Gated apartment Clane or Johnstown...any advice

I

IrishAussie

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Hi
We intend moving from Australia to Ireland, next year. We are retirees, and one option we are considering is buying a two bed apartment in a Gated complex for safety/security. Due to the restrictions of entry, we are wondering if there is a more select owner occupier type of resident in gated complexes?
Also, which is the best choice, ground floor or upper floor? We are not against people enjoying themselves but are not into home partying until dawn!
If someone has experience living in such apartments we would appreciate your comments.

Many thanks.
 
I've seen very few gated communities that actually work. With most of them, it's very easy to run in after someone has opened the gate or run in while a car is going through the gate so they don't do much to keep undesireables out. Most gates work on codes too, and they are easily shared out amongst friends and could very easily end up in the wrong hands.

Sounds like you want a concierge service, but I don't know of any apartment blocks that have this.
 
Hi there again

Apartments - gated or not have their plus and minus.

Not sure if you are familiar with the phenonemum of the 'management company' which really grew in the boom. Alot of people have had trouble with their management companies here, maybe look at the management company section of this site to give yourself a better idea. Problems people have encountered include regular increases in their management fees to not being able to contact them when things go wrong.

However when people find a great management company, apartments can be a great place to live. I live in a ground floor apartment and it's very handy but at times I would feel abit more secure on another floor. However, if you feel you may have some mobility problems in the years to come or would like a garden then ground floor apartments are great.

Have you thought about a purpose built retirement village maybe? There can be a great social scene and facilities to boot. Alot of my friend parents have sold up their house and moved into these and are very happy.

Clane and johnstown seem like nice areas- was just through there yesterday. The traffic used to get very heavy in Clane, not sure what it's like now.

Hope that helps! :)
 
plant43 said:
I've seen very few gated communities that actually work. With most of them, it's very easy to run in after someone has opened the gate or run in while a car is going through the gate so they don't do much to keep undesireables out. Most gates work on codes too, and they are easily shared out amongst friends and could very easily end up in the wrong hands.

Sounds like you want a concierge service, but I don't know of any apartment blocks that have this.
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Hi plant43
Thanks for your advce, I'm gaining knowledge all the time. As I stated it's one option we are considering. So the gated areas are not so safe either. Is there anywhere safe anymore?

Your input much appreciated.
IrishAussie
 
IrishAussie said:
Due to the restrictions of entry, we are wondering if there is a more select owner occupier type of resident in gated complexes?
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This makes no sense - how would the gates affect who lived there - half of the apartments would probably be rented out anyway, the renters are probably more likely to give out codes or leave side gate on latch etc.

Is there anywhere safe anymore?
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I think you're being a bit melodramatic there...why bother coming back if that's you attitude about Ireland?
 
Pixied said:
Hi there again

Apartments - gated or not have their plus and minus.

Not sure if you are familiar with the phenonemum of the 'management company' which really grew in the boom. Alot of people have had trouble with their management companies here, maybe look at the management company section of this site to give yourself a better idea. Problems people have encountered include regular increases in their management fees to not being able to contact them when things go wrong.

However when people find a great management company, apartments can be a great place to live. I live in a ground floor apartment and it's very handy but at times I would feel abit more secure on another floor. However, if you feel you may have some mobility problems in the years to come or would like a garden then ground floor apartments are great.

Have you thought about a purpose built retirement village maybe? There can be a great social scene and facilities to boot. Alot of my friend parents have sold up their house and moved into these and are very happy.

Clane and johnstown seem like nice areas- was just through there yesterday. The traffic used to get very heavy in Clane, not sure what it's like now.

Hope that helps! :)
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Hi pixied
Thanks for your help again. You give great info and food for thought. We are looking at all options, but, a small house/townhouse would be our preference. When I hear of all the home invasions I start to think that a gated apartment might be the way to go. However, my previous adviser has kinda knocked it in the head!
Yes, independent living units, in retirement villages, can be very nice, but, to get into an upmarket facility, like you are describing, would be very costly.
However I will do some homework on that option. I'll be writing a book after all this.
You know what, this journey is getting bigger than Ben Hur!
Is the noise troublesome or are all floors sound proof ? The management company is a concern!
There are so many things to take into consideration. This site is so educational and you are giving me great ideas.
Great hearing from you again pixied
Kind regards :)IrishAussie
 
Hi, I think looking at the areas you have chosen clane and johnstown, which are quiet areas with little crime compared to a big town or city, do you really need a gated complex? Why not ring the gardai of clane and johnstown and ask them what crime rates are like, are there any blackspots for crime etc? A gated complex would probably be a bit more desireable in dublin but personally I wouldn't bother in clane! As mentioned before, gated doesn't always prevent crime 100%. I think you need to look at the crime aspect in the context of the place you are moving to.
 
tink said:
Hi, . I think you need to look at the crime aspect in the context of the place you are moving to.
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Hi tink,
Very good advice. Yes, gated areas don't seem to be burglar proof as I am learning from most responses. So Location, Location, Location is the way to go.

Many thanks for your advice
Kind regards
IrishAussie
 
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rmelly said:
This makes no sense - how would the gates affect who lived there - half of the apartments would probably be rented out anyway, the renters are probably more likely to give out codes or leave side gate on latch etc.

I think you're being a bit melodramatic there...why bother coming back if that's you attitude about Ireland?
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Hi rmelly
Thanks for your input and "the slap on the wrist"
I was of the opinion that there was stricter criteria to get admission to gated areas. I was obviously wrong. All advice greatfully received.
When I stated "is anywhere safe anymore" I was referring to any location, not Ireland specifically- just voicing a concern! Crime is a problem in all countries. I'm bothering to come back because I love Ireland! OK?

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to respond.
Have a great day.
IrishAussie :)
 
Live near to Johnstown and was just thinking that a gated complex there would be of no benefit safety wise - I dont think it is much of a crime hotspot! Very safe area in general.
 
I live in Clane and its pretty quiet.

You do hear of the odd burglarly but not much else.

A monitored alarm with good lighting around the house and/or a good dog tends to encourage burglars to move on to an easier target.

You could look for an area with older profile of owners who are more likely to be at home during the day and will keep an eye out.
 
MandaC said:
Live near to Johnstown and was just thinking that a gated complex there would be of no benefit safety wise - I dont think it is much of a crime hotspot! Very safe area in general.
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Thanks MandaC for responding. It looks like gated areas are not much help safety wise. Johnstown seems a good choice.
Best wishes
IrishAussie
 
Romulan said:
I live in Clane and its pretty quiet.

You do hear of the odd burglarly but not much else.

A monitored alarm with good lighting around the house and/or a good dog tends to encourage burglars to move on to an easier target.

You could look for an area with older profile of owners who are more likely to be at home during the day and will keep an eye out.
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G'day Romulan
Very level headed response. The police give that advice here in Oz also.
Clane is a consideration then.
Your input is much appreciated.
Hope you have a sunny day.
IrishAussie :D
 
There isn't really any culture of gated communities in Ireland, as there is is Oz or the US.

Also, most older people or retirees would not live in apartments here, they tend to be the preserve of 20+ people starting off, or renters.
 
If I may add my 'tuppence-ha'penny', I am inclined to agree with other posters. In the areas you have mentioned, I think crime is not a major worry, thankfully. I imagine a detached house or indeed semi-detached (!)
-in either area-would give you peace and quiet.
Best of luck with whatever decison you take.
 
SarahMc said:
There isn't really any culture of gated communities in Ireland, as there is is Oz or the US.

Also, most older people or retirees would not live in apartments here, they tend to be the preserve of 20+ people starting off, or renters.
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Hi SarahMc
Thank you for that. I need info like you have stated as I am unaware of the type of resident who would live in Gated communities. I was assuming it may be mostly Owner Occupiers. See where assumption gets one! And, before some wise guy asks the question "Why do you assume Owner Occupiers will be better neighbours" again,I say just another assumption!!

I'm doing my research at present-testing the waters so to speak. So, it looks like we will be steering clear of Apartments- a house will be our choice.

Many thanks for your input.
Kind Regards
IrishAussie
 
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AgathaC said:
If I may add my 'tuppence-ha'penny', I am inclined to agree with other posters. In the areas you have mentioned, I think crime is not a major worry, thankfully. I imagine a detached house or indeed semi-detached (!)
-in either area-would give you peace and quiet.
Best of luck with whatever decison you take.
Click to expand...

Hi AgathaC
Thanks for your tuppence-ha'penny worth- it's worth much more to me! I am getting the drift- according to most responses, a house would be the way to go.

Have a great day AgathaC
Regards
IrishAussie
 
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