The more, it is outside!

We have a nine foot privacy fence around our property. We didn't put it up - the previous owners had. I don't know if either of our neighbors had a problem with it, but it hasn't been an issue for the three years we have owned the place.
As an intensely private person myself, the fence is the physical manifestation of how I like to view my relationship with the rest of the world. I can open the gate and set forth should I choose, but if I want, I can just shut the gate and Not Deal.
The privacy aspect is just sensational, I've never had truly private outdoor space like this before. It's not like we run around naked in our yard (much), but I don't mind doing minor gardening in my pj's if the need arises.
Furthermore, we have been pleased with the safety aspect. We hung a sign on the outside with a picture of a scary dog, and many people refuse to come in unless they are assured that the dog is locked away. I am going to leave the sign up long after my pet dies, because it is a deterrent keeping most strangers off my property.
Lastly, we have taken to hanging things on our wall. We have beautiful iron sculptures currently hanging on the inside, and we've strung lights over a dogwood, creating a rather festive and cozy setting that would have been impossible without the fence.
I guess if I were you, if you were truly interested in putting up a fence, I would find out what sort of permit (if any) you would need. I hear nightmare stories from time to time about some great home improvement someone creates, only to discover afterwards they didn't have the proper permits, and have to tear them down. The most recent example was a guy I know who had solar panels installed on his roof, only to find out his neighborhood covenant didn't permit them.

There is the concept of a spite fence. But this isn't what you're doing. Personally I think it's a fine idea and would go for it. If your neighbors ask about it just tell them what you wrote here.

Many of the places I've lived (cities, not HOAs) have had restrictions on fence height and material. Check with your local codes office before proceeding.

That said, I think privacy fences are A-OK in back yards but I'm not a big fan of them in front yards. I'm OK with fences you can see through, like picket, but I get the sense that's what you're trying to prevent. Some landscaping techniques are very effective at creating boundaries without being giant FUs to the neighborhood, which is what I think front privacy fences are.

I'm basing these comments on my opinion (everybody's got one!) and on reading I've done about urban design. Many planners suggest that the back yard is private space but the front porch and front yard are a semi-public buffer zone where it's appropriate to smile and wave but generally not to approach unless invited. It's these small interactions with your neighbors that build a community, and a privacy fence would prevent them.

I don't have a front yard but if I did, I'd feel a little uncomfortable putting a tall fence around it. It just seems kind of rude. And what workerant says about public/private spaces. But then I live in a neighborhood so close knit that it's practically a commune, so I'm probably biased.

Ignore the naysayers. A ten foot concrete wall with broken glass embedded in the top is the way to go. And a steel door. With spikes on top.

Yes, I get why it seems rude. I agree. And I think it would sort of break up the flow of the street. But ... I also drive down streets where I see houses with front yard fences and it really does not look, to me, like an F.U. -- it looks to me like a homeowner who values privacy and seclusion. Not too different than valuing a big plot of land in the country that gives you privacy.

I like the idea of the front yard becoming a private space, not an intermediate space. As it is, I don't feel comfortable hanging out in the front yard, you're too exposed. I love the large porches that feature in a lot of older bungalows, because those porches do afford some privacy.

Can you just achieve the same effect with landscaping? Could be much prettier and not more expensive.

We have a 4 foot wall around the back and sides of the house but it would look odd in the front. Like most of the people around here we have a hedge in the front. I keep it trimmed at about 5 foot. Sets boundaries and is at least as tough to get past as a fence and adds greenery and oxygen and cooling to the hood. A few folks have theirs at 7 foot or so for more privacy. Also lots of small birds huddle in the hedges at night during the fall migration. A nice bonus and entertainment for the cats watching lovingly from the windows. Could a hedge work for you?