by Robert Borges on March 10, 2025
When you think of gated community amenities, what comes to mind? Golf? Tennis? While these have long been staples, today’s communities offer so much more. With a focus on active, social, and secure living, modern gated communities provide a range of amenities designed for wellness, recreation, and convenience.
From resort-style pools to affordable pickleball courts, let’s explore some of the most popular amenities that attract homebuyers to gated communities.
Swimming Pools: A Must-Have for Active Living
A well-designed swimming pool is more than just a place to cool off—it’s a key fitness and social hub. In PCR’s recent Survey of Homebuyers and Renters Researching Lifestyle Communities, 71% of respondents cited a swimming pool as a must-have amenity in their gated community.
- The Club at Ibis (West Palm Beach, FL) – Features a 25-yard lap pool, a resort-style pool, and a kiddie splash zone. Residents enjoy certified swim instruction and aqua fitness classes.
- Encanterra, a Trilogy Resort Community (San Tan Valley, AZ) – Boasts multiple pools at its two luxury clubs, ensuring year-round swimming for residents of all ages.
Walking & Biking Trails: Stay Fit in Nature
Walking, jogging, and cycling offer excellent low-impact cardiovascular exercise while fostering a connection with nature. Many gated communities incorporate scenic trails for their residents to enjoy.
- Chambers Creek (Willis, TX) – A premier gated community near Houston, Chambers Creek offers 20 miles of trails for walking, running, and biking, allowing residents to stay active in a secure and peaceful setting.
- Hot Springs Village (Hot Springs, AR) – The nation’s largest gated community, spanning 26,000 acres, features 30 miles of secluded trails winding through forests and streams.
- St. James Plantation (Southport, NC) – Provides over 36 miles of bike paths, with designated loops ranging from short scenic routes to long-distance rides.
State-of-the-Art Fitness Centers
Modern fitness centers in gated communities go beyond basic gyms, offering cutting-edge equipment, personal training, and wellness programs.
- Dataw Island (SC) – Home to a comprehensive fitness center with an aerobic studio, yoga studio, and state-of-the-art workout equipment, plus access to physical therapists and trainers.
- Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes (GA) – Features an innovative SmartFit Training Center with smart home tech for seniors, EGYM Smart Circuit Training, and a yoga-aerobics studio.
Racquet Sports: The Rise of Pickleball
Tennis may have dominated in past decades, but pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in America. Many gated communities now offer pickleball courts alongside traditional tennis facilities.
- Brunswick Forest (NC) – A top-rated pickleball community with multiple courts and a dedicated fitness center featuring both tennis and pickleball options.
- The Isles of Collier Preserve (Naples, FL) – Located in the Pickleball Capital of the World, this community boasts eight dedicated pickleball courts and six tennis courts.
Find Your Perfect Gated Community with PCR
Whether you’re looking for world-class fitness facilities, scenic walking trails, or what makes a sustainable community, PCR is your go-to resource for discovering the best gated communities across the country. With hundreds of listings featuring detailed amenity breakdowns, PCR makes it easy to find a community that fits your lifestyle.
Explore more gated community amenities today and start designing your ideal future! Visit PCR to search communities by state, amenities, and lifestyle preferences.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
