Park proximity, crime and apartment prices

Abstract

Parks and open green spaces are an important part of the city landscape. Although studies show that proximity to parks and open green spaces has a mostly positive impact on house prices, several studies also report that crime in parks can affect buyers' perceptions, making nearby properties less desirable. We examine the effects of park proximity and crime in parks on apartment prices by using geographic information systems and hedonic modelling. Our results indicate that grass parks and park blocks are more desirable than landscape parks and neighbourhood parks in Stockholm. Our findings also confirm that parks in Stockholm's city centre have a greater impact than parks on the periphery of Stockholm. Low-crime parks affect apartment prices positively.

Inclusive, Safe and Resilient Public Spaces: Gateway to Sustainable Cities?

“…Several studies have shown the positive impact of parks and public spaces on human health and well-being [16] while, others have shown that such places can be a reason for stress and anxiety [5,17] and affect human life negatively. According to Iqbal and Wilhelmsson [11], not all parks and public spaces have equal amenity value and some may be valued as disamenities. For example, noise around parks, high beam lights from sports arenas, and traffic congestion around parks, street parking near parks, garbage, vandalism, and the gathering of undesirable groups (such as alcoholics, drug addicts, etc.)…”

“…in public spaces affect individuals negatively [8]. Poor maintenance and criminogenic conditions of the park and public spaces are highlighted by several researchers [9,11,18]. A small number of studies have also shown that potential buyers may avoid buying properties located near parks and public spaces with high crime rates [10,11,19].…”

“…First, Stockholm is built in between and around plenty of parks and natural green open spaces (Figure 2 shows 1,046 parks and green spaces in Stockholm For more detail, see [64]). Second, little research has been done to know the relation between crimes in parks and public spaces in Stockholm [9][10][11].…”

“…This book chapter aims to highlight the connection between public spaces regarding crime and fear of crime by (1) showing links between parks and public spaces, and crime and fear of crime, (2) highlighting how different land uses and people's activities in the built environment can affect people's perception, (3) understanding socio-technical perspectives i.e., how technological systems and equipment's (such as lighting sensors, security alarms, security electronic devices, closed-circuit television (CCTV), smartphones or other technological instruments) are influencing safety/ security and sustainability, (4) demonstrating the issues and challenges found in Sweden, and, (5) providing recommendations on how these places can be planned and designed to become more sustainable. This book chapter presents a synthesis of earlier work on fear of crime, perceived safety and parks by the author [8][9][10][11][12][13]. The book chapter begins with a discussion of factors that influence fear of crime and perceived safety in parks and public spaces.…”

Willingness to Pay for Green Infrastructure in Residential Development—A Consumer Perspective

“…Atmosphere 2020, 11, 152 7 of 20 Trees canopy can be perceived as aesthetically pleasing and valued from an environmental perspective as they decrease pollution levels [6]; however, at the same time, leaf fall can cause annoyance and decrease the sense of safety. Proximity to parks can be also considered as a negative factor, especially if it is considered an unsafe area [49].…”