[cornelis]

you can wind up living next door to someone with a washing machine in the front yard

Gated communities put washing machines in their front yard?

[SgtHooper]

Gated communities does not necessarily mean there is an actual gate. In many cases, there is an empty guard house. Traffic comes and goes freely. Yes, it would be possible. Also, vehicles parked on yards. Ah yes, owning an “estate” in a “gated” community.