except gated communities keep the bad guys out and one is free to leave at anytime.
That is the sales pitch.
Reality is that the walls are more ornamental than effective.
Often they are as little as 3’ tall, rarely over 6’.
And not topped with anything to prevent an easy climb.
Folk I knew found that these communities are targeted by the thugs, “Ol man gotta have a lot o money ta live dere” attitude.