Neighborhoods are not merely physical spaces; they significantly shape residents’ well-being. Research indicates that communities fostering stronger ties and promoting a sense of belonging lead to a greater sense of pride in neighborhoods. As a result, a sense of belonging can affect residents’ decisions on whether to move out of a neighborhood. This study aims to determine how a sense of pride affects perceptions of a neighborhood and the role well-being plays in residents' decisions to move out of a neighborhood. The data set included 682 participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 65, located in urban centers around the Boston metro area. Regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables influence a sense of pride in residents, as well as which predictors significantly correlated with a resident's decision to move, pertinent to their well-being. Results discuss that neighborhood favors, social services, job opportunities, and being Black were related to a sense of pride. Furthermore, affordability, job security, and a sense of belonging were key factors in determining whether residents would move within the next five years. The data emphasize the need for greater “social psychological investments” to influence individuals' perceptions of their neighborhood and their sense of pride.
