Residential Development Patterns and Neighborhood Satisfaction

Abstract

Alternative patterns of residential development, going by names such as cluster housing and conservation subdivisions, opt to preserve large areas of shared outdoor space by increasing housing density on portions of the parcel. These alternative approaches arguably help preserve environmental quality, but how do they affect the people who live there? This study explored the impacts of residential density and nature areas on residents' satisfaction with their neighborhood. Survey results from 361 participants in nine different residential subdivisions showed that density and proximity to shared nature areas did not have a large impact on neighborhood satisfaction. More important were opportunities to visit nearby shared space and having views of nature from the home.