The objective of the study is to investigate, in the Egyptian context, residential satisfaction in gated communities (GCs) in relation to stages in the life cycle. The aim is to identify possible differences between the different stages in the life cycle in terms of the most important predictors of overall residential satisfaction. The study relies on a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of residents of Al-Rehab GC in Cairo, Egypt (n = 131). The sample was divided into four life cycle stage groups: young singles (YS) (n = 36), heads of young family households (YF) (n = 41), heads of households with older children (OC) (n = 34), and empty nesters (EN) (n = 20). Statistical analysis does indeed reveal differences between stages in the life cycle in relation to the most important components of residential satisfaction. In particular, for YF and OC, the social environment within the GC was the most important predictor of overall residential satisfaction. For these two life cycle groups, issues related to the needs and safety of their children were also important. In contrast, for EN, the social environment and characteristics of the area around the dwelling appeared to be much less important than for other groups. For EN, satisfaction with the dwelling unit itself was shown to be the most important predictor of overall residential satisfaction.

Measuring residential satisfaction has recently been considered as an important guide for architects, policymakers, urban planners, housing analysts, and housing developers. This is also true in relation to gated residential developments or gated communities. This research aims to develop a model of residential satisfaction that could be of help in measuring and evaluating overall residential satisfaction and its different components in general and in the case of gated communities. An analytical review of the literature was conducted in order to theoretically develop the model proposed. The literature helped identify five main components of residential satisfaction. Three components were derived from the housing satisfaction literature: (1) satisfaction with the dwelling unit, (2) satisfaction with the neighborhood, and (3) satisfaction with the social life and the social environment. The other two were mainly inferred from the gated community literature to better adapt this particular case: (1) sense of safety and security and (2) satisfaction with access to services and mobility. The model, furthermore, emphasizes many aspects that also contribute to determining the level of residential satisfaction.