According to the US Census Bureau, nearly 6% of the US's 119 million households live in gated communities. The Bureau's census measures the demographics of households throughout the US. The commentary to the Census report states, "Wealthy homeowners are no longer the only ones retreating behind gates."

Gated community living offers amenities and luxuries that appeal to many different demographic populations by catering to their main concerns. Among the groups that are increasingly drawn to the quality of living enjoyed by those who live in the top gated communities in Cherokee County and elsewhere in the nation are young families with children, security conscious professional singles and couples, active retirees from the Baby Boomer generation and those seeking a lifestyle based on relaxation and leisure. Gated communities address many of the issues that those groups have in common, as well as offering amenities and a sense of community that isn't found in the typical suburban sprawl.

Security is a factor for many who choose to live in gated communities, but surprisingly few name it as a major reason that they chose their home. For many, a guard at the gate is more "icing on the cake" than it is a necessary component of their new home. They're more concerned with the fact that gated access means less traffic and safer streets for pedestrians and children.

Far more important to most homeowners in gated communities are other factors that contribute to a high quality of living. Residents in the top gated communities in Cherokee county enjoy large lots and wide open spaces, flexible open concept homes, beautiful landscaping and access to amenities that are in short supply elsewhere.

Luxury clubhouses, Olympic size swimming pools and fitness facilities are the norm rather than the exception in these developments. Access to well-maintained and uncrowded tennis courts, swimming pools and exercise facilities are major draws to families whose other options are often poorly maintained or prohibitively expensive.

Many of the top gated communities in Cherokee County are focused around the twin "amenities" of leisure time activities and the stunning scenic beauty of the Northern Georgia mountains. They consist of luxury homes carefully sited to maintain maximum privacy and take full advantage of the stunning vistas overlooking mountain lakes and natural marvels.

Walking and hiking trails wind through the hills and trace the lake shores. Biking routes are well-marked and well-maintained. Golf is a major draw for some gated communities, which may include golf greens or full 18 hole golf courses.

Families with children appreciate the safety provided by limited access traffic and the sense of community. In addition, they enjoy the wealth of activities provided by the community center, particularly during school breaks and vacation times. The amenities offered by the community offer many opportunities for family activities, from family swim times at the community clubhouse to picnicking, boating and hiking as a family.

And then there's the "nice neighborhood factor". One of the most commonly given answers to "why do you live in a gated community?" is "it's a nice neighborhood". While the definition of "nice neighborhood" might vary from person to person, it generally includes clean streets, well-maintained parks and attractively kept residences - all things that are issues in many urban and suburban neighborhoods.

In most gated communities, the maintenance and repair of the streets, walkways, parks and public spaces is the responsibility of the homeowners themselves, through their participation in the homeowners association. Being a resident homeowner in a gated community gives the homeowner a choice and a voice in the direction of the community and how it is maintained and kept up. The natural end result of homeowner participation in development and maintenance is a neighborhood that is well-maintained with amenities that are kept accessible to all residents of the community.

For many, choosing a gated community is a simple decision to enjoy the finer things in life - community, beauty, serenity, leisure and family. In choosing a new home at Lake Arrowhead or another one of the top gated communities in Cherokee County, they are choosing to make enjoying nature, life and leisure a priority for themselves and their families.