Sandra Newman
Johns Hopkins University

Tama Leventhal
Tufts University

A family’s decision about where to live determines not only the characteristics of their dwelling (for example, size, physical adequacy, and cost) but also other aspects of their residential context including whether the neighborhood is safe and whether children will have access to high-quality resources including schools, suitable neighborhood playmates, and role models. Children’s home, neighborhood, schools, peers, role models, and family define the residential context, both physical and social, in which they grow up. Their social and physical environment strongly influence children’s development.