RESEARCH in progress . . . . .
science partners:
Study of Residential Location Choices and Outdoor
Recreation Choices in King County, Washington
Findings
•
Access to outdoor recreation opportunities and natural
amenities were rated among the top three factors
when deciding to move to a community
•
Suburban communities rated scenic views as most
important factor in choosing a home, whereas exurban
and rural areas rated outdoor recreation opportunities
as most important.
•
The most frequently visited outdoor places visited were
closest to the residents’ home location. Suburban
residents frequented more developed spaces such as
playgrounds and paved trails while rural residents
frequented more natural areas. Exurban residents
frequented both types of parks.
Outdoor Recreation Places and Activities
Park Type
Distance
Frequency
Activities
Community
What Is the Issue?
Population growth near the forest edge in King County has
increased dramatically over the last decade. This study
seeks to understand the various push-and-pull factors
driving growth and development along the urban to rural
continuum.
Why Is This Research Important?
By exploring how natural amenity factors such as access to
recreation opportunities and scenic beauty influenced
residential location choices near forest and natural lands
boundaries, we can provide nearby land managers with a
greater understanding of the needs and expectations of
their new neighbors. This information will help develop
appropriate strategies for access and preservation, and will
increase partnerships with forest-edge residents.
Study Approach
During 2013, the study team conducted focus groups with
suburban, exurban and rural residents in southeastern King
County (n = 72) to gather information regarding factors that
influenced their residential location choice and outdoor
recreation patterns. We also conducted in-depth interviews
with real estate professionals, local planners, and
developers (n = 15) to further our understanding of
residential location and outdoor recreation preferences
and behaviors.
LEE CERVENY, USDA Forest Service, 206-732-7832
email: lcerveny@fs.fed.us
JENNA TILT, Oregon State University, 541-737-1232
email: tiltj@onid.orst.edu
Suburban
Multi-Use,
Recreational
0.5–5
miles
Exurban
Multi-Use,
Recreational,
Naturalpassive
0.5–5
miles
Rural
Naturalpassive
5–15
miles
Common to
all groups
National
Parks,
Forests, Ski
Areas
15–50
miles
1–2
trips/week
1–2
trips/mo.
1–2
trips/week
1–2
trips/year
Top Factors in Moving to the Community
FACTORS
TOTAL
Suburban
Exurban
Parks and open
spaces for
outdoor
recreation
School quality
and familyfriendly
Walk, bike,
swim,
events,
playground
Hike,
mountain
bike, swim,
playground,
garden
Hike,
horseback,
trail work
Hike, ski,
camp
Rural
29%
17%
31%
44%
22%
22%
27%
0%
Scenic views and
natural
amenities
20%
28%
16%
20%
Affordability
13%
7%
15%
16%
10%
7%
11%
8%
7%
19%
0%
12%
Home property
features
Proximity to
both urban and
rural areas
Funding for this work is provided by the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (in education and training programs and activities), age, disability, or
retaliation.