Residential Housing Abandonment in the United States: The Effects on Those Who Remain

Abstract

The presence of abandoned housing reduces the quality of life of residents who remain in an area. Respondents in a national survey of the United States who report abandoned housing problems in their neighbourhood also report lower levels of neighbourhood satisfaction. In areas where abandoned housing is found, community services and neighbourhood conditions also tend to be rated low. The effects of abandonment, which is found in bigger cities and in areas of lower social standing, do not carry through to cause individuals to say they desire to move out of the neighbourhood. The idea of demolishing abandoned housing to reduce the problem is ratified, but abandonment is only one problem which must be addressed to improve the quality of life.