I lived "inside the loop" in Houston, and a gated community in the burbs is about as far from my comfort zone as you could possibly imagine. . .at least in Houston. Here, though it's pretty nice. It's sorta like being back in the 1950s in that kids can run around and play without worrying about them being snatched off the streets - real or perceived, we're programmed to be "fearful" in the U.S. by the media. . .and guilted into it by other parents.
Anyway, I'm very much enjoying my compound life - even though it is only populated by the employees of two companies. That said, I am not someone who focuses my social circle inside the compound. . .nor do I hang out with the company set. There are those who do centralize their social life within the compound (blech) and they really do focus their entire social life amongst other fellow employer's wives. (I'm incredibly uncomfortable around these people because they're so insular. . .but that's me.)
In short, it's up to you as to what you make compound life out to be. You can enjoy it or you can hate it. I look at it as being a great place to live, but I take my social life elsewhere.
shellyjean -
I lived "inside the loop" in Houston, and a gated community in the burbs is about as far from my comfort zone as you could possibly imagine. . .at least in Houston. Here, though it's pretty nice. It's sorta like being back in the 1950s in that kids can run around and play without worrying about them being snatched off the streets - real or perceived, we're programmed to be "fearful" in the U.S. by the media. . .and guilted into it by other parents.
Anyway, I'm very much enjoying my compound life - even though it is only populated by the employees of two companies. That said, I am not someone who focuses my social circle inside the compound. . .nor do I hang out with the company set. There are those who do centralize their social life within the compound (blech) and they really do focus their entire social life amongst other fellow employer's wives. (I'm incredibly uncomfortable around these people because they're so insular. . .but that's me.)
In short, it's up to you as to what you make compound life out to be. You can enjoy it or you can hate it. I look at it as being a great place to live, but I take my social life elsewhere.
It's your choice :)