How Scores Are Calculated
Each community is rated 1–5 in eight categories. The ratings are weighted and combined into an overall score out of 100.
Eight weighted categories
Gated Access and Security & Patrols are scored separately, because a neighborhood can be well protected without a gate. Privacy is scored on its own, because a home can be secure without being private.
- Gated Access15%How entry is controlled: a manned gate around the clock scores 5, part-time staffing 4, a coded gate 3, and open streets 1–2. For condos, the building's staffed entry counts.
- Security & Patrols15%Perimeter walls, private patrols, cameras, limited road access and estate-level security systems.
- Privacy10%Visibility from the street and water, lot separation, through-traffic and public exposure.
- Facility & Travel Access15%Commute to the relevant team facility, traffic reliability, airport and highway access.
- Lifestyle & Entertainment15%Dining, schools, shopping, beaches, boating, golf and family activities.
- Housing Options10%Estate, condo, townhome, waterfront, guest space and home gym fit.
- Financial & Resale10%Price, HOA/CDD, taxes, insurance, carrying costs and resale.
- Investment Flexibility10%Rental rules, second-home potential and options after a trade.
From ratings to an overall score
Overall score (out of 100) = the sum of (rating ÷ 5 × category weight). For example, eight ratings of 4 out of 5 equal an overall score of 80.
If important information is missing for a category, the community shows “Not yet rated” instead of a guess.
What the Scorecard doesn't rate
The Scorecard rates community features such as gates, patrols and privacy. It doesn't rate neighborhood crime. For crime statistics, use official sources such as the LexisNexis Community Crime Map ↗ or the local police department.
Ratings are subjective and reflect Mary Stinyard’s professional opinion. The Scorecard is an advisory decision aid, not a certification, appraisal, security guarantee or prediction of returns. A private consultation tailors the scoring to your facility, household and goals.