The Effects of Neighborhood Density and Social Control on Resident Satisfaction

This study examines neighborhood density and other social factors which limit environmental control. It is hypothesized that the combined effects of high density and low social control result in the least resident satisfaction. Lower and higher densities are thus considered in combination with differences in tenure status, income levels, and life cycle status. National survey items which evaluate the residence, social life, and well-being are analyzed. The results offer only limited evidence of interaction effects between dense neighborhoods and the predicted low social control dimensions of renting, low income, and having children. There is, however, support for the choice of these environmental control factors when the additive effects of neighborhood density and each social control variable on resident dissatisfaction are considered. The contributions to the crowding literature and suggestions for new research are outlined.