The effect a neighborhood watch program has on the attractiveness of a neighborhood

This study examines the effect of neighborhood watch programs on the attractiveness of neighborhoods. In general, neighborhood watch programs have the aim to improve the safety of the neighborhood. However, many factors have an effect on safety. Therefore it is interesting to examine the effects neighborhood watch programs have on other attractiveness features of a neighborhood. By means of a literature review and two case studies, this study shows that neighborhood watch programs might be able to reduce crime figures and that even the safety feelings of residents may improve. Moreover, it seems that the cleanness and the visual beauty of a neighborhood may be improved by neighborhood watch programs.