Residential Density, Planning Objectives and Life in Planned Communities

Abstract

In the context of a trend toward increasing moderate density townhouse construction in suburban areas, ths report makes use of survey research data to explore differences in the quality of residents' lives in new town townhouse areas compared to more conventional neighborhoods of lower density single family detached housing. Results indicate that while town-house neighborhoods were associated with relatively less expensive housing (at a ratio of housing cost to income) and better access to selected facilities and services, they were also perceived as less attractive, less well maintained, more noisy, and less well provided with play areas for children. Overall, however, the ratings of new-town townhouse neighborhoods were as high or higher as those of traditional single family neighborhoods in the less planned control communities.