Guardian photo montage of gated communities

[NorthernRaider]

You have to look at Gated communities PRIMARILY for what they are designed for, anti crime safe areas of like minded people.

(1) Privacy and SECURITY, both rich and poor choose gated / concierge/ access controlled / patrolled developments to protect themselves from criminals, rioters, looters and terrorists.
When its the wealthy or influential types they often build in escape measures such as helicopter pads, underground passage ways, hidden garages containing specialised vehicles. ordinary folk choose secure properties to protect themselves from street gangs

As steve correctly points out they are not designed for long term sustainability, rather short to medium term safety and security.
As Geordie rob points out many urban folks prepper or otherwise either do not WANT to leave or CANNOT leave so they are forced into compromises and adaptation.

(2) When used by preppers or survivalists they are seen as modern safe havens, or forts, or redoubts, especially those in cities, IE places of safety well protected to survive major civil unrest, remember the Korean businessmen during the Rodney King riots? , They stocked up on food and supplies and sat on the roofs of their premises with rifles and shotguns, whilst huge chunks of LA burned the rioters went no where near the Korean businesses for good reason.

""So ... to continue the discussion.. are gated communities bad or are they only bad if they are inhabited by the wealthy? ""

Sublimely put RS, Generally many people assume only the mega rich live in secure property but I for example was in Thornaby on tees today in old terraced streets, the locals have put key controlled 12 ft high steel gates across the entrances to all the back allys, some have been planted with tubs of flowers and shrubs. Many councils build access controlled resident only developments.
I think everyone rich and poor would CHOOSE to live in places that are safe and secure especially in these modern days of violent home intrusions, violent street gangs etc. I think they are good in general.

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Ok apparently the gated off streets and alleyways are found also in southern areas as well often paid for by community groups who also turn the allys into splendid green spaces for the residents, much better than their previous use as rat runs for criminals.