Neighborhood satisfaction in suburban versus traditional environments: An evaluation of contributing characteristics in eight California neighborhoods

We examine characteristics associated with higher levels of neighborhood satisfaction among residents of traditional versus suburban neighborhoods, using an ordered logit model. We find that neighborhood satisfaction is higher among the traditional neighborhood residents, even after controlling for sociodemographics and other characteristics. Differences in the characteristics associated with satisfaction in each group include the perception of liveliness and diversity, contributing significantly only among the segment of the sample living in traditional neighborhoods, and the perception of economic homogeneity, contributing significantly only among the suburban segment. Features such as parking, yards, and school quality do not emerge as important predictors of satisfaction for either group. The most important features for neighborhood satisfaction among both groups are the attractive appearance and perceived safety of neighborhoods, suggesting that any innovative neighborhood designs are most likely to succeed in attracting residents if able to foster these qualities.