Sense of Community and Its Association With the Neighborhood Built Environment. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: French, Sarah; Wood, Lisa; Foster, Sarah Alexandra; Giles-Corti, Billie; Frank, Lawrence; Learnihan, Vincent
• Other Names: Foster Sarah guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Environment and behavior. Volume 46:Number 6(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 677
• Page End: 697
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: sense of community -- neighborhood design -- walkability; Human ecology -- Periodicals; 304.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0013916512469098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-9165

Abstract

We investigated the influence of neighborhood built form on sense of community in Perth, Western Australia. It was hypothesized that sense of community would be stronger in individuals living in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Multivariate linear regression models explored associations between walking and sense of community, with progressive adjustment for objective and perceived neighborhood characteristics. Sense of community was positively associated with walking for transport and positive perceptions of neighborhood quality, and negatively associated with residential density. The findings highlight the influence of local area perceptions on sense of community that appeared to be more important than objective environment characteristics. However, the latter may influence perceptions, and this requires investigation.