Connect with your community through our Community & Culture Glossary. Discover the terms that describe the social and cultural qualities of neighborhoods, which can guide homeowners and buyers in finding an area that resonates with their lifestyle and contributes to a property's intangible value.
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A
Accessibility (): Accessibility refers to the ease with which a person can reach, enter, or use a place or service.
Advocacy (): Advocacy refers to the act of representing and supporting the interests, needs, and concerns of residents within a specific geographic area or community.
Affordability (): Affordability refers to the ability of individuals or households to purchase or rent a home in a particular area without experiencing financial strain.
Affordable Housing (): Affordable housing refers to residential properties that are priced within the financial means of low to moderate-income households, typically costing no more than 30% of the household's gross income.
Aging in Place (): Aging in place refers to the ability of older adults to live independently and safely in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, rather than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Amenities (): Amenities are features, facilities, or services that provide comfort, convenience, or enjoyment to individuals in a particular location.
Arts and Entertainment District (): An Arts and Entertainment District is a designated area within a city or town that is known for its concentration of cultural attractions, performing arts venues, galleries, and other creative businesses.
Assembly District (): An Assembly District is a geographical area represented by a member of a state's lower legislative chamber, often called the State Assembly or House of Representatives.
Attendance Zones (): Attendance zones are geographic boundaries that determine which public schools students are assigned to based on their residential address.
B
Battleground State (): A battleground state, also known as a swing state, is a U.S. state where both major political parties have a strong chance of winning in a presidential election, making it a key focus for campaigns and political analysis.
Bellwether State (): A bellwether state is a state whose voting patterns or economic trends are considered indicative of broader national trends, often serving as a predictor for future outcomes.
Bicycle-Friendly Community (): A bicycle-friendly community is a neighborhood or city that provides a safe, convenient, and welcoming environment for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
C
Civic Engagement (): Civic engagement refers to the level of participation and involvement of residents in their local community, including activities such as voting, volunteering, and attending public meetings.
Communities of Interest (): Communities of Interest are groups of people who share common characteristics, interests, or concerns within a specific geographic area.
Community and Culture (): Cultural diversity refers to the presence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society, organization, or neighborhood, and the recognition and appreciation of their unique customs, beliefs, and traditions
Community Center (): A community center is a public facility that provides a variety of recreational, educational, and social services to residents of a specific neighborhood or community.
Community Development (): Community development refers to the process of improving the quality of life and well-being of a community through collaborative efforts that address social, economic, and environmental needs.
Community Engagement (): Community engagement refers to the level of involvement and participation of residents in local activities, events, and decision-making processes that shape their neighborhood and community.
Community Facilities (): Community facilities are public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure that provide essential services and amenities to support the well-being and development of a community.
Community Policing (): Community policing is a law enforcement strategy that focuses on building partnerships between police officers and the communities they serve to collaboratively identify and address public safety issues.
Community Stakeholder (): A community stakeholder is an individual, group, or organization with an interest or concern in the well-being and future of a particular community or neighborhood.
Congressional District (): A congressional district is a geographical area within a state, represented by a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Constituent (): A constituent is a person who is represented by an elected official or who resides within a specific political district or jurisdiction.
Constituent (): A constituent refers to a person represented by an elected official, typically based on the geographic area in which they reside.
Constituent Services (): Constituent services refer to the assistance and support provided by elected officials and their staff to address the concerns, questions, and needs of the residents they represent.
Cost Of Living (): Cost of living refers to the amount of money required to maintain a certain standard of living in a specific location, including expenses such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
Cost Of Living Index (): The Cost of Living Index is a measure that compares the relative expenses of living in different geographic areas, typically focusing on the prices of essential goods and services.
County (): A county is a geographic and political subdivision of a state or territory, often used as a basis for analyzing and reporting location-based data.
Creative Placemaking (): Creative placemaking is the practice of using arts, culture, and creativity to transform and revitalize neighborhoods, making them more vibrant, engaging, and livable.
Crime Density (): Crime density is a measure of the concentration of criminal incidents within a specific geographic area, typically expressed as the number of crimes per unit area.
Crime Hotspot (): A crime hotspot is a geographic area that experiences a high concentration of criminal activity relative to surrounding areas.
Crime Rate (): The crime rate is a measure of the number of crimes committed in a specific area, typically expressed as the number of offenses per 100,000 people during a given time period.
Cultural Amenities (): Cultural amenities are features, facilities, and resources within a neighborhood or community that provide opportunities for artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and intellectual stimulation.
Cultural Center (): A cultural center is a facility or organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the arts, culture, and heritage of a particular community or region.
Cultural Competence (): Cultural competence in location intelligence reports refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and effectively communicate information about a location while considering the cultural diversity and sensitivities of the area and its residents.
Cultural Districts (): Cultural districts are designated areas within a city or town that are known for their high concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and events.
Cultural Diversity (): Cultural diversity refers to the presence of various cultural or ethnic groups within a society, neighborhood, or geographic area, each with their own distinct traditions, customs, and ways of life.
Cultural Resources (): Cultural resources are the tangible and intangible assets that reflect the cultural heritage, traditions, and values of a community or society, often considered in location intelligence reports to assess the cultural significance and livability of an area.
D
Differentiation (): Differentiation refers to the variety and quality of educational options available within a given area, catering to students with diverse needs, abilities, and interests.
E
Enrichment (): Enrichment in the context of education refers to supplementary learning opportunities and activities that enhance and expand upon the standard curriculum, helping students develop new skills and interests.
Equity (): Equity refers to the fair and inclusive distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits across different neighborhoods and communities.
Ethnic Enclave (): An ethnic enclave is a geographic area with a high concentration of residents who share a common cultural, national, or ethnic background.
Extracurricular Activities (): Extracurricular activities are organized programs, clubs, or events that take place outside of regular school hours and provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop skills, and socialize with peers.
Eyes on the Street (): Eyes on the Street refers to the natural surveillance provided by the presence of people in public spaces, which can help deter crime and increase safety in a neighborhood.
F
Fitness Center (): A fitness center is a facility designed to promote physical activity and exercise, equipped with various workout equipment and amenities.
G
Gentrification (): Gentrification is the process of transforming a neighborhood, often one that has experienced disinvestment, through an influx of more affluent residents and businesses, leading to changes in the area's character and demographics.
Gerrymandering (): Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.
Gerrymandering (): Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.
Gifted and Talented Programs (): Gifted and talented programs are educational initiatives designed to provide advanced learning opportunities and support for students who demonstrate exceptional abilities, creativity, or potential in one or more areas.
GreatSchools Rating (): The GreatSchools Rating is a score from 1 to 10 that provides an overview of a school's academic performance, helping parents compare schools and make informed decisions about their child's education.
Gym (): A gym, short for gymnasium, is a facility designed for indoor exercise, fitness training, and recreational activities.
H
Health Club (): A health club is a facility that provides exercise equipment, fitness classes, and other amenities to help individuals maintain and improve their physical health and well-being.
Health Facilities (): Health facilities are establishments that provide various healthcare services to individuals, ranging from preventive care to treatment of illnesses and medical conditions.
Historic District (): A historic district is a designated area with a significant concentration of buildings, structures, or sites that are historically, architecturally, or culturally important and are protected by special zoning laws or preservation ordinances.
Holistic Approach (): A holistic approach in location intelligence reports involves considering multiple factors and their interrelationships to provide a comprehensive understanding of a property or neighborhood.
Housing Affordability (): Housing affordability refers to the extent to which the cost of housing, including rent or mortgage payments, aligns with a household's income and ability to pay.
I
Immigrant Communities (): Immigrant communities are neighborhoods or areas where a significant portion of the population consists of people who have migrated from another country to reside permanently in the host country.
Inclusive Neighborhood (): An inclusive neighborhood is a community that welcomes and accommodates people from diverse backgrounds, promoting equal access to resources, services, and opportunities for all residents.
Inclusivity (): Inclusivity refers to the consideration and representation of diverse populations, ensuring that the insights and recommendations provided are relevant and beneficial to all members of a community.
Income-to-Cost Ratio (): The Income-to-Cost Ratio compares a household's income to the cost of living in a specific area, helping to determine the affordability and financial feasibility of residing in that location.
Internet of Things (IoT) (): The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, enabling them to connect, collect, and exchange data.
L
Legislative District (): A legislative district is a geographical area represented by a member of a legislative body, such as a state legislature or the U.S. Congress.
Legislative Sessions (): Legislative sessions refer to the periods when a state or local legislative body, such as a state legislature or city council, is convened to discuss, debate, and vote on proposed legislation and policies that impact the jurisdiction they represent.
Leisure (): Leisure refers to the time and activities that individuals engage in for enjoyment, relaxation, and personal fulfillment, outside of work or other obligations.
Lifestyle Amenities (): Lifestyle amenities are features, services, and facilities that cater to specific interests, hobbies, and preferences, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in a neighborhood or community.
Lifestyle Segmentation (): Lifestyle segmentation is a method of categorizing consumers into groups based on their interests, attitudes, and behaviors to better understand and target them with relevant products, services, and marketing messages.
Lifestyle Segments (): Lifestyle segments are classifications of households or neighborhoods based on shared demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral characteristics, used to understand consumer preferences and market trends.
Livability (): Livability refers to the overall quality of life and well-being experienced by residents in a particular neighborhood or community.
Live-Work-Play (): Live-Work-Play is a concept in urban planning and real estate development that promotes the integration of residential, professional, and recreational spaces within a compact, walkable area.
Live-Work-Play Community (): A live-work-play community is a mixed-use development that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, allowing residents to live, work, and enjoy leisure activities within a walkable and vibrant neighborhood.
Local Government (): Local government refers to the administrative bodies and officials responsible for governing a specific geographic area, such as a city, town, county, or municipality.
Low-Income Communities (): Low-income communities are neighborhoods or areas where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line or has limited financial resources.
M
Magnet Schools (): Magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized curricula or educational approaches designed to attract a diverse student body from across a school district.
Multicultural Community (): A multicultural community is a neighborhood or area where people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds live together harmoniously, celebrating and respecting each other's differences.
Municipality (): A municipality is a city, town, or other local government unit that has the authority to make and enforce laws, provide services, and manage resources within its designated boundaries.
Municipal Services (): Municipal services are the essential services provided by local governments to maintain the well-being, safety, and quality of life for residents within a community.
Museum (): A museum is an institution that collects, preserves, and exhibits objects of cultural, historical, scientific, or artistic significance for the purpose of education and public engagement.
N
National Register of Historic Places (): The National Register of Historic Places is the United States' official list of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance.
Neighborhood (): A neighborhood is a geographically localized community within a larger city, town, or suburb, often with its own distinctive character, amenities, and social dynamics.
Neighborhood Amenities (): Neighborhood amenities are the features, services, and facilities located within a neighborhood that provide residents with convenience, comfort, and opportunities for recreation and socialization.
Neighborhood Association (): A neighborhood association is a voluntary organization of residents who work together to improve and maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood.
Neighborhood Character (): Neighborhood character refers to the distinct atmosphere, appearance, and overall feel of a particular residential area, shaped by its physical, social, and cultural attributes.
Neighborhood Cohesion (): Neighborhood cohesion refers to the sense of community, social connection, and shared values among residents within a neighborhood.
Neighborhood Profile (): A neighborhood profile is a comprehensive overview of a specific residential area, providing key information about its characteristics, demographics, amenities, and quality of life factors.
Neighborhood Safety (): Neighborhood safety refers to the level of security and freedom from crime, violence, and other threats within a residential area, contributing to a sense of well-being and peace of mind for residents.
Neighborhood Satisfaction (): Neighborhood satisfaction refers to the level of contentment and fulfillment residents feel with various aspects of their neighborhood, including safety, amenities, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Neighborhood Watch (): Neighborhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program that encourages residents to work together with law enforcement to reduce crime and improve safety in their neighborhood.
O
Open Enrollment (): Open enrollment in education refers to a policy that allows students to attend a school other than their assigned neighborhood school, often based on factors such as availability and parental preference.
P
Placemaking (): Placemaking is the process of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and well-being by transforming underused areas into vibrant, engaging, and community-oriented places.
Police Presence (): Police presence refers to the visibility and activity of law enforcement officers within a specific area or neighborhood.
Public Art (): Public art refers to artworks or installations that are created for and displayed in public spaces, accessible to everyone and often reflecting the community's identity, history, or values.
Public Realm (): The public realm refers to the publicly accessible spaces within a community, such as streets, sidewalks, parks, and plazas, that are available for everyone to use and enjoy.
Purple State (): A purple state is a U.S. state where the Democratic and Republican parties have similar levels of support among voters, often leading to close electoral contests.
Q
Quality of Life (): Quality of Life refers to the overall well-being and satisfaction of individuals living in a particular location, taking into account various social, economic, and environmental factors.
R
Recreation (): Recreation refers to activities or experiences that individuals engage in for enjoyment, relaxation, or personal satisfaction during their leisure time.
Recreation Center (): A recreation center is a facility designed to provide a variety of leisure activities, sports, and social opportunities for community members of all ages.
Redistricting (): Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts in response to population changes, typically after a decennial census.
Regional economy (): The regional economy refers to the economic activities, industries, and market conditions within a specific geographic area, such as a city, county, or metropolitan region.
Revitalization (): Revitalization refers to the process of improving and reinvigorating a neighborhood or community that has experienced decline, often through targeted investments, development projects, and community-driven initiatives.
S
School Catchment Area (): A school catchment area is the geographic region from which a school draws its students, typically based on the students' residential addresses.
School Catchment Areas (): A school catchment area is the geographic region from which a school draws its student population, typically based on the students' residential addresses.
School Choice Program (): School choice programs are initiatives that allow students and their families to select an educational institution other than their assigned public school, based on their preferences and needs.
School District (): A school district is a geographical area or region that is served by a particular group of public schools under the jurisdiction of a local government or board of education.
School Rankings (): School rankings are a system that evaluates and compares the quality and performance of schools based on various metrics and criteria.
School Ratings (): School ratings are a system that evaluates and compares the quality and performance of schools based on various metrics and criteria.
School ratings and reviews (): School ratings and reviews provide insights into the quality and performance of educational institutions in a specific area, helping homebuyers make informed decisions about their children's education and the desirability of a neighborhood.
Sense of Community (): Sense of community refers to the feeling of belonging, connection, and shared values among residents within a neighborhood or local area.
Sense of Place (): Sense of place refers to the unique character, identity, and emotional connection that individuals feel towards a particular location or neighborhood.
Social Capital (): Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and shared values within a community that facilitate cooperation and trust among its members.
Social Equity (): Social equity refers to the fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits within a society, ensuring that all individuals and communities have equal access to services, amenities, and a high quality of life.
State House District (): A State House District is a geographical area represented by a member of the lower chamber of a state's legislature, typically called the State House of Representatives or State Assembly.
State Legislature (): A state legislature is the legislative branch of a U.S. state government responsible for creating, debating, and passing laws that apply to the state.
State Senate District (): A State Senate District is a geographical area represented by a member of the state senate, the upper chamber of a state's legislature.
STEM education (): STEM education refers to the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in K-12 and higher education curricula, focusing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills.
Swing District (): A swing district is an electoral district where voter support for political parties or candidates is relatively evenly divided, making election outcomes highly competitive and unpredictable.
T
Telemedicine (): Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunications technology to provide remote healthcare services, allowing patients to consult with medical professionals without the need for an in-person visit.
V
VALS (Values, Attitudes, and Lifestyles) (): VALS is a psychographic segmentation system that categorizes individuals based on their values, attitudes, and lifestyles, providing insights into consumer behavior and preferences.
Voter (): A voter refers to a registered individual who is eligible to cast a ballot in a specific geographic area, such as a neighborhood or district.
Voter Suppression (): Voter suppression refers to strategies, policies, or tactics that aim to discourage, prevent, or make it more difficult for certain groups of people to exercise their right to vote.
Voting Rights (): Voting rights refer to the legal and constitutional protections that ensure citizens can participate in the electoral process without discrimination or undue barriers.
Voting Rights Act (): The Voting Rights Act is a landmark federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting and ensures equal access to the electoral process for all citizens.
W
Walkable Neighborhood (): A walkable neighborhood is an area designed to be pedestrian-friendly, allowing residents to safely and conveniently access amenities, services, and public spaces on foot.
Work-Life Balance (): Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between an individual's professional and personal responsibilities, allowing them to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
