Backyard fences?

Question

Moving to California from Pittsburgh, PA, I was surprised by the frequency of backyard fences here. Why is it that basically all of the homes here have 5 foot fences separating them? Also, what is the point of the walls outside of the neighborhoods?

Answer 1

Californians are very territorial hence the fences. Almost all are city dwellers and most don't even know who their neighbors are nor do they want to know. Also, the fences are 6 feet high. Anything higher than that needs a permit. High walls around complexes are security/sound barriers built by tract housing specialists. They are referred to as "Gated Communities".

Answer 2

for privacy, keeping pets in their own yards, keeping kids out of the street.. sometimes shows the boundaries,etc...