Choice or Circumstance?: An Analysis of Neighborhood Segregation and the Housing Preferences of People of Color in New York City

Abstract

Most studies on residential segregation reflect on white prejudice against Black residents, but not many discuss other people of color. The purpose of my research is to shed light onto various people of color and their experiences living in segregated neighborhoods. How do people of color choose which neighborhoods to occupy and why does the choice end up being neighborhoods that are segregated over the ones that are diverse? By writing an extensive literature review and conducting interviews, I find that New York City residents look at the following factors when making housing decisions: affordability, schools, housing size and quality, the quietness and safety of an area, access to transportation, and overall convenience and cultural accommodations.