Community Development Events

Neighbors, Community and Well-Being: Evidence from a Local Neighborhood

December 11, 2012
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

At this policy forum, researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas Neighborhood Change Research Initiatives shared their methodologies and findings with community leaders, financial institution representatives and other academics. The studies examined the effects of spatial proximity and behavioral measures on health, child behavior and financial well-being based on data collected from a low-income, predominantly minority neighborhood in South Dallas. Some main findings included:

• Greater risk aversion is associated with lower body mass index, and thus, better health.
• Food choices of neighbors can be an important predictor of one's own diet.
• Proximity to grocery stores is positively associated with the likelihood of shopping at these fresh food sources.
• Checking account ownership and financial knowledge, as well as the use of low-cost financial services and products, are associated with improved financial decisions.
• Children's behavioral patterns are influenced both by the physical condition of the neighborhood and the behavior of other children within close proximity.

• About the Speakers

Agenda