Nature and Neighborhoods
Nature in and around residential homes can be valued in many ways. Two studies emphasize the value of nature on ameliorating proximity to retail land uses and increasing neighborhood satisfaction.
Nature in and around residential homes can be valued in many ways. Two studies emphasize the value of nature on ameliorating proximity to retail land uses and increasing neighborhood satisfaction.
People who walk for health may prefer different features in the environment than do those who commute by foot.
Although studies have shown how neighborhood features can affect the activity of adults, less is known about how these features might affect young adults. Researchers studied the physical activity of Boy Scouts (10–14 years of age) around their Houston homes.
Just as researchers are investigating how neighborhood characteristics affect pedestrian behavior, similar research is investigating how features of the physical environment affect driving behavior.
Researchers have linked lower mental health care costs and lower residential instability for individuals with chronic mental illness to homes in newer and properly maintained buildings.
For most buyers, their image of home includes its neighborhood. Several new studies investigate homeowner preferences for traditional or neotraditonal neighborhoods, suburban-style neighborhoods, and open space conservation neighborhoods to determine factors that affect home preference and price.
Transportation and health experts continue to tout the benefits of walking for exercise and for neighborhood errands. One recent review examines eighteen separate studies on walking to determine common factors in the environment that might help or hinder walking, while another lays out guidelines to help quantify what makes a street or walkway comfortable for pedestrians—laying the groundwork for an assessment tool. Originally published in Issue 4, 2004.
The September 2003 issue of the American Journal of Public Health focuses on the influence of the built environment on health.
Having access to a nearby park or open space is "priceless," but can an actual monetary value be placed on living near a green space? Several studies attempt to answer that question.
Health-related behaviors, like many others, can be influenced by the physical environment. This book’s aim is to elucidate the connection.