Developer and realtor perspectives on factors that influence development, sale, and perceived demand for activity-friendly communities.
BACKGROUND
Although public support for physical activity-friendly Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs) appears to be growing, information is lacking on private sector perspectives and how economic factors (eg, fuel prices) might influence the development and sale of TNDs.


METHODS
A sample of realtors from the National Association of Realtors (n = 4950) and developers from the National Association of Home Builders (n = 162) were surveyed in early 2009 to assess factors influencing homebuyers' decisions; incentives and barriers to developing TNDs; effects of depressed housing market conditions and financing on sales; trends in buying; and energy considerations (eg, green building).


RESULTS
Realtors believed that homebuyers continue to rank affordability, safety and school quality higher than TND amenities. Developers reported numerous barriers to TNDs, including the inability to overcome governmental/political hurdles, lack of cooperation between government agencies, and lack of market demand. Yet, realtors believed clients are increasingly influenced by gas and oil prices, and developers reported that clients are looking for energy efficient homes, reduced commute time, and walkable neighborhoods. Respondents reported consumers are more interested in living in a TND than 5 years ago.


CONCLUSIONS
Activity-friendly TNDs appear to be increasing in demand, but developers and realtors reported significant barriers to creating these communities.
Carnoske
Cheryl
C
Prevention Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Hoehner
Christine
C
Ruthmann
Nicholas
N
Frank
Lawrence
L
Handy
Susan
S
Hill
James
J
Ryan
Sherry
S
Sallis
James
J
Glanz
Karen
K
Brownson
Ross
R
D002958:City Planning / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D003625:Data Collection; D003657:Decision Making; D004779:Environment Design / Q000191:economics*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D011634:Public Health; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires