Is having a dog a way of building local communities?

Dutch residential neighbourhoods are getting pricier, more international and more family-oriented — and on balance, residents welcome the changes, according to new ING research.

Increased liveliness and more social contact are the main reasons, with 36% viewing the overall shift positively, 49% neutral and just 15% negative.

“Although we tend to think of ourselves as resistant to change, the research shows people are actually open to it,” said Wim Flikweert, ING’s head of housing research. “But concerns about nuisance, public safety and waste must be taken seriously.”

There are downsides: locals think there is more nusiance, public safety has declined and independent shops are disappearing, with nearly a quarter of residents noticing fewer local stores. Yet despite this, the majority are not worried about the future of their neighbourhood and more than two in five see the changes as an opportunity.

Homeowners are twice as satisfied with their living situation as renters — 61% against 31%. “Your neighbourhood shapes your quality of life, but when it changes, you may want to move — and that can be very difficult in this tight housing market,” Flikweert said.

Long-term residents, pet owners and active community members contribute most to a feeling of community, the research found. A third feel personally responsible for their neighbourhood, and nearly half believe they could count on local support in times of need.

Walking the dog and working from home have both unexpectedly strengthened neighbourhood ties. “Spontaneously bumping into each other on the street is an important element in creating communities — dog owners in particular will recognise that their pet is a great conversation starter with neighbours,” Flikweert said.