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Garden gnomes and porch swings: Lively front yards linked to more connected residents

A new study finds that front yards with friendly features, such as pink flamingos or porch furniture, are correlated with happier, more connected neighbors and a greater "sense of place." ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP via Getty Images

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Shots - Health News

Garden gnomes and porch swings: Lively front yards linked to more connected residents

April 20, 2024 • A new study finds a neighborhood's front yards may be the window to its soul: Welcoming or whimsical features such as benches and flamingos are linked to happier, more connected neighbors.

Live: Reinventing The American City — Who Wins, Who Loses?

Michel Martin hosting a live event as part of the NPR Presents: Going There series. NPR hide caption

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Michel Martin, Going There

Live: Reinventing The American City — Who Wins, Who Loses?

March 7, 2016 • The transformation of Pittsburgh echoes the triumphs and challenges of cities across the country where gentrification is changing neighborhoods after a generation of economic decline.