The contribution of noise to perception of neighborhood satisfaction, and the probability of leaving the area

Abstract

When the runaways at Sydney Airport were reconfigured, noise increased in some low-noise areas and decreased in some high-noise areas (while other areas remained highly exposed and unchanged, or minimally exposed to aircraft noise). Residents were surveyed before (N=1015), immediately after, and several years after the reconfiguration. This data set allows consideration of the extent to which ratings of the neighborhood are determined by noise versus other factors (parks, air pollution, safety). Residents were also asked whether they would consider moving because of the noise. From the follow-up data we examined which features of the residents satisfaction with the area and the noise, as well as features of the residents themselves (noise sensitivity, general sensitivity, personality, home ownership) predicted considering moving and moving. These results address the issue of the importance of soundscape in residential satisfaction, relative to other factors.