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Housing Affordability

2005 Maryland Legislative Issues: Livable Communities Newsletter

Research Report

Cassandra Cantave Burton, AARP Knowledge Management

November 2006


The desirable characteristics that contribute to making communities livable are explored in these findings from a late 2005 mail survey of AARP members in Maryland who were asked to rate the importance to them of various livability factors.

At the top of the list are

  • low crime (88%)
  • affordable cost of living (83%)
  • affordable housing (77%)
  • variety of housing options (71%)
  • convenient, reliable transportation (62%)
  • well-run parks and community/recreation centers (54%)
  • educational, recreational, employment training programs (52%)
  • opportunities to meet and make friends (42%)

Remaining engaged and involved is important to the surveyed members of whom 76 percent consider it important for the state to make it easier for people to access affordable transportation services so they can work, volunteer and get to health and community services.

The statewide mail survey of 2,000 Maryland AARP members was conducted during October and November 2005. Further information about the survey may be obtained by contacting Erica Dinger of AARP Knowledge Management at 202-434-6176. AARP MEMBER OPINION RESEARCH