ABSTRACT
Walkable communities are increasingly promoted for their health, social, and environmental benefits. However, the extent to which the demand or preference for walkable communities accords with various other housing demands across different populations is still questionable. Using data sets from two research projects focused on nonmetropolitan communities in Texas, this study examined to whom neighborhood walkability and safety are important when selecting a residence. It further explored environmental attributes that explained the differences in neighborhood preferences of older versus middle-age and urban versus rural home buyers. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that race/ethnicity, adiposity, personal attitudes, regional home locations, and residential experiences explained the odds of considering walkability and safety in residential selection. Environmental characteristics such as land uses, destinations, and perceived safety were differently valued among the subgroups of home buyers. Further efforts are needed to better understand diverse residential demands within the larger context of the community environment and demographic shift.
Acknowledgments
The authors used the survey data collected from two grants sponsored by the National Institute of Health (1R01HL103478-01A1; PI: Mark Doescher) and Scott & White Healthcare (S&W RGR 120803; PIs: Samuel N. Forjuoh, Chanam Lee, and Marcia G. Ory). The authors would like to thank the PIs and the research team of these two projects for granting permission to use the survey data for this study.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jeongjae Yoon
Jeongjae Yoon, PhD, is a former postdoctoral researcher in the Center for Health Systems and Design and the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M University. His current affiliation is the Urban Research Division at Korean Research Institute for Human Settlements in South Korea. His research focuses on neighborhood walkability and safety leading to location efficiency and residential satisfaction.
Chanam Lee
Chanam Lee, PhD, is a professor of landscape architecture and urban planning and a fellow in the Center for Health Systems and Design at Texas A&M University. Her research areas are in interdisciplinary and environmental approaches to promote walking and active living.