Effects of Street Forms on Suburban Neighboring Behavior

This study is an investigation of the possible effects of linear, curvilinear, and cul-de-sac street-form configurations on suburban neighboring behavior. Based upon a sample survey of single-family household residents in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the findings showed that street design was not influential in predicting neighboring relations as compared to social variables. Number of children living at home, length of residence, and job status of the woman of the household were found to be significant indicators for familiarity and participation among neighbors. Results suggest the importance of familism in determining suburban neighboring behavior rather than possible spatial manipulations of street forms in site planning.