Gated communities continue to thrive in the US as millions of Americans choose them for more than just safety — but are the ‘extras’ really worth it?

There is a huge variety of gated communities, some of which have homes worth millions, and others that cater to middle-class home buyers looking for added amenities and security.

While there are some definite perks to living in gated communities, there are also some clear downsides, including higher fees for the entire time you live in the home. Before you buy a home behind the gates, you'll want to carefully consider both the pros and cons to decide if it is right for you.

The finances and lifestyle factors associated with living in a gated community

Better security is one of the reasons people move to gated communities. According to this 2013 study, homes in gated communities are less likely to be burgled.

Reduced traffic and access to amenities are other reasons why people live in gated communities, as many offer features like community swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts and parks that are exclusively for resident use.

These amenities, and the extra safety that gates offer, may result in overall higher property values, with homes behind a gate fetching an average of $30,000 more than comparable un-gated properties. However, you also pay more to live in a gated community, as there are a variety of fees you may face, including:

• HOA fees. Monthly HOA fees average $170 per month according to Bankrate, although they can sometimes be much higher in gated communities with lots of amenities.
• Social club or golf club membership fees. In some exclusive neighborhoods, these memberships are required, and joining the more expensive clubs could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $250,000 according to Palm Beach Coastal Realty.
• Security fees: These could be built into your general HOA fee, or you could find yourself paying a separate fee to have security patrolling the neighborhood or staffing the gate.
• Special assessments: Many HOA neighborhoods charge one-time fees for special projects such as upgrading common areas. These special assessments can come as a surprise and can be very expensive, especially if there is a major issue.
• HOA fines: If you violate HOA rules, such as those against leaving your trash cans out for too long or not closing your garage door, you could face unexpected fines. These usually start at around $25 to $50 for a violation, but could be much higher in some situations. *

While you sometimes get a lot for your money, like luxurious pools, waterpark access, and 24/7 security, you also need to be aware that the more amenities a neighborhood has, the higher the fees are likely to be.

Is a gated community right for you? Ask yourself these questions

If you are thinking about moving to a gated community, there is a lot to consider before you make your offer on the property. Here are some of the things you should think about:

• Are you comfortable with restrictions? Many HOA communities have strict rules on what you can do with your property and within the neighborhood. If you want to park your RV in the yard or leave your lawn unmowed, an HOA neighborhood probably isn't right for you.
• Do you want amenities in your neighborhood? If you want a neighborhood pool, golf course, or exclusive parks, you might like a gated community.
• Do you want access to your neighborhood restricted? Gated communities may have less traffic and safer streets, but also more hassles for people coming in, such as visiting friends or delivery workers.
• Can you afford the price? You'll need to be able to pay the premium to buy a house in a gated community and afford ongoing HOA fees. This could make your housing more expensive, and you'll want to aim to keep total housing costs (including HOA fees) below 30% of available income.

By considering all of these different issues, you can make an informed choice about whether a gated community is right for you. A house is a huge purchase, so be sure to take time to think through all of these issues so you aren't left with regrets.