"A sense of community" is a phrase that appears so often I'm not even sure it has any meaning anymore.
If an unobstructed sky/water view untroubled by anything other than sky and water is desirable, then "sense of community" plays no part in it. Why try to solve that contradiction?
If sense of community, then, plays no part in it, then de-render options give a person all the unobstructed view she can hope for. Whether on the new continent or on the mainland. It really is solved already.
"De-render" comes in two flavours: permanent and temporary. One can really have it all, even on the mainland.
A "sense of community" (however you choose to define it) has nothing whatsoever to do with my or my circle's choice of home. We get that sense from public outings, not backyard relax-time. Our homes have fairly apocalyptic de-rendering all around us which, ironically, makes living among others very peaceful.