Alberta Business Survey
Alberta Neighborhood Survey
Final Report (with appendices)
November 23, 2004
Daniel Monroe Sullivan
Department of Sociology
Portland State University
Copyright, Daniel Monroe Sullivan
All rights reserved
Introduction
The Alberta neighborhood has been undergoing a lot of changes in recent years. Some people refer to these changes as “revitalization,” while others call it Agentrification.” Whichever term you use it is clear that many of the newer residents have more education and higher incomes, resulting in an increase in homeownership and home renovations, and a decline in abandoned houses and vacant lots (see Table 1). There also has been a marked decrease in crime and an increase in businesses opening on Alberta Street, with some now referring to the neighborhood as the “Alberta Arts District.” Unfortunately, there has also been a dramatic rise in housing prices and rent, making the neighborhood decidedly less affordable. This has put an economic strain on some residents, some of whom have been forced out the neighborhood. In addition, there has been a substantial drop in African American residents and an increase in whites and Latinos. With all of these changes taking place, the goals of this survey are to see how current residents feel about the changes that have taken place in the neighborhood, how they interact with their neighbors, and how active they are in neighborhood.
During May of 2004, 11 students from Portland State University interviewed 243 randomly chosen residents. Interviewers attempted many times to contact selected residents, both homeowners and renters, in order to insure that our sample was representative of the neighborhood. (See Appendix A at end of report for a description of respondents, and Appendix B for a comparison of respondents to all Alberta residents.) The response rate was 76%; the 24% whom were not interviewed either did not want to participate or interviewers were not able to contact them.
Table 1: Demographic Changes in the Alberta Neighborhood, 1990-20001
1990 2000
Own home 41% 52%
Rent 47% 43%
Vacant 12% 6%
Housing units 2,036 1,986
Median house price $49,1362 $133,585
Median rent $5612 $679
Poverty rate 31% 15%
Median Household Income $25,9052 $37,918
High school degree or higher 75% 74%
College degree or higher 11% 30%
African American 44% 25%3
White, non-Latino 46% 51%
Latino 3% 8%
Other 8% 15%
1: Neighborhood boundaries correspond to Census Tract 32, Block groups 1 and 2, and Census Tract 31, Block Groups 1 and 2. The boundaries are formed by NE Killingsworth, NE 33rd, NE Prescott, and NE 15th.
2: Adjusted for inflation. In 2000 dollars.
3: A multi-racial category was added to the 2000 census. It is very likely that some who identified themselves as African American in 1990 changed their identification to multi-racial in 2000. Therefore, the 19 percentage point drop in African Americans 1990-2000 probably exaggerates the decline in African Americans.
Source: United States Census.
Opinions About the Neighborhood
Many people express ambivalence about the changes taking place in Alberta B they like some of the changes, but are uneasy about others. In their overall assessment, over the last five years, 60% of respondents feel the neighborhood has gotten better and 34% feel that it has stayed about the same. Many who stated that the neighborhood has stayed about the same actually feel that the neighborhood has gotten better in some respects and worse in other respects. Five percent feel the neighborhood has gotten worse. There is more agreement about the future of Alberta: 80% believe it will get better in the next five years, while 15% say it will stay about the same and 6% feel it will get worse. Eighty-five percent rate the neighborhood as “good” or “excellent.” Statistical analysis shows that whites, homeowners and those with a college degree tend to evaluate the neighborhood more highly. There is no clear difference in evaluation based on how long a person has lived in the neighborhood.
In terms of neighborhood problems, more than half of residents say that the lack of affordable housing is a problem, with 32% saying it is a serious problem and 27% saying it is a minor
problem. Poor quality of schools is the second most-cited problem, followed by drug dealing and police not caring (see Table 2).
Unlike most neighborhoods in Portland and indeed in most U.S cities, Alberta is racially diverse. Table 2 shows that 11% of respondents report that tension between racial/ethnic groups is a serious problem, and one-third feel that it is a minor problem. Alberta also has a range of economic groups. Eight percent feel that tension between economic groups is a serious problem, while another 29% feel that it is a minor problem.
Statistical analysis shows that the more education a person has, especially a graduate degree, the more neighborhood problems they perceive. Surprisingly, those who have lived in the neighborhood for 5-10 years perceive the most problems, with newcomers (less than one year) and old-timers (20 years or more) perceiving the fewest problems. With few exceptions, there is little difference based on race or ownership status. However, more minorities feel that “police not caring” is a problem, and more homeowners feel that “poor quality schools” is a problem.
Given the increasing cost of rent and property taxes, we asked residents whether they were concerned about whether they would be able to afford to continue living in their current house or apartment. Seventeen percent said that they were “somewhat” concerned and 8% said that they were “very” concerned. As Table 3 shows, there is no major differences in opinion based on race, education or number of years living in the neighborhood. However, renters (37.3%) are more than twice as likely than homeowners (16.5%) to express concern. With that said, it is notable that concern about displacement is not exclusively a concern for renters; some homeowners also feel as if they might not be able to afford to stay in their current house.
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Table 2: Opinions about Neighborhood Problems (%)
Serious Minor No Undecided/
Problem Problem Problem Don=t Know
Not enough affordable housing 32.1 26.7 29.6 11.5
Poor quality schools 27.6 11.1 16.5 44.9
Drug dealing 21.0 28.0 44.0 7.0
Police not caring 15.4 15.8 57.3 11.6
Trash in the streets 11.5 34.6 57.6 0.4
Tension B racial/ethnic groups 11.1 33.6 49.0 5.8
Burglaries and thefts 10.7 38.0 43.0 8.3
Vandalism and graffiti 8.2 40.7 49.8 1.2
Tension B economic groups 7.9 28.6 53.2 10.3
Loud noises (other than music) 7.4 34.0 55.2 0.5
Organized gangs 6.7 21.5 53.7 15.7
Not enough homeowners 6.2 21.9 57.9 14.0
Not maintaining lawns/property 5.3 42.8 50.6 1.2
Loud music 4.5 36.6 58.8 0.0
Assaults and muggings 4.1 19.0 64.0 12.8
Table 3: Characteristics of Respondents Who Feel Vulnerable to Displacement1 (%)
All respondents 25.3
Race
White 23.7
Minorities 29.9
Education
College degree 27.2
No college degree 23.6
Housing Status
Homeowner 16.5
Renter 37.3
Years Living in Neighborhood
Less than one year 20.5
1-3 years 27.1
3-5 years 38.2
5-10 years 16.7
10-20 years 28.6
20+ years 20.7
1: They claimed that they were somewhat concerned or very concerned that they would not be able to afford to stay in their current house or apartment.
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Relations With Neighbors
Nearly half of the respondents know most or all of their neighbors (within a one block radius) by name or by sight; very few (2.5%) do not know any. Similarly, just over half said that, in general, they trust most or all of their neighbors, but 30% said they trust none or only a few. Statistical analysis indicates that homeowners and whites know and trust more of their neighbors. Those with a college degree also trust more of their neighbors.
Table 4 shows that 94% of respondents have had a conversation with their neighbors during the last 12 months, with nearly 70% having conversations at least weekly. And 63% have visited or gotten together socially with at least one neighbor, with 22% doing so on a weekly basis. A majority also have borrowed or loaned something to a neighbor (70%) and watched their house while a neighbor was on vacation (60%). Once again, homeowners are much more likely to do these activities than are renters. Those with a college degree tend to borrow/lend and visit with their neighbors more often.
Table 4: Relations With Neighbors (%)
Less Than
Weekly Monthly Monthly Never
During the past 12 months how frequently have you...
...had a conversation 68.9 17.8 7.5 5.8
...visited/gotten together socially 22.4 19.9 20.7 36.9
...borrowed/loaned something 14.1 20.7 35.7 29.5
Involvement in the Neighborhood
Almost half of the respondents (45%) contributed labor, money, or other material items to one or more neighborhood organization, while 12% received something from a neighborhood organization. One-third of respondents participate in at least one neighborhood organization. Local churches appears to be the most popular neighborhood organization (13% of respondents), followed by youth organizations and attending neighborhood association meetings (see Table 5). Statistical analysis indicates that homeowners and those with at least some post-secondary education are more likely to belong to an organization.
Of the 41 households that have children in school, only 31 percent send their children to the local schools. Over half (56%) send them to nonlocal public schools (e.g., magnet schools) and 12 percent send them to private schools. Statistical analysis shows that whites, homeowners, and those with a college degree are more likely to send their children to nonlocal public schools or private school.
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In regards to the monthly art festival, Last Thursday, 60% of respondents went at least once during the past 12 months (see Table 6). Of these, they went an average of just over four times (of the possible 12). Statistical tests show that those with a college degree and whites were more likely to go, although nearly half of minorities went at least once. And those who have lived in the neighborhood for one to five years were also more likely to go. Residents who have lived in the neighborhood for at least 10 years were the least likely group to attend.
Table 5: Involvement in Neighborhood Organizations (%)
Religious services in neighborhood 12.8
Youth organization 8.2
Neighborhood association meetings 7.0
Neighborhood crime watch group 6.2
Art organization 6.2
Parents= association 6.2
Adult sports team/outdoor activity club 4.9
Religious organization 2.9
Senior citizen organization 1.2
Note: 7.0% of respondents were involved in other neighborhood organizations.
Table 6: Characteristics of Residents Who Go to the Last Thursday Art Festival1 (%)
All respondents 60.9
Race
White 66.1
Minorities 48.5
Education
College degree 75.9
No college degree 47.2
Housing Status
Homeowner 62.9
Renter 58.3
Years Living in Neighborhood
Less than one year 59.1
1-3 years 77.5
3-5 years 67.6
5-10 years 56.8
10-20 years 35.7
20+ years 44.8
1: Went at least once during the past twelve months. These statistics do not include people from outside the neighborhood who go to Last Thursday.
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There are two new grocery stores in the neighborhood. Almost 90% of respondents went to New Season’s at least once during the past twelve months. Of these, over half went at least weekly. Whites and homeowners were more likely to go, while those with a high school degree were less likely to shop there and those with less than a high school degree were even less likely to go. Even though the interviewers did not ask, a number of respondents who did not shop there stated that New Season’s was too expensive.
Just over half of respondents went to the Alberta Co-op Grocery at least once. Of these, 22% shopped there at least weekly. Whites were twice as likely to shop there than minorities. Residents with a college degree and who have lived in the neighborhood for less than ten years were also more likely to shop there.
Inter-racial Relations
Because the Alberta neighborhood has a very diverse population, both in terms of race and economic class, we wanted to know whether people interacted with fellow residents whom were different from themselves. In terms of neighborhood friends, we found that over two-thirds of respondents reported that most or all of their friends who lived in Alberta were of their same race, with whites and those with a college degree more likely to report that (see Table 7).
Nearly one-half of respondents who go to religious services in the neighborhood said that most or all of those attending religious services with them were of the same race.
Unlike neighborhood friends and religious services, there seems to be more racial diversity in neighborhood organizations. Over three-fourths of respondents said that in the neighborhood organization that is most important to them some or most are of the same race. Only 8% reported that all other members were of the same race. Statistical analysis reveals that whites are more likely to be in organizations that are mostly or all white. Those with a college degree are also more likely to report that most or all members are of the same race.
Table 7: Inter-racial Relations (%)
All Most Some A few None
Neighborhood friends are same race 31.8 37.4 15.6 11.2 3.9
Church members are same race 11.1 48.1 29.6 11.1 0.0
Members of neighborhood org. are same race1 8.3 56.9 22.2 6.9 5.6
1: The neighborhood organization that is most important to the respondent.
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Conclusion
The Alberta neighborhood is in the midst of major changes: an increase in the number of homeowners, and higher-income and higher-educated residents, and new businesses on Alberta Street, and a decrease in affordable housing. With all of these changes taking place, most residents like the neighborhood and feel that it will get even better in the future. However, there is less agreement about neighborhood problems that currently exist, and whether or not neighborhood changes during the last five years improved the neighborhood.
Residents are more concerned about the lack of affordable housing than any other problem. And a quarter of respondents are concerned that they themselves may not be able to afford to continue living in their current house or apartment. Renters feel especially vulnerable.
After spending a month in the streets of Alberta talking to hundreds of residents, there seems to be widespread concern that if rent, property taxes, and housing prices continue to rise dramatically the economic and racial diversity that currently exists and that many residents like will decline.
The author would like to thank the Portland State University students in the Sociology Master=s Program for their hard work and all of the Alberta residents who participated in the study.
Questions or comments can be sent to:
Daniel Sullivan
Portland State University
Department of Sociology
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
E-mail: dsulliva@pdx.edu
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Appendix A: Characteristics of Participating Residents
Number of years living in Alberta1 7.6
Age 39.6
College degree2 50.2%
Women 55.6%
Men 44.4%
Homeowner 61.9%
Renter 38.1%
Households with children 32.3%
Relationship status
Married 35.0%
Not married, but living with partner 11.7%
Not married, not living with partner 52.9%
Race/Ethnicity
White, non-Hispanic 71.9%
African American 16.1%
Hispanic 5.8%
Multiracial 4.1%
Alaskan Native/Native American 1.7%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0.4%
1: Less than 1 year = 13.3% of respondents; 1-3 years = 21.5%; 3.1-5 years = 10.3%; 5.1-10 years = 11.2%; 10.1-20 years = 8.5%, and more than 20 years = 35.2%.
2: 25 years or older.
Note: Number of participating residents = 243.
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Appendix B: Technical Details of Survey
The survey was conducted during May of 2004. Eleven trained interviewers conducted approximately15-minute face-to-face interviews with 243 Alberta residents.
The majority of survey questions came from well-established national surveys, including the Social Capital Community Benchmark (Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 2000), National Institute of Justice, Neighborhood Revitalization and Disorder (1993-2000), and The Center for Disease Control (1992). After constructing the survey, the interviewers pretested the survey to ensure its validity.
The neighborhood boundaries used for this study were NE Killingsworth Avenue (northern boundary), NE Prescott Avenue (southern boundary), NE 33rd Avenue (western boundary), and NE 15th Avenue (eastern boundary).
The sampling frame was constructed by the interviewers walking the streets of Alberta and recording all the housing units, both houses and apartment units. (Note: Each apartment unit was counted as a separate housing unit.) We excluded institutionally sponsored housing such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation houses since their stay there is often temporary and not of their own choosing. Overall, 1,940 housing units were recorded. We then eliminated 69 units from this list due to no access (2 units), “no soliciting” signs (28), “beware of dog” signs and a gate (28), “no trespassing” signs (9), and “sketchy” houses (2). Our final list contained 1,871 units. From this list, we selected about one out of every six units, totaling 330 units, using systematic random sampling. Random sampling was used to ensure that the sample was representative of the entire neighborhood. To further ensure that our sample was representative, interviewers returned numerous times (and at different times of the day, and on different days of the week) in an attempt to secure an interview. In only 12 cases were interviewers unable to make any contact with residents. In these cases, they made an average of 10.6 attempts to make contact. If interviewers encountered a housing unit that was vacant (e.g., abandoned, for sale, or for rent) they were instructed to interview a resident in the housing unit to the left of it.
Overall, 243 (74%) residents participated, 66 (20%) did not want to participate, and 12 (4%) were never contacted. [An additional nine units were determined to be vacant.] A postcard that described the survey was sent to selected households a few days before interviewers knocked on their door.
It appears that our sample is relatively representative of Alberta residents in terms of sex, and ownership status, but, as is common with surveys, over represents those who are white non-Hispanics and who have a college degree. [Note 1: Although there is a higher percent of white, non-Hispanic respondents than the 2000 census, the neighborhood has had an increase in white, non-Hispanics in the neighborhood from 2000 to 2004. As a result, I suspect that the 71.9% of white, non-Hispanics in the 2004 survey more closely represents the current neighborhood population than the 2000 Census data suggest. Note 2: This same argument can be applied to those with a college degree. The 2004 respondents over-represent those with a college degree,
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but not by as much as the 2000 census suggests. That is because between 2000 and 2004 a greater percentage of new residents have a college degree.]
Demographic Characteristics: Survey Respondents vs. All Alberta Residents
2004 Survey 2000 U.S.
Respondents Census
College degree 50.2 29.9
Women 55.6 51.5
Men 44.4 48.5
Homeowner 61.9 55.9
Renter 38.1 44.1
Race/Ethnicity
White, non-Hispanic 71.9 52.5
African American 16.1 30.1
Hispanic 5.8 7.4
Multiracial 4.1 5.8
Alaskan Native/Native American 1.7 1.4
Asian/Pacific Islander 0.4 2.4
Other 0.0 0.0
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Appendix C: Alberta Neighborhood Survey
(1) I would like to begin by asking how long have you lived in this house/apartment?
(2) Is this the only place you have lived in the Alberta Neighborhood?
(3) Do any of your relatives live in the neighborhood?
(4) How many of your friends live in the neighborhood – all, most, some, a few or none?
(4a) (IF ALL, MOST, SOME, or A FEW) Of your friends who live in the neighborhood, about how many of them would you say are the same race as you – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(4b) (IF ALL, MOST, SOME, or A FEW) And about how many of them would you say are college educated – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(5) Have you watched a neighbor’s home while they were away or had them watch your home?
(6) Have you contributed to a neighborhood organization – for example, contributed money, food, clothing, or volunteer labor?
(7) Have you received anything from a neighborhood organization?
(8) During the past 12 months, how frequently have you borrowed something or loaned something to a neighbor – weekly, monthly, less than once a month, or never?
(9) How frequently have you had a conversation with any of your neighbors – that is, not just saying ‘hello’ or talking about the weather, but talking for at least a few minutes – weekly, monthly, less than once a month, or never?
(10) How frequently have you visited or gotten together socially with any of your neighbors – weekly, monthly, less than once a month, or never?
(11) Not including weddings and funerals, do you attend religious services in the neighborhood?
(11a) (IF YES) About how many who attend would you say are the same race as you – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(11b) (IF YES) And about how many of them would you say are college educated – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(12) During the past 12 months have you gone to the Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street?
(13) During the past 12 months have you shopped at the New Season’s Market on 33rd and Killingsworth?
(13a) (IF YES) How often do you shop there – would you say weekly, monthly or less than once a month?
(14) During the past 12 months have you shopped at the Alberta Street Co-op on 15th and Alberta?
(14a) (IF YES) How often do you shop there – would you say weekly, monthly or less than once a month?
(15) During the past 12 months, have you taken part in any of the following groups in the neighborhood:
- Neighborhood Association meetings
- A neighborhood crime watch group
- An art or artist organization
- A religious organization (other than attending religious services)
- An adult sports team or outdoor activity club
-A youth organization (e.g. youth sports league or Boys & Girls Club)
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- A parents’ association (e.g. the PTA, or some other school organization)
- An organization for senior citizens
- Another neighborhood group
(15a) (IF YES TO ANY) Of all the groups you are involved with in the neighborhood, which one is most important to you?
(15a1) About how many members of this group would you say are the same race as you – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(15a2) And how many of them would you say are college educated – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(16) In your opinion, over the past 5 years, has the neighborhood gotten better or worse, or has it stayed about the same?
(17) In your opinion, over the next 5 years, will this neighborhood get better or worse, or will it stay about the same?
(18) Do you expect to be living in this neighborhood 5 years from now?
(18a) (IF NO or DON’T KNOW) Why not?
(19) Overall, how would you rate this neighborhood as a place to live – excellent, good, fair or poor?
(20) Please tell me whether in this neighborhood you think they are a serious problem, a minor problem, or no problem at all.
- Loud music.
- Other loud noises, like dogs barking, traffic, or lawn mowers.
- Trash in the streets.
- People not maintaining their lawn or property.
- Vandalism and graffiti.
- Burglaries and thefts.
- Assaults and muggings.
- Drug dealing.
- Police not caring.
- Poor quality schools.
- Tension between different racial or ethnic groups.
- Tension between different economic groups.
- Organized gangs
- Not enough homeowners
- Not enough affordable housing
(21) Are you concerned at all that you might not be able to afford to stay in this home?
(21a) (IF YES) Would you say that you are very concerned or somewhat concerned?
(22) How many of your neighbors do you know by sight or by name – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(23) Generally speaking, how many of your neighbors do you trust – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(24) Do you or your family own this place or do you rent?
(25) Are you currently married, living with a partner, or single?
(26) Do you have any children living with you?
(26a) (IF YES) Are any of them in school? (elementary, junior high, or high school)
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(26a1) (IF YES) Do they attend their local public school, another public school, or a private school?
(26b) (IF YES) Are any of them younger than school age?
(27) In what year were you born?
(28) What race do you consider yourself?
(29) Could you tell me which best describes your level of education -- less than a high school diploma, high school diploma (or GED), associate or technical degree, bachelor=s degree, graduate or professional degree, or other?
(30) Could you tell me which best describes your working status B caretaker, full-time worker,
part-time worker, not working/retired, student? (Notes: Respondents can answer more than one work category. If they work, we then asked their occupation and how many hours per week they work on average. If they are a caretaker we then asked if they are the primary caretaker.)
(31) If we have any follow up questions, would you be willing to talk in the future?
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Final Report (with appendices)
November 23, 2004
Daniel Monroe Sullivan
Department of Sociology
Portland State University
Copyright, Daniel Monroe Sullivan
All rights reserved
Introduction
The Alberta neighborhood has been undergoing a lot of changes in recent years. Some people refer to these changes as “revitalization,” while others call it Agentrification.” Whichever term you use it is clear that many of the newer residents have more education and higher incomes, resulting in an increase in homeownership and home renovations, and a decline in abandoned houses and vacant lots (see Table 1). There also has been a marked decrease in crime and an increase in businesses opening on Alberta Street, with some now referring to the neighborhood as the “Alberta Arts District.” Unfortunately, there has also been a dramatic rise in housing prices and rent, making the neighborhood decidedly less affordable. This has put an economic strain on some residents, some of whom have been forced out the neighborhood. In addition, there has been a substantial drop in African American residents and an increase in whites and Latinos. With all of these changes taking place, the goals of this survey are to see how current residents feel about the changes that have taken place in the neighborhood, how they interact with their neighbors, and how active they are in neighborhood.
During May of 2004, 11 students from Portland State University interviewed 243 randomly chosen residents. Interviewers attempted many times to contact selected residents, both homeowners and renters, in order to insure that our sample was representative of the neighborhood. (See Appendix A at end of report for a description of respondents, and Appendix B for a comparison of respondents to all Alberta residents.) The response rate was 76%; the 24% whom were not interviewed either did not want to participate or interviewers were not able to contact them.
Table 1: Demographic Changes in the Alberta Neighborhood, 1990-20001
1990 2000
Own home 41% 52%
Rent 47% 43%
Vacant 12% 6%
Housing units 2,036 1,986
Median house price $49,1362 $133,585
Median rent $5612 $679
Poverty rate 31% 15%
Median Household Income $25,9052 $37,918
High school degree or higher 75% 74%
College degree or higher 11% 30%
African American 44% 25%3
White, non-Latino 46% 51%
Latino 3% 8%
Other 8% 15%
1: Neighborhood boundaries correspond to Census Tract 32, Block groups 1 and 2, and Census Tract 31, Block Groups 1 and 2. The boundaries are formed by NE Killingsworth, NE 33rd, NE Prescott, and NE 15th.
2: Adjusted for inflation. In 2000 dollars.
3: A multi-racial category was added to the 2000 census. It is very likely that some who identified themselves as African American in 1990 changed their identification to multi-racial in 2000. Therefore, the 19 percentage point drop in African Americans 1990-2000 probably exaggerates the decline in African Americans.
Source: United States Census.
Opinions About the Neighborhood
Many people express ambivalence about the changes taking place in Alberta B they like some of the changes, but are uneasy about others. In their overall assessment, over the last five years, 60% of respondents feel the neighborhood has gotten better and 34% feel that it has stayed about the same. Many who stated that the neighborhood has stayed about the same actually feel that the neighborhood has gotten better in some respects and worse in other respects. Five percent feel the neighborhood has gotten worse. There is more agreement about the future of Alberta: 80% believe it will get better in the next five years, while 15% say it will stay about the same and 6% feel it will get worse. Eighty-five percent rate the neighborhood as “good” or “excellent.” Statistical analysis shows that whites, homeowners and those with a college degree tend to evaluate the neighborhood more highly. There is no clear difference in evaluation based on how long a person has lived in the neighborhood.
In terms of neighborhood problems, more than half of residents say that the lack of affordable housing is a problem, with 32% saying it is a serious problem and 27% saying it is a minor
problem. Poor quality of schools is the second most-cited problem, followed by drug dealing and police not caring (see Table 2).
Unlike most neighborhoods in Portland and indeed in most U.S cities, Alberta is racially diverse. Table 2 shows that 11% of respondents report that tension between racial/ethnic groups is a serious problem, and one-third feel that it is a minor problem. Alberta also has a range of economic groups. Eight percent feel that tension between economic groups is a serious problem, while another 29% feel that it is a minor problem.
Statistical analysis shows that the more education a person has, especially a graduate degree, the more neighborhood problems they perceive. Surprisingly, those who have lived in the neighborhood for 5-10 years perceive the most problems, with newcomers (less than one year) and old-timers (20 years or more) perceiving the fewest problems. With few exceptions, there is little difference based on race or ownership status. However, more minorities feel that “police not caring” is a problem, and more homeowners feel that “poor quality schools” is a problem.
Given the increasing cost of rent and property taxes, we asked residents whether they were concerned about whether they would be able to afford to continue living in their current house or apartment. Seventeen percent said that they were “somewhat” concerned and 8% said that they were “very” concerned. As Table 3 shows, there is no major differences in opinion based on race, education or number of years living in the neighborhood. However, renters (37.3%) are more than twice as likely than homeowners (16.5%) to express concern. With that said, it is notable that concern about displacement is not exclusively a concern for renters; some homeowners also feel as if they might not be able to afford to stay in their current house.
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Table 2: Opinions about Neighborhood Problems (%)
Serious Minor No Undecided/
Problem Problem Problem Don=t Know
Not enough affordable housing 32.1 26.7 29.6 11.5
Poor quality schools 27.6 11.1 16.5 44.9
Drug dealing 21.0 28.0 44.0 7.0
Police not caring 15.4 15.8 57.3 11.6
Trash in the streets 11.5 34.6 57.6 0.4
Tension B racial/ethnic groups 11.1 33.6 49.0 5.8
Burglaries and thefts 10.7 38.0 43.0 8.3
Vandalism and graffiti 8.2 40.7 49.8 1.2
Tension B economic groups 7.9 28.6 53.2 10.3
Loud noises (other than music) 7.4 34.0 55.2 0.5
Organized gangs 6.7 21.5 53.7 15.7
Not enough homeowners 6.2 21.9 57.9 14.0
Not maintaining lawns/property 5.3 42.8 50.6 1.2
Loud music 4.5 36.6 58.8 0.0
Assaults and muggings 4.1 19.0 64.0 12.8
Table 3: Characteristics of Respondents Who Feel Vulnerable to Displacement1 (%)
All respondents 25.3
Race
White 23.7
Minorities 29.9
Education
College degree 27.2
No college degree 23.6
Housing Status
Homeowner 16.5
Renter 37.3
Years Living in Neighborhood
Less than one year 20.5
1-3 years 27.1
3-5 years 38.2
5-10 years 16.7
10-20 years 28.6
20+ years 20.7
1: They claimed that they were somewhat concerned or very concerned that they would not be able to afford to stay in their current house or apartment.
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Relations With Neighbors
Nearly half of the respondents know most or all of their neighbors (within a one block radius) by name or by sight; very few (2.5%) do not know any. Similarly, just over half said that, in general, they trust most or all of their neighbors, but 30% said they trust none or only a few. Statistical analysis indicates that homeowners and whites know and trust more of their neighbors. Those with a college degree also trust more of their neighbors.
Table 4 shows that 94% of respondents have had a conversation with their neighbors during the last 12 months, with nearly 70% having conversations at least weekly. And 63% have visited or gotten together socially with at least one neighbor, with 22% doing so on a weekly basis. A majority also have borrowed or loaned something to a neighbor (70%) and watched their house while a neighbor was on vacation (60%). Once again, homeowners are much more likely to do these activities than are renters. Those with a college degree tend to borrow/lend and visit with their neighbors more often.
Table 4: Relations With Neighbors (%)
Less Than
Weekly Monthly Monthly Never
During the past 12 months how frequently have you...
...had a conversation 68.9 17.8 7.5 5.8
...visited/gotten together socially 22.4 19.9 20.7 36.9
...borrowed/loaned something 14.1 20.7 35.7 29.5
Involvement in the Neighborhood
Almost half of the respondents (45%) contributed labor, money, or other material items to one or more neighborhood organization, while 12% received something from a neighborhood organization. One-third of respondents participate in at least one neighborhood organization. Local churches appears to be the most popular neighborhood organization (13% of respondents), followed by youth organizations and attending neighborhood association meetings (see Table 5). Statistical analysis indicates that homeowners and those with at least some post-secondary education are more likely to belong to an organization.
Of the 41 households that have children in school, only 31 percent send their children to the local schools. Over half (56%) send them to nonlocal public schools (e.g., magnet schools) and 12 percent send them to private schools. Statistical analysis shows that whites, homeowners, and those with a college degree are more likely to send their children to nonlocal public schools or private school.
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In regards to the monthly art festival, Last Thursday, 60% of respondents went at least once during the past 12 months (see Table 6). Of these, they went an average of just over four times (of the possible 12). Statistical tests show that those with a college degree and whites were more likely to go, although nearly half of minorities went at least once. And those who have lived in the neighborhood for one to five years were also more likely to go. Residents who have lived in the neighborhood for at least 10 years were the least likely group to attend.
Table 5: Involvement in Neighborhood Organizations (%)
Religious services in neighborhood 12.8
Youth organization 8.2
Neighborhood association meetings 7.0
Neighborhood crime watch group 6.2
Art organization 6.2
Parents= association 6.2
Adult sports team/outdoor activity club 4.9
Religious organization 2.9
Senior citizen organization 1.2
Note: 7.0% of respondents were involved in other neighborhood organizations.
Table 6: Characteristics of Residents Who Go to the Last Thursday Art Festival1 (%)
All respondents 60.9
Race
White 66.1
Minorities 48.5
Education
College degree 75.9
No college degree 47.2
Housing Status
Homeowner 62.9
Renter 58.3
Years Living in Neighborhood
Less than one year 59.1
1-3 years 77.5
3-5 years 67.6
5-10 years 56.8
10-20 years 35.7
20+ years 44.8
1: Went at least once during the past twelve months. These statistics do not include people from outside the neighborhood who go to Last Thursday.
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There are two new grocery stores in the neighborhood. Almost 90% of respondents went to New Season’s at least once during the past twelve months. Of these, over half went at least weekly. Whites and homeowners were more likely to go, while those with a high school degree were less likely to shop there and those with less than a high school degree were even less likely to go. Even though the interviewers did not ask, a number of respondents who did not shop there stated that New Season’s was too expensive.
Just over half of respondents went to the Alberta Co-op Grocery at least once. Of these, 22% shopped there at least weekly. Whites were twice as likely to shop there than minorities. Residents with a college degree and who have lived in the neighborhood for less than ten years were also more likely to shop there.
Inter-racial Relations
Because the Alberta neighborhood has a very diverse population, both in terms of race and economic class, we wanted to know whether people interacted with fellow residents whom were different from themselves. In terms of neighborhood friends, we found that over two-thirds of respondents reported that most or all of their friends who lived in Alberta were of their same race, with whites and those with a college degree more likely to report that (see Table 7).
Nearly one-half of respondents who go to religious services in the neighborhood said that most or all of those attending religious services with them were of the same race.
Unlike neighborhood friends and religious services, there seems to be more racial diversity in neighborhood organizations. Over three-fourths of respondents said that in the neighborhood organization that is most important to them some or most are of the same race. Only 8% reported that all other members were of the same race. Statistical analysis reveals that whites are more likely to be in organizations that are mostly or all white. Those with a college degree are also more likely to report that most or all members are of the same race.
Table 7: Inter-racial Relations (%)
All Most Some A few None
Neighborhood friends are same race 31.8 37.4 15.6 11.2 3.9
Church members are same race 11.1 48.1 29.6 11.1 0.0
Members of neighborhood org. are same race1 8.3 56.9 22.2 6.9 5.6
1: The neighborhood organization that is most important to the respondent.
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Conclusion
The Alberta neighborhood is in the midst of major changes: an increase in the number of homeowners, and higher-income and higher-educated residents, and new businesses on Alberta Street, and a decrease in affordable housing. With all of these changes taking place, most residents like the neighborhood and feel that it will get even better in the future. However, there is less agreement about neighborhood problems that currently exist, and whether or not neighborhood changes during the last five years improved the neighborhood.
Residents are more concerned about the lack of affordable housing than any other problem. And a quarter of respondents are concerned that they themselves may not be able to afford to continue living in their current house or apartment. Renters feel especially vulnerable.
After spending a month in the streets of Alberta talking to hundreds of residents, there seems to be widespread concern that if rent, property taxes, and housing prices continue to rise dramatically the economic and racial diversity that currently exists and that many residents like will decline.
The author would like to thank the Portland State University students in the Sociology Master=s Program for their hard work and all of the Alberta residents who participated in the study.
Questions or comments can be sent to:
Daniel Sullivan
Portland State University
Department of Sociology
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
E-mail: dsulliva@pdx.edu
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Appendix A: Characteristics of Participating Residents
Number of years living in Alberta1 7.6
Age 39.6
College degree2 50.2%
Women 55.6%
Men 44.4%
Homeowner 61.9%
Renter 38.1%
Households with children 32.3%
Relationship status
Married 35.0%
Not married, but living with partner 11.7%
Not married, not living with partner 52.9%
Race/Ethnicity
White, non-Hispanic 71.9%
African American 16.1%
Hispanic 5.8%
Multiracial 4.1%
Alaskan Native/Native American 1.7%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0.4%
1: Less than 1 year = 13.3% of respondents; 1-3 years = 21.5%; 3.1-5 years = 10.3%; 5.1-10 years = 11.2%; 10.1-20 years = 8.5%, and more than 20 years = 35.2%.
2: 25 years or older.
Note: Number of participating residents = 243.
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Appendix B: Technical Details of Survey
The survey was conducted during May of 2004. Eleven trained interviewers conducted approximately15-minute face-to-face interviews with 243 Alberta residents.
The majority of survey questions came from well-established national surveys, including the Social Capital Community Benchmark (Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 2000), National Institute of Justice, Neighborhood Revitalization and Disorder (1993-2000), and The Center for Disease Control (1992). After constructing the survey, the interviewers pretested the survey to ensure its validity.
The neighborhood boundaries used for this study were NE Killingsworth Avenue (northern boundary), NE Prescott Avenue (southern boundary), NE 33rd Avenue (western boundary), and NE 15th Avenue (eastern boundary).
The sampling frame was constructed by the interviewers walking the streets of Alberta and recording all the housing units, both houses and apartment units. (Note: Each apartment unit was counted as a separate housing unit.) We excluded institutionally sponsored housing such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation houses since their stay there is often temporary and not of their own choosing. Overall, 1,940 housing units were recorded. We then eliminated 69 units from this list due to no access (2 units), “no soliciting” signs (28), “beware of dog” signs and a gate (28), “no trespassing” signs (9), and “sketchy” houses (2). Our final list contained 1,871 units. From this list, we selected about one out of every six units, totaling 330 units, using systematic random sampling. Random sampling was used to ensure that the sample was representative of the entire neighborhood. To further ensure that our sample was representative, interviewers returned numerous times (and at different times of the day, and on different days of the week) in an attempt to secure an interview. In only 12 cases were interviewers unable to make any contact with residents. In these cases, they made an average of 10.6 attempts to make contact. If interviewers encountered a housing unit that was vacant (e.g., abandoned, for sale, or for rent) they were instructed to interview a resident in the housing unit to the left of it.
Overall, 243 (74%) residents participated, 66 (20%) did not want to participate, and 12 (4%) were never contacted. [An additional nine units were determined to be vacant.] A postcard that described the survey was sent to selected households a few days before interviewers knocked on their door.
It appears that our sample is relatively representative of Alberta residents in terms of sex, and ownership status, but, as is common with surveys, over represents those who are white non-Hispanics and who have a college degree. [Note 1: Although there is a higher percent of white, non-Hispanic respondents than the 2000 census, the neighborhood has had an increase in white, non-Hispanics in the neighborhood from 2000 to 2004. As a result, I suspect that the 71.9% of white, non-Hispanics in the 2004 survey more closely represents the current neighborhood population than the 2000 Census data suggest. Note 2: This same argument can be applied to those with a college degree. The 2004 respondents over-represent those with a college degree,
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but not by as much as the 2000 census suggests. That is because between 2000 and 2004 a greater percentage of new residents have a college degree.]
Demographic Characteristics: Survey Respondents vs. All Alberta Residents
2004 Survey 2000 U.S.
Respondents Census
College degree 50.2 29.9
Women 55.6 51.5
Men 44.4 48.5
Homeowner 61.9 55.9
Renter 38.1 44.1
Race/Ethnicity
White, non-Hispanic 71.9 52.5
African American 16.1 30.1
Hispanic 5.8 7.4
Multiracial 4.1 5.8
Alaskan Native/Native American 1.7 1.4
Asian/Pacific Islander 0.4 2.4
Other 0.0 0.0
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Appendix C: Alberta Neighborhood Survey
(1) I would like to begin by asking how long have you lived in this house/apartment?
(2) Is this the only place you have lived in the Alberta Neighborhood?
(3) Do any of your relatives live in the neighborhood?
(4) How many of your friends live in the neighborhood – all, most, some, a few or none?
(4a) (IF ALL, MOST, SOME, or A FEW) Of your friends who live in the neighborhood, about how many of them would you say are the same race as you – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(4b) (IF ALL, MOST, SOME, or A FEW) And about how many of them would you say are college educated – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(5) Have you watched a neighbor’s home while they were away or had them watch your home?
(6) Have you contributed to a neighborhood organization – for example, contributed money, food, clothing, or volunteer labor?
(7) Have you received anything from a neighborhood organization?
(8) During the past 12 months, how frequently have you borrowed something or loaned something to a neighbor – weekly, monthly, less than once a month, or never?
(9) How frequently have you had a conversation with any of your neighbors – that is, not just saying ‘hello’ or talking about the weather, but talking for at least a few minutes – weekly, monthly, less than once a month, or never?
(10) How frequently have you visited or gotten together socially with any of your neighbors – weekly, monthly, less than once a month, or never?
(11) Not including weddings and funerals, do you attend religious services in the neighborhood?
(11a) (IF YES) About how many who attend would you say are the same race as you – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(11b) (IF YES) And about how many of them would you say are college educated – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(12) During the past 12 months have you gone to the Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street?
(13) During the past 12 months have you shopped at the New Season’s Market on 33rd and Killingsworth?
(13a) (IF YES) How often do you shop there – would you say weekly, monthly or less than once a month?
(14) During the past 12 months have you shopped at the Alberta Street Co-op on 15th and Alberta?
(14a) (IF YES) How often do you shop there – would you say weekly, monthly or less than once a month?
(15) During the past 12 months, have you taken part in any of the following groups in the neighborhood:
- Neighborhood Association meetings
- A neighborhood crime watch group
- An art or artist organization
- A religious organization (other than attending religious services)
- An adult sports team or outdoor activity club
-A youth organization (e.g. youth sports league or Boys & Girls Club)
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- A parents’ association (e.g. the PTA, or some other school organization)
- An organization for senior citizens
- Another neighborhood group
(15a) (IF YES TO ANY) Of all the groups you are involved with in the neighborhood, which one is most important to you?
(15a1) About how many members of this group would you say are the same race as you – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(15a2) And how many of them would you say are college educated – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(16) In your opinion, over the past 5 years, has the neighborhood gotten better or worse, or has it stayed about the same?
(17) In your opinion, over the next 5 years, will this neighborhood get better or worse, or will it stay about the same?
(18) Do you expect to be living in this neighborhood 5 years from now?
(18a) (IF NO or DON’T KNOW) Why not?
(19) Overall, how would you rate this neighborhood as a place to live – excellent, good, fair or poor?
(20) Please tell me whether in this neighborhood you think they are a serious problem, a minor problem, or no problem at all.
- Loud music.
- Other loud noises, like dogs barking, traffic, or lawn mowers.
- Trash in the streets.
- People not maintaining their lawn or property.
- Vandalism and graffiti.
- Burglaries and thefts.
- Assaults and muggings.
- Drug dealing.
- Police not caring.
- Poor quality schools.
- Tension between different racial or ethnic groups.
- Tension between different economic groups.
- Organized gangs
- Not enough homeowners
- Not enough affordable housing
(21) Are you concerned at all that you might not be able to afford to stay in this home?
(21a) (IF YES) Would you say that you are very concerned or somewhat concerned?
(22) How many of your neighbors do you know by sight or by name – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(23) Generally speaking, how many of your neighbors do you trust – all, most, some, a few, or none?
(24) Do you or your family own this place or do you rent?
(25) Are you currently married, living with a partner, or single?
(26) Do you have any children living with you?
(26a) (IF YES) Are any of them in school? (elementary, junior high, or high school)
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(26a1) (IF YES) Do they attend their local public school, another public school, or a private school?
(26b) (IF YES) Are any of them younger than school age?
(27) In what year were you born?
(28) What race do you consider yourself?
(29) Could you tell me which best describes your level of education -- less than a high school diploma, high school diploma (or GED), associate or technical degree, bachelor=s degree, graduate or professional degree, or other?
(30) Could you tell me which best describes your working status B caretaker, full-time worker,
part-time worker, not working/retired, student? (Notes: Respondents can answer more than one work category. If they work, we then asked their occupation and how many hours per week they work on average. If they are a caretaker we then asked if they are the primary caretaker.)
(31) If we have any follow up questions, would you be willing to talk in the future?
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