Secure Gated Community Or The Burbs / Open Spaces

[Ynot]

I was just reading a few posts where people are building their houses, and that got me thinking about should you build in a secure gated community or rent in a gated community, or should you just live in the suburbs or open spaces with the rest of the population. 

 

I'm relatively new to the Philippines compared to my life experience with Thailand.  In Thailand I built a house in Buriram (no gated community) living amongst the population and have never felt threatened.  However, I have read stories about the Philippines that makes me think twice.  I must admit if I lived in a majoy cityin the Philippines I would  consider buying or renting in a gated community.  However, my gf wants to live in the hills, she is scared of a tsunami. 

 

I must admit the opportunity of living in the hills with a possibility of ocean views, and nice clean air sounds attractive. Living by the beach or near one can be over rated.  I have lived near a beach for some years and only visited it about 5 times in 6 years. I have recently moved back to a beach side suburb only 800 metres from the beach and have been to the beach maybe 3 times in the last 3 months.   Whereas a view from the hills I would take advantage off everyday with the fear of a tsunami and my gf would be happy which means I would be happy.

 

But the question who is living in a gated community and why did you move to  a gated community.  And for those people not living in a gated community why have you chosen not to live in one, is it money, or because of where you live, there is not one around otherwise you would move to a gated community.  Is it safe to live amongst the local population?  

[Dave Hounddriver]

Is it safe to live amongst the local population? 

Yes.  And No.  Depends where you choose. Depends if you fit into the community.  Depends on the political unrest in the area.  Depends on gang activity or drug use in the area.  Depends if you are in a flood area or an area infested with cobras.

 

There are so many things to be wary of when you live away from a gated community.  So it can be very safe if you do your research and find the right spot (or if you just get lucky).  Easier to just buy or rent in a subdivision and most of those problems are lessened substantially.

[cyberbro]

I'm a gated Community type but they are not secure as you think. Do you think the guy that makes a few pesos working the gate, would not tell his bad guy cousin when you are out and for how long usually you stay out of the house?

[Dave Hounddriver]

. Do you think the guy that makes a few pesos working the gate, would not tell his bad guy cousin when you are out and for how long usually you stay out of the house?

 

I think there are good and bad people everywhere but I am wondering if you have examples of which gated communities this happened in?  I ask because it sounds like fear mongering or 'stirring it' unless you can provide actual examples.

 

My personal experience is that making friends with the guards, buying them some donuts on special occasions, and giving them a smile and a wave when you see them all adds up to them keeping a good eye on my place.  

[cyberbro]

I'm just speculating based on knowing human nature, So I don't have any examples.

However, I did not take into account the donuts so I could be way off here. lol

Maybe the UN could drop some donuts on ISIS and stop that whole thing in the middle east already :0)

 

good luck

[stevewool]

Sister in law has just moved to a gated place, it looks crap to me, and there are signs every where saying what you cannot do or have, but guess what everywhere you look everyone has them all, but hey each to there own

[intrepid]

We built a home in San Carlos City on land my wife owned in a nice subdivision outside of town.  Not gated but we do have a wall and gate around our place as to all the others in the area.  I feel safe areound the city and walk miles around the town both day and night.  Maybe not the best idea at night but I've never had any issues.  As I get older, maybe I will cut down on the dark walks.  We stay here about two months every other year.  More often aftere I retire and we're living in Laguna.  I like seting out front what the vendors come by selling breads, fruits, fish, and the like.  Very relaxing.  Clap your hands and a tricycle will pick you up in seconds.  We are close to the end so not much traffic otherwise.

We also have my wifes house in San Pedro Laguna in which we spend a lot of time also.  It is a gated subdivision and offers a lot of things like swimming pool, Community Center, ball courts, swimming pool, securty for our daughter to roam around the area with her friends, swimming pool, nice shaded walkinjg areas, swimming pool that I do not have to maintain.  No public transportation inside and no vendors allowed. :angry:   Fairly quiet also.

Both have their own advantages and it is hard to saw which is best.  Maybe the place with the swimming pool.

[chris49]

I was just reading a few posts where people are building their houses, and that got me thinking about should you build in a secure gated community or rent in a gated community, or should you just live in the suburbs or open spaces with the rest of the population. 

 

I'm relatively new to the Philippines compared to my life experience with Thailand.  In Thailand I built a house in Buriram (no gated community) living amongst the population and have never felt threatened.  However, I have read stories about the Philippines that makes me think twice.  I must admit if I lived in a majoy cityin the Philippines I would  consider buying or renting in a gated community.  However, my gf wants to live in the hills, she is scared of a tsunami. 

 

I must admit the opportunity of living in the hills with a possibility of ocean views, and nice clean air sounds attractive. Living by the beach or near one can be over rated.  I have lived near a beach for some years and only visited it about 5 times in 6 years. I have recently moved back to a beach side suburb only 800 metres from the beach and have been to the beach maybe 3 times in the last 3 months.   Whereas a view from the hills I would take advantage off everyday with the fear of a tsunami and my gf would be happy which means I would be happy.

 

But the question who is living in a gated community and why did you move to  a gated community.  And for those people not living in a gated community why have you chosen not to live in one, is it money, or because of where you live, there is not one around otherwise you would move to a gated community.  Is it safe to live amongst the local population?  

 

 

Within Metro Manila or QC, based on 6 years experience, condo or mid level gated. And this is very common in QC.

 

Now if I was moving back to QC now and all factors considered, a condo in Eastwood.

 

In the province of course I will always select here in the north and I think I'm the only one living here permanently no

way I will live in a gated community, I prefer to be out in the community,

[Gratefuled]

 

. Do you think the guy that makes a few pesos working the gate, would not tell his bad guy cousin when you are out and for how long usually you stay out of the house?

 

I think there are good and bad people everywhere but I am wondering if you have examples of which gated communities this happened in?  I ask because it sounds like fear mongering or 'stirring it' unless you can provide actual examples.

 

My personal experience is that making friends with the guards, buying them some donuts on special occasions, and giving them a smile and a wave when you see them all adds up to them keeping a good eye on my place.  

 

Yes, I had my brand new Schwinn mountain bike stolen from a gated apartment complex when I first arrived here. It was secured with a small cable. My neighbors saw the guy steal it and knocked on my door to tell me. The security guard said he didn't see anything. He was replaced shortly afterwards by management.

My home now has iron grills on all the windows. I have a concrete and iron wall all the way around. Big strong chain with large padlock on gate. Deadbolt locks on all doors. I have sensors on outdoor lights that turn on as soon as it gets dark.  

So, yes, better safe than sorry. Poverty leads a lot of otherwise honest people to steal if tempted.

[jon1]

If you have a decent enough budget, you should check out the Subic Freeport. All of the housing areas are in the hills above the bay (30M elevation+) and are similar to a gated community (guards at the entrances). There are a couple of beaches a few miles away and it is very nice (stable electric, water, no trikes, jeeps, roosters, dogs, etc.). You can go out into Olongapo to mingle with the locals and retreat to your residence when you have had enough. Plenty of gas stations, grocery stores, a mall and restaurants. Hop on the SCTEX and you are at Clark in less than hour.