Signal People with access to social infrastructure report close friends at 32% versus 9%

Summary

The Wellness Communities and Real Estate Initiative cites a 2025 study published in Health and Place on the neighbourhood environment and loneliness. The study found that social infrastructure, when well maintained, is a measurable factor in reducing loneliness. People who have access to such infrastructure are three times as likely to report having close friends. The comparison is 32% for those with access against 9% for those without. The Initiative uses the result to argue that designing for connection has real effects rather than being a soft amenity. It adds that such design influences resident satisfaction, tenant retention, community health and asset performance.