Nature at the Doorstep: Residential Satisfaction and the Nearby Environment

Studied the importance of the nearby natural environment in the context of multiple-family housing by surveying 268 residents at 9 sites with a questionnaire about the kinds of natural areas near their home and the perceived adequacy of these facilities. Findings suggest that the availability and adequacy of nearby natural elements is of far greater significance than a characterization of "amenity" implies. The most important factors in neighborhood satisfaction were the availability of nearby trees, well-landscaped grounds, and places for taking walks. (27 ref)