Pros and Cons of Living in a Master Planned Community

We’ve all heard the saying, “Live like you’re on vacation” and for many, this is achieved by calling a master planned community home. While there indeed are many perks that come with a living in a community, there are also some cons as well, and ultimately, whether the pros outweigh the cons, or the cons outweigh the pros is entirely up to you and your personal preferences. 

Related: Community Highlight: Lone Star Ranch 

Pros 

• Resort Style Amenities: Many amenities are often included within master planned communities ranging from large swimming pools, sports parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, clubhouses, fitness centers and so much more which help add to the feeling of living in a resort all year long. 
• All Inclusive Lifestyle: Oftentimes it isn’t just housing that makes up these communities and you can also find schools, business parks, restaurants and more either within or right outside the community, allowing for you to live, eat, play and work all in the same place. 
• Strict Homeowners Associations: Believe it or not, this is a pro! Master planned communities are often known best for providing beautiful landscaping within their common areas, and with a strict HOA you are protected from a neighbor letting their lawn become overgrown, trash being left outside to rot or attract insects and rodents, etc. This helps ensure that your home as well as the whole community are left looking their best year-round. 

Cons

• HOA Dues: Nearly all master planned communities will have HOA dues, however, these fees can range drastically pending on the size of the community as well the amenities that are offered. 
• Lack of Privacy: From block parties, resident events, schools and amenities, oftentimes residents of master planned communities are tightly knit which can be both a pro and a con as you may feel as if you can’t escape the busyness of life within the community. 
• Cookie Cutter Homes: Some communities are better than others, however oftentimes there are only a few floorplans available within a master planned community and can make it feel like a cookie cutter neighborhood lacking character.  

Related: Pros and Cons of Moving to Frisco, Texas

While there are many pros and cons that are associated with calling a master planned community home, these 3 categories seem to attract the most recognition. As with all things, what one family may love, another may not and thus you should always weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation as well as wants and needs within a home and community before deciding to place on offer on a home, whether within or outside of a master planned community. 

If you’re currently searching for a new home, whether in a master planned community or not, are ready to sell your current home, or if you have any questions regarding Frisco Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.