<p>To start, I am in Fl. My community is not gated, open to all ages, babies to 90 year olds. Everyone can participate in HOA meetings, but few care to.</p>
<p>That said, there are many gated communities in my county. The constant is a clubhouse and gym, pool. Most have breakfast/lunch cafe. Not all are 55 over. What I envy about all these places is that they offer so many lectures and activities at the clubhouse. They have language classes, art classes, pottery, computer, current events, and fitness classes of every sort. Their dues are higher than mine, but cable, lawn care, outside work, is included in their dues. To be able to build a large community, the builders are required to donate land for a new elementary school, if needed. </p>
<p>When I first moved to FL, country clubs and high priced communities dominated the gated scene. The non-CC communities often had park for kids, but no gyms or clubhouses. Things changed. </p>