Housing Preferences in Louisville: A Feminist Critique of the Suburban Environment

Abstract

This paper examines recent patterns of demand for houses in the Louisville, Kentucky, metropolitan area and considers the policy implications of the findings. The paper focuses on the housing preferences of 362 home buyers and addresses three questions. First, what are the housing preferences (such as type of neighborhood, cost, distance from job and services) of home purchasers? Second, do housing preferences differ by family type (such as married couples or single adults)? Third, what are the implications of these preferences for government officials, private builders, urban planners, and others who will be determining future housing options? The findings indicate that housing preferences associated with children, wife’s employment, and proximity to family and friends do differ significantly by family type. We conclude with the recommendation that housing policies be changed to better meet the housing preferences of various family types.