Social Dimension

Overview

The social well being of a neighborhood is dependent upon many interconnected issues. Neighborhoods with a desirable quality of life are economically and socially diverse and self-sufficient. They have healthy populations with a mix of older and younger residents, are served by strong public schools, and have residents that are involved in their community. These neighborhoods provide strong role models for youth and opportunities for young people to be involved in a variety of after-school activities. The social vitality of a neighborhood is one dimension of a comprehensive assessment of neighborhood quality of life.

While social well-being is only one component of neighborhood quality of life, it tends to exacerbate the larger set of issues that affect the quality of life in communities with the greatest needs. Individual variable scores will help to pinpoint specific problems and provide guidance to address these componenets. Figure 5 displays the social dimension findings.

Analytical Variables

• Percent of persons over age 64
• Percent of persons 4–19
• Infant wellness index
• Percent of child welfare cases
• Percent of persons receiving TANF
• Percent of persons receiving food stamps
• Youth opportunity index

Description

• Developing – NSAs with social challenges related to newer neighborhoods
• Sustaining – NSAs presenting social needs for maturing neighborhoods
• Revitalizing – NSAs with social needs related to older neighborhoods

Results

• Developing – 16 NSAs
• Sustaining – 97 NSAs
• Revitalizing – 4 NSAs

Figure 5
Social Dimension Groupings