Hispanic neighbourhood satisfaction in new and established metropolitan destinations

Abstract

As one of the more important recent population shifts in the USA, the migration of Hispanics into new immigrant metropolitan gateways has received significant scholarly attention. Much of this attention has been paid to understanding how Hispanic residential experiences and environmental characteristics differ between new and traditional destinations. This study contributes to this literature by using 2013 American Housing Survey data to examine differences in the levels and determinants of Hispanic neighbourhood satisfaction by Hispanic destination type. The study pays specific attention to the role of neighbourhood social capital and explores differences between native- and foreign-born Hispanics. Findings reveal that Hispanics report higher neighbourhood satisfaction levels in new destinations compared with new destination white residents and Hispanics living in established destinations. The effects of social cohesion, social control and physical disorder on neighbourhood satisfaction are similar across destination type and nativity. However, the influence of metropolitan area characteristics varies by destination type and is specific to foreign-born Hispanics. Whereas low-skilled employment and Hispanic isolation affect the neighbourhood satisfaction of Hispanic immigrants in established areas, foreign-born segregation influences satisfaction levels in new destinations. The study provides evidence of Hispanic residential adaptation in new destinations with differential determinants across destination type and nativity.