REALTOR® Homeownership, Stable Communities Linked

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-NAR: Homeownership, Stable Communities Linked

NAR: Homeownership, Stable Communities Linked Home owners are more active in their communities, benefit from improved education opportunities, and report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness when compared to renters, according to leading research. A new report from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing, explores the impact of stable housing and the positive social outcomes resulting from homeownership.

“Homeownership is in investment in your future – home is where we make memories, build our lives and feel comfortable and secure,” said Vicki Cox Golder. “Owning a home has long-standing government support in this country because homeownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens our communities, and is integral to our nation’s economy.”

NAR’s study identifies research from government, industry, and academia that identified the relationship between homeownership and stable communities. Home owners move far less frequently than renters, and therefore are embedded into the same neighborhood and community for a longer amount of time. This allows for social cohesion, ultimately resulting in social benefits and stronger communities.

“REALTORS® care as much about keeping families in their homes as they do about helping them find the home of their dreams,” said Golder. “Social benefits do not arise solely from ownership, but also from greater housing stability and social ties associated with less frequent moves among home owners.”

Several research studies cited in the NAR report have found that homeownership has a significant impact on educational achievement. For instance, the decision by teenage students to stay in school is higher for those raised by parents who are homeowners compared to those whose parents are renters. Access to economic and educational opportunities are also more prevalent in neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership. Furthermore, studies have shown that changing schools frequently due to moving impacts negatively a child’s educational outcome.

Civic participation is another social benefit resulting from homeownership and stable housing. Home owners are proven to be more politically active and are more likely to vote in local elections compared to renters. In addition, homeowners have a higher membership in voluntary organizations.

Studies have shown that home owners are more likely to believe that they can do things as well as anyone else, and they self-report higher ratings on their physical health. “The research shows that home owners report higher self-esteem and happiness than renters, resulting in better overall health, both physically and psychologically,” said Golder.

When it comes to property, home owners have more invested both financially and emotionally. Property crimes affect home owners directly, but nonviolent property crimes can impact the property values of the entire neighborhood. Therefore, home owners are more motivated to deter crime by forming and implementing voluntary crime-prevention programs. In addition, it is easier for home owners to recognize perpetrators in stable neighborhoods because of extensive social ties. Unstable neighborhoods often display social disorganization which can lead to higher levels of crime.

Along with protecting their home and neighborhood from crime, home owners spend more time and money maintaining their home than renters. Neighbors also influence other home owners to improve their property, resulting in a better overall quality of the community.

“Homeownership certainly contributes to positive social outcomes, but those outcomes are truly a result of stable housing communities,” said Golder. “With strong social ties and a cohesive community, home owners can enjoy not only the long-term financial benefit of owning a home, but also a more satisfying life – which is what’s really at the heart of the American Dream.”Source: NAR

Parks and Recreation

Needing to find some quite time and a good place to unwind? Looking to explore lakes, gardens, scenic walking trails, play tennis, have a picnic, or play some sports? Then you have visited the right blog! Take a look at the 17 - yes, 17!! - parks available to you right here in Hickory, NC. During this past week, I visited all of the Hickory parks with family, not only to enjoy the area, but to better familiarize myself with homes in the areas.

If you have not visited your local parks, this is a great way to learn more about areas in your city you may not visit as frequently.

Civitan Park: Covered picnic area, two tennis courts, a basketball court, softball and football fields, playground, and concession stand.
Cliff S. Teague Park: Tennis court, playground, basketball court, and horseshoe pit.
Fairbrook Optimist Park: Softball field, playground, and concession stand.
Henry Fork River Regional Recreation Park: 8,000 sqft picnic area, catering kitchen, tables/grills, seven soccer fields, the Alpine Tower, two playgrounds, paved walking trails, canoe launch, and concession stand. Hickory City Park: Picnic area, tables/grills, eight tennis courts, walking and nature trails, and bikeway. Hickory Optimist Park: Picnic area, tables/grills, tennis court, basketball court, softball field, playground, horeshoe pits, and concession stand.


Geitner Park: Activity building, picnic area with tables/grills, gazebo, bikeway, walking and nature trails, boat dock, and fishing pier.


Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park: Five picnic areas with tables/grills, two playgrounds, gazebo, lighted/paved walking trail, nature boardwalk, 18-hole golf course, canoe launch, horseshoe pits, and memorial gardens.


Jaycee Park: Basketball court, baseball field, playground, and concession stand.

Kiwanis Park: Two picnic areas with tables/grills, tennnis court, basketball court, four baseball fields, two playgrounds, horeshoe pits, walking trail, and two concession stands.


McComb Park / Beaver Memorial Garden: Water fountain, seating area, local art work on hand-designed benches, gazebo, and memorial garden.


Neill W. Clark Jr. Recreation Park: Outdoor basketball court, four soccer fields, playground, horeshoe pits, and gymnasium.

Southside Heights Park: Picnic area with tables/grills, basketball court, playground, and multi-purpose field.


Stanford Park / Highland Recreation Center: Three softball fields, basketball court, picnic area, two playgrounds, paved walking trail, skate park, and recreation center.

Taft Broome Park: Picnic area with tables/grills, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, multi-purpose field, playground, horseshoe pits, putting green, and outdoor swimming pool with slide. Also includes Brown Penn Recreation Center, Brown Penn Senior Center, and Ridgeview Recreation Center.

West Hickory Park: Basketball court, softball field, playground, and outdoor swimming pool with slide.

Winkler Park: Picnic area with grills, playground, walking and nature trails, and horseshoe pits. Also includes the Winkler Activity Center, Winkler Museum, Winkler Home Place, and L. P. Frans Stadium, where the Hickory Crawdads Baseball team plays.
So, if you haven't already visited some of these parks, gardens, and recreation centers in Hickory, NC, now is the time to check them out!

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