Why Neighborhoods Matter: The Importance of Geographic Composition

As defined by the author, neighborhoods create and form communities and are the places where the everyday practices of life occur. This article examines the importance of neighborhoods and their relation to the development of communities and why this is important in combating crime. The author notes that the concept of neighborhoods is an important component of crime studies but has been used primarily from a sociological perspective. The use of neighborhoods from a geographical perspective can be very useful in crime studies. Delineating the geographical boundaries of neighborhoods allows local governments to take action and resolve problems using immediate and practical solutions. The author examines the use of geographical information systems (GIS) in identifying the boundaries of neighborhoods, and provides several examples of the use of technology for promoting the sense of a neighborhood. 2 notes