks Buyers’ Sentiment Survey 2nd Edition (July 2020) speaks of gated communities being the top priority for homebuyers, because, among other things, they offer superior management and safety during pandemic-type situations and better tracking of both residents and visitors.

THE BENEFITS

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits that gated communities offer:

Security: The first thing that most homebuyers consider is the element of #safety that a project provides. Gated communities with strong round-the-clock security systems are often the top priority, especially for those who have elderly parents, or children to look after. Visitors are screened by guards at the gate and CCTV cameras capture every move.

Recreational Spaces: Community living is centred around recreational facilities such as gardens, clubhouses, walking, and jogging tracks, meditation halls, and other such amenities. Such spaces not only boost a sense of well-being, they also connect you with neighbours who have similar interests. Since people usually stay for decades once they have bought a home, such friendships can last a lifetime. These areas are often vehicle-free, which means both the elderly and the very young, can enjoy them without you worrying.

Healthy development of kids: Families see gated communities hold high merits for the overall development of children. Growing up with like-minded ,larger communities fosters stronger social skills amongst many more aspects. Activity based living adds to a far healthier generation.A sense of security is enhanced in the growing years of their life.

A Sense of Unity: Since residential projects usually attract a similar set of people, you can be sure to find neighbours with whom you feel at ease. Community living fosters this sense of oneness – whether it is through tackling common problems or celebrating festivals. Coming together to light diyas during Diwali, for instance, or playing Holi; celebrating Christmas and New Year – whatever the festival, a sense of familiarity with people always adds a special touch.

Hassle-free Living: Pipe sprung a leak? Electrical problems? Whether you need a plumber or an electrician or have other maintenance issues to be fixed, community living projects usually have the right people on hand to attend to the situation quickly and with minimal fuss. You can also be assured that since these are regular hands, it would generally be safe to let them in. Under such circumstances, you can rely on a network of tried and trusted domestic help that your neighbours can vouch for as well.

A Great Investment for the Future: Whether you are looking to live in a gated community, rent out the space, or resell the property, such projects always offer an advantage. Growing families with evolving needs and senior citizens looking for greater comfort and security, for instance, would be more inclined to rent apartments in such housing complexes. Whether you are looking for immediate needs to be fulfilled, or returns for the future, owning an apartment in a gated community is always desirable.

THE WAY FORWARD

There’s no doubt that community living is what most people opt for. A Square Yards report I was reading, User Behaviour Trends: Unlocking Demand (April – June 2020) pointed out that more than 60% searched for apartments, “strengthening the general market consensus about gated communities gaining preference post-COVID.” While the trend in itself is not new, in our pandemic-struck world, it is bound to increase as homeowners feel the need for support systems in the vicinity.

As the Polish-British sociologist and philosopher Zygmunt Bauman said: “Community is like a big family.”     

Now, more than ever, we need each other.