[LakeCleElum]

Alex: To each their own, but I've been to many of these gated over 55 hoods in AZ and Vegas. I have to agree with OJU. Here's what I could not handle:

1) All homes too close together, look the same, painted the same.
2) Barely to room to park a car in your driveway w/o hanging over sidewalk.
3) Tiny 2 car garage, no room for toys.
4) Guests have to get a permit to park overnight on the street.
5) Nazi's with nothing better to do - snooping for violations.
6) Monthly fees.
7) Fees go up when others default and get foreclosed.
8) Too hot in summer
9) Too many people in the area
10) Not enough green for me.
11) Wipe up oil drip on your driveway or they bill you for doing it.
12) Get permission to do anything: paint, prune, build shed, etc.

I live on 3 acres with only 5 neighbors - Wouldn't have them any closer. If your wife has grandkids, you will be returning to the frozen north shortly anyhow!

Enjoy...