
It's mainly because there are just ruins outside that neighborhood, and who knows if they can survive in them. They have a better chance of living a full life inside that community than living outside of it. Plus, they were promised protection and a vague sense of peace from Guwon and the hounds. It's not a matter of "I don't like it here but I'll stay because why not," it's a matter of "I don't like it here but I'll stay because this is my safest option." And even if they try to leave, they might get killed since anyone who isn't deemed useful would get killed, inside or outside the community.

Literally what someone said below because they're safe there and only dies if they don't break his rules but they also die if they literally need help. You haven't watched any apocalypse haven't you. That's a simple rule amongst communities trynna survive but whether or not he provides such protection they will hate him. Use YOUR BRAIN

No, yeah I get that point, but in the apocalypse world, there are these kinda opposing opinions or values. A lot of those shows have a tyrannical leader who is killing people based on a similar rule, but they are safe. And it is true that if that person wasn't around anymore they would not be as safe, but they are still like trying to maintain their humanity and hoping that they can have real peace and not this immoral one. But yeah, essentially, its the survival mindset clashing with morals
No one is explaining why they just can't leave if they dont like it there. Can some one explain why they just won't leave.