Place matters. According to a new study by the American Enterprise Institute, people who live in neighborhoods rich in amenities — such as shops, restaurants, and parks — are happier, more engaged in their communities, and less lonely.
The Importance of Community
Community plays an essential role in one’s sense of belonging, purpose, and well-being. Regular interaction with friends and neighbors is key to creating a sense of community, as those who interact frequently with others are more likely to feel a sense of community than those who do not.
Why Amenities Matter
According to the report, Americans who live in amenity-packed neighborhoods are more likely to feel a sense of community and community satisfaction. Nearly half (45%) of Americans who live in high-amenity neighborhoods rate their community as an excellent place to live, compared to just 26% of those who live in low-amenity neighborhoods.
The study also shows a strong correlation between amenity proximity and community engagement. In fact, more than half (55%) of Americans in high-amenity urban areas say they have spoken about their neighborhood or community with friends in the past month, in comparison to just 26% of Americans in low-amenity urban areas.
The Loneliness Problem
Loneliness is a widespread problem in America today. The majority of Americans report suffering from strong feelings of loneliness and a lack of significance in their relationships. People who live in communities with little access to amenities have a far greater likelihood of feeling socially isolated than those in amenity-rich neighborhoods — whether they live in large cities, the suburbs, or small towns.
According to the report, 55% of Americans in low-amenity suburbs feel a high degree of social isolation, while less than one-third of Americans in amenity-dense neighborhoods feel isolated. Americans who live in amenity-dense neighborhoods are twice as likely to talk to their neighbors on daily-basis than those who live in an area with fewer amenities.
Working in an Amenity-Rich Community
We spend a significant amount of time at work and so our workplaces should be located somewhere that we will want to be for 10 hours a day. Beyond living in an amenity-rich neighborhood, seek out workspace there as well.
Industrious takes desirability into account when selecting locations across the country — each is set within a walkable and highly-amenitized community in order to help deliver an amazing workplace experience.
These findings are based on a nationally representative survey that measured how closely Americans live to the following six different types of public and commercial spaces: Grocery stores; restaurants, bars or coffee shops; gyms or fitness centers; entertainment venues; parks or recreation centers; and community centers or libraries. The new report adds to a growing body of research on the value of living close to a mix of neighborhood amenities.