Residential Density and Location Decisions: The Factors Affecting Homeowners’ Choice of Denser Neighborhoods

Abstract

Since density is critical for sustainable development, it is important to know what factors associated with denser neighborhoods make them more attractive. Previous studies on density have been primarily based on people’s stated preferences, not their actual behaviors. We proposed hypotheses on the factors affecting the choice of denser neighborhoods and examined them using a survey data set on homeowners’ housing decisions in Columbus, Ohio. The findings showed that accessibility factors, neighborhood characteristics, and life cycle and characteristics of householders were all associated with choosing denser neighborhoods. Our findings suggested that higher density was perceived as having certain advantages (e.g., accessibility and diversity). Future higher density developments need to be accompanied by efforts to include accessibility and diversity. This study also suggests that not only do some attributes need to be improved (e.g., shops in denser areas and safety), but other potential benefits of higher density may need to be described more convincingly (e.g., traffic benefits and the preservation of open space).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hee-Jung Jun

Hee-Jung Jun (corresponding author) is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Planning and the Director of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program at the University of West Georgia.

Hazel A. Morrow-Jones

Hazel A. Morrow-Jones is the Associate Provost for Women's Policy Initiatives and a professor of City and Regional Planning at the Ohio State University.