Hey there,

The greatest part of living in a gated community is traffic control and a chance of keeping problems from driving in the neighborhood but it doesn't stop the follow through (non resident following a resident through the gate), a guard staffed entrance does stop follow through and is best.

Most communities without a manned gated entrance are now installing cameras to help catch follow through.

Remember Gates and Guards stop cars; a good security system is the best form of security. I sold security systems years back and have one in my residence.

Let me know if I can help with more information and visit my website (please pardon the dust it’s currently going through a re-design)

Broker Dave
GRI, ePRO, GREEN

Visit my profile located here on Trulia, its simple just scroll your mouse over my picture and click.

As a homeowner in Heathrow, I can speak for the level of security and safety Heathrow has as well as its reputation...all of which are exceptional! Heathrow has 5 entrances, all of which are gated access, with 2 (main entrances in front and back of community) being "manned entrances". The level of security is extremely high - and no one is allowed to enter without prior approval by the homeowner's. A telephone call is placed to the homeowner if the person requesting access is not on their list. Also, restrictions are also placed on remodeling, contractors, etc. if you are having work done on your home. There is nothing allowed after a certain times during the week and weekends included. The HOA includes a "Master Association" fee as well as an individual neighborhood fee (depending upon your neighborhood you are living in). The security services, both at the gate and roaming security, 24 hours also, are included within the HOA fees. Heathrow's fees are comparable to other "24 hour manned/gated" communities within the area. As a realtor in the business for over 20 years, I have yet to walk into a home listed for sale which does not have a security system already in place. That is truly a personal decision as a homeowner you would need to make, but most of the homes, new and resale, are already equipped with a system and it is up to the homeowner's whether or not to elect monitoring services. I hope I have addressed your concerns. Please feel free to contact me anytime should you need further assistance with a home in Heathrow or the surrounding areas. Best of luck to you as you pursue your relocation decision!

Sincerely,
Penney Lawrence
Residential and Commercial Services
Dave Brewer Realty, Inc.
407-353-7019 http://www.davebrewerrealty.com/penney_lawrence

Firsttimebuyer,
All the replys are correct and it really is a personal decision. I can say that I have lived in two gated communitues in Lake Mary one with a manned gate and one without and for some reason I still had a security system. If you are not working with an agent and need assistance, feel free to contact me.

Pam Bava, Realtor
386-259-3680
Red Door Distinctive Realty

The HOA in Heathrow is not just for security but a lifestyle. The developers of Heathrow spent a lot of time planning the community and the lifestyle it offers. The entrances, golf course, club, and recreation playground areas and landscaping the common areas are all part of the lifestyle. The suggestion that has already been made to contact the local police department and get crime statistics is an excellent idea for any area that you are considering making your new home. Heathrow is convenient and has a good reputation in the area but there are a few other communities that also have guard gated entrances that are near Heathrow.
I will be happy to help if you need additional information.
Thanks,
Sharon Hyres, Broker Associate
Realtor, GRI, Certified Negotiation Specialist, Relocation Specialist, Certified Short Sale Professional (CSP)
Keller Williams Heritage Realty
407-862-9700 Office
407-222-4900 Cell

I think living in a gated community is a personal choice and Im sure there is some inherit feeling you are safer in a gated community but my suggestion would be to look at both seminole county and city of lake may police department websites for crime states in an area and neighborhood I suppose this would be the best way to judge a communities safety. But this is a personal issue and not one a Realtor can advise you on, what one might think is safe another person may not. As for Heathrow you are also paying for all the other amenities that come with living in that community. If you have questions on more communities in Lake Mary please feel free to take a look at my website or contact me with any questions.

Hi First time Home Buyer.

The security is included in the HOA fees in Heathrow and the homes have a security system. Lake Mary is generally a safe area even if you are not a manned gated community. YOu could also go with non-manned gated Community and install a security system in the home if it does not have one. It just depends on how comfortable you feel with a non-manned gated community. I have lived in the Lake Mary area since 1996 and never have had a problem.

Pls call me if you want to discuss further. 407 687-9075

Lois Cox-Bonacci, P.A., Realtor, ALHS, CSP
Internet Marketing and Relocation Specialist
Stirling Sotheby's International Realty
115 International Parkway
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Cell 407 687-9075 Fax 407 333-1663 http://www.LoisBHomes.com
CSP - Certified Short Sale Professional
ALHS - Accredited Luxury Home Specialist