Definition
A neighborhood refers to a specific geographic area within a town, city, or suburb, characterized by its land use patterns, architecture, and community identity. It is defined by not just geographic boundaries but also by social and economic characteristics. Neighborhoods are typically named and can be further classified into residential, commercial, or industrial based on their primary use.
Residential Neighborhoods
These often feature homes of similar styles, ages, and values. They might be identified by certain traits:
- Subdivision: A residential neighborhood often divided into smaller sections, sometimes planned with community amenities.
- School Zones: Boundaries might align with school attendance areas.
- Proximity to Public Facilities: These can often include colleges or recreational parks.
- Small Town Areas: Enclaves within a larger urban area.
Commercial Neighborhoods
Areas primarily used for business activities and commercial establishments. They commonly include:
- Major Roads: Often associated with busy thoroughfares.
- Shopping Centers: Identifiable by clusters of retail stores and entertainment facilities.
- Central Business Districts: The most economically active part of a city.
Industrial Neighborhoods
Areas marked by manufacturing and industrial activities. They often feature:
- Transportation Linkages: Proximity to highways, railroads, ports, and large logistical facilities.
Examples
- Residential: A neighborhood near an elementary school with homes built in the 1980s, similar two-story single-family homes, and incorporating parks and recreational facilities.
- Commercial: A shopping area along a main street lined with retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings often known to attract both residents and visitors.
- Industrial: An area near a major railroad line that features numerous warehouses, factories, and freight yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a neighborhood?
A neighborhood is defined by its similar or compatible land uses, which can be residential, commercial, or industrial. Its boundaries are typically marked by streets, natural barriers, or changes in land use.
Can neighborhoods change over time?
Yes, neighborhoods can evolve due to economic developments, urban planning, or shifts in population dynamics. Redevelopment and gentrification can notably transform a neighborhood’s character.
How is a neighborhood different from a community?
While a neighborhood is a physical space defined by geographic and land use criteria, a community involves social ties, shared values, and collective activities, although often overlapping with the neighborhood.
What factors affect property values in a neighborhood?
Property values can be influenced by the quality of local amenities, school districts, proximity to commercial areas, historical preservation, and overall desirability.
How do neighborhoods impact the quality of life?
Neighborhoods play a critical role by providing essential services, fostering community ties, influencing security and safety, and offering access to recreational and educational resources.
Related Terms
- Subdivision: A subdivision refers to a tract of land divided into smaller plots, primarily for residential development.
- Central Business District (CBD): The commercial and business center of a city, often synonymous with downtown areas.
- Zoning: A planning tool used by local jurisdictions to regulate land use and development.
Online Resources
- Investopedia - Neighborhood
- Zillow Research - Neighborhood Effects
- National Association of Realtors
- Urban Land Institute
References
- “Urban Land Use Planning” by Philip Berke and David Godschalk.
- “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs.
- “Neighborhood Effects Research” by Karl L. Alexander.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Urban Fortunes: The Political Economy of Place” by John R. Logan and Harvey L. Molotch.
- “Cities of Tomorrow: An Intellectual History of Urban Planning and Design in the Twentieth Century” by Peter Hall.
- “Neighborhoods and Health” edited by Ichiro Kawachi and Lisa F. Berkman.
