In its modern form, a
gated community (or
walled community) is a form of
residential community or
housing estate containing strictly controlled entrances for
pedestrians,
bicycles, and
automobiles, and often characterized by a closed perimeter of walls and fences. Gated communities usually consist of small residential streets and include various shared amenities. For smaller communities this may be only a park or other
common area. For larger communities, it may be possible for residents to stay within the community for most daily activities. Gated communities are a type of
common interest development, but are distinct from
intentional communities.