Journal of the American Planning Association · 2001 · 141 citations · 34 references
Social SciencesUrban DesignUrban PlanningBuilt EnvironmentHousingUrban SociologyNeighborhood DesignNeighborhood EnvironmentResidential SatisfactionFront SetbacksFront Yard DesignHousing DiversityNeighborhood ContextsRear Yard SetbacksSubdivisionUrban Sociability
The New Urbanist subdivision featured gridded streets, smaller lots, front porches, and alleys with accessory apartments, whereas the standard suburban subdivision had cul‑de‑sacs, larger lots, and front‑loaded attached garages. Residents in a New Urbanist subdivision and a standard suburban subdivision near Salt Lake City were interviewed to determine whether the New Urbanist setting fosters a stronger sense of community, greater sociability, outdoor use, and preference for diverse housing designs. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, residents reported similar sense of community, but New Urbanist residents engaged more in neighboring behaviors, used outdoor spaces more, and liked alleys and apartments, while suburban residents preferred larger front yards and attached garages. Design and management improvements used elsewhere were suggested to alleviate complaints about rental apartments and alleys, especially regarding too many cars.
Abstract Abstract Residents living in a New Urbanist subdivision (NUS) and a more standard suburban subdivision (SSS) near Salt Lake City, UT, were interviewed to test whether residents of a New Urbanist setting experience a stronger sense of community, greater sociability and outdoor use, and stronger preferences for New Urbanist site designs and housing diversity. Results validated several, but not all, New Urbanist claims. The NUS had gridded streets, smaller lots, homes with front porches, and back alleys with accessory apartments over detached garages; the SSS lacked these and had cul-de-sacs and 47% larger lots. After controlling for two sociodemographic variables, the two groups of residents reported similar levels of sense of community. NUS residents reported more neighboring behaviors, outdoor use, and more positive reactions to alleys and apartments; SSS residents were more satisfied with their larger front yard setbacks and front-loaded attached garages. Design and management improvements used elsewhere were suggested to alleviate complaints about the rental apartments and alleys, particularly of too many cars in the alleys.
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