A majority of Americans prefer living in communities with larger homes that are farther apart, according to a new survey.
The Pew Research Center study found 55% of U.S. adults favor spread-out neighborhoods, while 44% prefer more walkable areas with smaller homes.
Researchers said the preference for larger, more spread-out housing has declined slightly from a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic but remains consistent with recent years.
The survey found differences across demographic groups, including race, age and political affiliation.
White adults were more likely to prefer spread-out communities, while Asian adults were more likely to favor walkable areas.
Younger adults ages 18 to 29 were the only age group more likely to prefer walkable communities, while older groups favored larger homes.
Political differences were also significant, with 71% of Republicans preferring spread-out communities compared to a majority of Democrats favoring more compact, walkable areas.
Preferences also varied by where people live, with rural residents most likely to prefer larger, more spread-out housing and urban residents more likely to favor walkable neighborhoods.
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