Predictors of Neighborhood and Community Satisfactions in Rural Communities

AbstractAn individual’s neighborhood and community affect the quality of life for that person. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with neighborhood and community satisfaction of rural families. Data for multiple regression analyses were collected during 1985 through personal interviews with 506 randomly selected rural respondents living in six Midwestem states. Findings indicate that neighborhood satisfaction can be significantly predicted by satisfaction with neighbors, with location of home, and with conditions of nearby housing. Community satisfaction can be significantly predicted by satisfaction with neighbors, with nearness to shopping, with condition of streets, and with nearness to friends and relatives. This information can be used by professionals and decision makers involved in improving the environments within rural communities so that they promote the well-being of individuals and families living there.