Suburban and Traditional Neighborhood Preferences Closer Than They Seem

Study indicates that both groups of residents rank safety and attractiveness important in their satisfaction with their neighborhoods.
By: Jessica Porter

A study published in the July 2010 issue of Landscape and Urban Planning suggests that innovative neighborhood planning that incorporates qualities from suburban and traditional neighborhood plans could satisfy people who prefer to live in both types of communities

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Foreclosures Rise 8% in First Six Months of Year

RealtyTrac executive predicts more than 1 million bank repossessions in 2010.
By Jessica Porter

Foreclosure filings continue to increase in 2010, rising 8% nationally in the first six months of 2010 to nearly 2 million, compared to the same period in 2009. Almost 1.7 million properties across the country, or 1 in 78 housing units, received a foreclosure filing--which includes default notices, auctions, and repossessions--from January to June, according to Irvine, Calif.-based firm RealtyTrac’s mid-year report

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New Models for Affordable Housing Honored

HUD awards identify best practices in low-income housing, accessible design, and development.
By Jessica Porter

Architecture that practices responsible land use and blends function with aesthetics to serve local needs made a strong showing in the 2010 HUD Secretary’s Housing and Community Design Awards, sponsored by HUD and the American Institute of Architects.

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