It is not surprising that gated communities attract the wealthy and elite. There is something about living behind the gates that gives people a sense of security. Gated communities provide residents with the ability to focus on what goes on within their little worlds without having to be bothered by outside influences. Many people enjoy gated communities for the luxurious amenities that many provide their residents, such as well-kept outdoor landscaping, hiking trails and stables for their horses. Exclusive gated communities can be found all across the United States. Although, California seems to hold the most gated communities that attract the wealthy from all around. No matter what stressors may be occurring in one's life, a gated community provides the outer appearance of perfection taking place within. Here is a list of 15 of the most exclusive gated communities across the U.S.

15. Birnam Wood, Montecito, California

Located in Santa Barbara County, Montecito's Birnam Wood is a prestigious guard gated golfing community that contains a total of 142 unique homes. Home sales range from $2 million to $18 million. This is a golfer's paradise as almost all of the homes line the golf course while enjoying views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Some home locations are even lucky enough to have gorgeous ocean views.

14. The Ridges at Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada

This gated community is located fifteen minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. However, it feels as if it is in a secluded area since the community is adjacent to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area. There are 32 homes located behind the gates that range in price from $1.4 million to $25 million. Residents are able to enjoy amenities such as 24-hour security, a clubhouse, an 8-acre park and fitness center. The Ridges seems to attract many full-time residents who work on the strip and part-time residents that enjoy Las Vegas due to Nevada's nonexistent income taxes.

13. Hidden Hills, California

Hidden Hills is an incorporated city that is also a gated residential community. It offers residents that small town feel, such as being able to pick up your children from school on horseback, while being located in Los Angeles County. There are approximately 648 homes within the gates that hold its 2,000 residents. Among those residents includes celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne Johnson and Britney Spears. Home sales range from $3 million to $13 million.

12. Indian Springs Ranch, Jackson, Wyoming

Indian Springs Ranch is one gated community that has a wildlife habitat with swans, elk and eagles. There are around 27 homes behind the gates that sit on lots that range in size from five to fifteen acres. Many of the custom homes are built out of logs and river rock and have beautiful views of the Teton Range. Home prices at Indian Springs Ranch range between $6 to $12 million.

11. Rancho Del Lago, Rancho Santa Fe, California

This gated community is an exclusive enclave with forty-one lots that are at a minimum of four acres in size. The rural atmosphere is maintained at Rancho Del Lago with underground utilities and the lack of street lights as well as no home delivery of mail. Home prices range around $3 million to $14 million with monthly homeowner association dues of $750.

10. Tuxedo Park, Tuxedo Park, New York

As one of the oldest gated communities in the United States, Tuxedo Park is one gated community that represents old money at its finest. The 2,500 acre community was created back in 1885 by Pierre Lorillard. Back then it was coined as the place where the "New York Four Hundred" came to play, meaning those that fit well in high society. Tuxedo Park is said to be the first place in America where the tuxedo jacket was introduced and Emily Post gained inspiration from living here for her famous book on etiquette.

9. The Oaks, Calabasas, California

The Oaks is a guard gated community within Calabasas, California that offers luxurious amenities to its residents such as a tennis courts, a fitness center and miles of hiking trails. Within the gates of The Oaks is The Estates of the Oaks were celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Justin Bieber and members of the Jackson clan call home. Home prices in The Oaks range between $2 to $3 million while prices within The Estates of the Oaks begin at $7 million and go up to $12 million.

8. The Sanctuary, Boca Raton, Florida

The Sanctuary offers premier living in Boca Raton, Florida while providing residents with constant security not just at the gates, but there is also 24-hour security boat patrol as well. There are around 107 homes behind the gates and ex-Tyco executive, Dennis Kozlowski bought five home sights here to build a massive waterfront mansion. Homes in The Sanctuary range in price starting at around $1 million to over $20 million.

7. Pelican Ridge Estates, Newport Coast, California

Pelican Ridge Estates is an exclusive, gated community located in Newport Coast, California. The 24-hour guard gated community is considered to be the home of some of the most sought after luxury real estate. With homeowner association dues totaling up to $700 per month, residents get to enjoy a clubhouse, pool and tennis courts. Last year, Kobe Bryant sold his home in Pelican Ridge Estates for $3.2 million and placed his other residence, also within Pelican Ridge Estates on the market for $8.5 million.

6. Maluhia at Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

This ultra-exclusive gated community is located in South Maui and features only fourteen custom-made homes. Residents at Maluhia are treated to impeccable views that are guaranteed to never be obstructed, as it is stated on their home deeds. Behind the gates at Maluhia, The Beach Club is set up to allow residents the enjoyment of their tropical paradise with a full service wet bar and kitchen. Home prices start at $7 million and go all the way up to $18 million.

5. Brentwood Country Estates, Los Angeles, California

When celebrities want to keep their lives at a lower-profile when compared to living at Beverly Park, they opt for the Brentwood Country Estates. The Brentwood Country Estates are located in the Mandeville Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains. There are only fourteen estate sites on the 250 acre development. The 24-hour guard gated community captures the essence of country, mountains, city and ocean all in one area. The average home here is valued at around $10 million. Famous residents include, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Brady with his supermodel wife, Giselle Bundchen.

4. Conyers Farm, Greenwich, Connecticut

Conyers Farm is located just one hour away from New York City, providing residents the simplicity of rural life that is still conveniently located near a metropolitan city. Residents are able to take advantage of the gated community's private roads, a private lake and riding paths all within its extensive forest that provides tranquility. All of the lots have a minimum of ten acres with some containing as much as twenty acres. Homes in Conyers Farm range in price from $6.5 million to $19 million. Celebrities such as Ron Howard and Paula Zahn are a few that are able to call Conyers Farm home.

3. Star Island, Miami Beach, Florida

Star Island is an exclusive gated community located in South Beach in the city of Miami, Florida. It is expected to see some of the most elaborately designed homes on this man-made island. Many celebrities call this appropriately named island their home. The list includes Gloria Estefan, Kanye West and Shaquille O'Neal, just to name a few.

2. Beverly Park, Los Angeles, California

North Beverly Park is where all the money goes to live. The gated community is only accessible through two guarded checkpoints in order to keep the paparazzi out. On average, homes are 20,000 square feet which costs around $24 million. Beverly Park is oozing with celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington. Not to mention the recent influx of wealthy Saudis such as Prince Naef bin Ahmed Al-Saud, that have made Beverly Park their stateside home.

1. Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach, California

Emerald Bay in Laguna Beach, California has been named as one of the finest beach communities located in Orange County. The gated community offers its residents a very private beach that cannot be accessed by non-residents. It is not surprising that Emerald Bay's residents are considered the elite, especially when your neighbor is Warren Buffett. Home prices start at $3 million and go all the way up to $35 million.