My Mom lives in a gated modular/"stick built" home community. Guard gate, security patrols. She got robbed big time as well as a few neighbors. Never caught them or got anything back.
Don't ever let a gate make you feel secure....ever.
They do offer a great amount of amenities. They are mostly watched over by a homeowners association and all that I've heard from her is that they love to send letters and fine you for every little thing they can. That being said, because of the HOA's the grounds and surroundings are kept up. Just too bad they get nit-picky and unreasonable, IMHO. She's got a stick built house, all one story, 2 bedrooms/2 baths, attached outside storage shed, and two screened porch areas.
You may be better off using a realtor when you go looking and they can answer all your questions---and for a buyer, they are FREE!