One way to determine whether a neighborhood is healthy is to look at its amenities. For example, a healthy neighborhood should have social activities, green space, and affordable housing. Another good indicator is walkability. There are also many events that focus on healthy living. These include family fun days, health fairs, and community events.
Socializing with neighbors is a good sign of a healthy neighborhood
One way to determine whether your neighborhood is healthy is to spend time with your neighbors. Socializing with neighbors provides a sense of community, security, and happiness. If you see neighbors out and about, walking their dogs or playing with their kids, that’s a good sign.
People in neighborhoods that foster social reciprocity were found to be more physically active and more likely to volunteer. They also reported lower CES-D scores and higher health status. Furthermore, social reciprocity was found to be positively correlated with increased physical activity, which may help prevent mental health problems.
Green space
There is growing evidence that green space can contribute to the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of neighborhoods. The use and accessibility of green space should be made more inclusive and diverse. Several studies have investigated the benefits of green space on various groups. Some of these studies emphasize the importance of a green space’s physical and visual accessibility.
These studies have focused on low-income neighborhoods, communities with limited access to green space, and people experiencing various stressors. Researchers have also found a positive correlation between green space availability and physical activity. Green space’s ability to promote physical activity also partly explains the health benefits it offers. Furthermore, studies have also shown that time spent in green spaces leads to more positive psychological outcomes than in other environments.
Affordable housing
The concept of affordable housing in a healthy neighborhood isn’t just a dream – it’s also a reality. In Columbus, Ohio, a mostly African-American neighborhood, the city is taking action to provide affordable housing for low-income families. The neighborhood has seen declines in homeownership and increases in poverty. In 2017, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced a commitment to help the neighborhood become more affordable.
While affordable housing isn’t the only issue, the city can take steps to make neighborhoods more walkable and more livable for its residents. For example, the city recently adopted a policy called Active Design Verified (AVD). This program recognizes the increasing need for affordable housing that is built in a healthy environment. It incorporates features such as on-site fitness centers and bike paths.
Walkability
Walkability is a key factor in a healthy neighborhood. Walkable areas encourage more physical activity, which reduces the risk of diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. People in walkable neighborhoods also tend to weigh less. A study in New York County, New York, found that residents walked on average 80 minutes more per month and lost six pounds. However, weight is not evenly distributed throughout the population, and obesity is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Additionally, a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood improves a person’s mental well-being.
The built environment plays an important role in promoting or decreasing physical activity and exposure to air pollution. However, few studies have examined the relationship between neighborhood walkability and air pollution. In one study, the authors estimated nitric oxide (NO) and ozone (O3) concentrations in a variety of neighborhoods. The study also calculated walkability scores by considering different attributes, such as residential density and land-use mix. The researchers found that neighborhoods with high walkability scores had low NO and low O(3) concentrations.
Food deserts
Food deserts are neighborhoods that lack access to healthy foods. They are often found in low-income areas and are rooted in racism and discrimination. These neighborhoods also lack convenient transportation and are often located in areas that lack healthy food stores. The lack of access to healthy food can lead to food insecurity, which is a growing concern for policymakers. Many major retailers have shied away from opening in such communities, moving existing stores to better-off communities. This redlining leaves people with limited choices.
A lack of access to healthy food can also make it difficult for residents to find a job. Unemployment is high in food deserts and can make it impossible to afford food and transportation. In addition, food deserts often have a higher rate of vacant homes. These empty homes can have a negative impact on the local economy and prevent food retailers from opening their own stores. Furthermore, boarded-up vacant homes can hinder residents’ ability to access healthy foods.
