Residential and transit decisions: Insights from focus groups of neighborhoods around transit stations

Despite the momentum of transit oriented development (TOD) and significant progress, research on relationships among built environment, residential location, and travel decisions remains debatable. This study investigates reasons behind residential and transit decisions -- the building blocks for studies of TOD travel impacts. In-depth focus group interviews in three TODs in Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex reveal that social belonging and access to diverse amenities are key features for residential decision regardless of travel preference. Transit decision depends on factors beyond built environment and access to transit service. The findings suggest further investigation of social capital effects and broader benefits of TODs.