Association of On-Post and Off-Post Resources With Perception of Residential Neighborhood Quality in U.S. Army Families

This study examined the relationship of on-and off-post resources to perceived residential neighborhood quality in 432 soldiers and their spouses from the four largest U.S. Army installations. Participants completed a questionnaire that measured one important element of perceived neighborhood quality (social cohesion/interrelatedness) and the extent to which community resources met the needs of military families. Higher levels of perceived on-and off-post resources were independently related to greater perceived neighborhood quality. After adjusting for demographics and off-post resources, on-post resources continued to be associated with perceived neighborhood quality (B D .17, p .01). Access to diverse, high-quality, and readily available community resources, particularly on-post, may enhance perceived neighborhood quality and strengthen military communities.