As plans unfold for rebuilding New Orleans neighborhoods, communities, residents and experts need information about the neighborhood characteristics that city residents value most highly.  The Prevention Research Center at Tulane University surveyed 1,073 returned and displaced residents, asking them to rate the importance of 24 different neighborhood features and characteristics. The survey and its 30-page report are part of a project funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

Besides safety and good street lighting, New Orleans residents also rated very highly features that make it pleasant to spend time and walk outdoors in neighborhoods, such as sidewalks, parks and reduced traffic.