Perceptions of neighborhood change in a Latinx transit corridor

Abstract

Understanding how nearby residents feel about transit-induced neighborhood change remains understudied despite growing concerns over displacement and gentrification. This study analyzed 329 surveys of resident perceptions of neighborhood change and associated development near an existing commuter rail station and a planned streetcar route in Santa Ana, California, a largely low-income, Latinx community. We found residents were on average satisfied with neighborhood access to transport and amenities, and that higher neighborhood satisfaction was associated with a more positive assessment of development and neighborhood change. Living near the streetcar route was associated with more negative assessments of change, reflecting residents of these areas had heightened concerns about housing costs, displacement, and parking. Results provide planners with insights regarding support for and concerns about transit-induced neighborhood changes that can help foster more equitable and responsive development processes and outcomes.