To many people, the dream retirement home is a beachside villa in a tropical paradise, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? Could it be that perhaps a gated community would make a more viable residential solution? In this article, we’re going to pit both against one another and highlight their unique pros and cons so that you can decide for yourself!
Table of Contents
1. Privacy
When it comes to privacy, there are few properties that can offer the same level of seclusion and as a private beachside villa. Certainly, most quality gated communities will allow some privacy in your own personal space, but many of the beachside villas in Thailand are very secluded and thus allow the ultimate level of escapism.
Beachside villa 1 – 0 Gated community
2. Safety and security
While beachside villas may be the dream, they’re also a target for would-be thieves which is why home security is so important. Unless you can afford to pay for round-the-clock manned security, CCTV surveillance, and sealed entrances, a gated community is far safer and more secure.
Beachside villa 1 – 1 Gated community
3. Facilities
A beachside villa will likely have a private swimming pool, a private beach, and a host of other amazing facilities such as a BBQ terrace, fitness centre, home cinema, and more. However, the best gated communities, such as The City Paholyothin provide amenities of their own – all of which are shared, but maintained by the development’s management team. That, and being able to take part in community activities in a clubhouse can provide some pleasant opportunities to interact with your neighbours and make friends. Let’s call it a tie!
Beachside villa 2 – 2 Gated community
4. Accessibility and local amenities
Most beachside villas are rather secluded and far removed from the action. While this is great for some people, it can be a nightmare for others. Something as simple as being able to quickly nip out to the shop becomes a much bigger task when you live so far away. Most gated communities however, may not only have an onsite shop of their own, but will be relatively close to some attractive local amenities, making it far more convenient.
Beachside villa 2 – 3 Gated community
5. Affordability
If money is no object, a luxury beachside villa is worth every penny when you can afford to have it cleaned, maintained, kept secure, and managed even in your absence. However, in terms of practicality, you can buy an exceptional quality home in a gated community for a fraction of the price. In this case, gated communities are not only far more accessible, but offer better value for money.
Beachside villa 2 – 4 Gated community
Conclusion – It all comes down to you
It’s difficult to say with complete certainity, which is best between the both beachside villas and homes in gated communities as they offer wildly different experiences. From Koh Samui and Phuket, to Bangkok and Pattaya, there are so many different properties for you to choose from! In any case, if you are looking for a more practical, affordable, and secure home to live in, a townhouse in a gated community might be more realistic than the dreamy beachside villa option.
