Ward Wise Penlight

Ward Wise Penlight

What makes a neighbourhood good?

There is no single answer — that is the point. Tell us what you weigh, and we will build your wellbeing equation and show Chicago through it.

1 How much does each of these matter to you?

Community vitality Local business, gathering places, things happening nearby
Physical environment Air, green space, sunlight, the built surroundings
Good governance City services that show up, budgets spent well, responsive officials
Material wellbeing Income, rent, jobs, what it costs to live here
Health Physical health and access to care
Social connectedness Knowing your neighbours, trust, people to count on
Psychological wellbeing Stress, loneliness, feeling safe and settled
Lifelong learning Schools, libraries, learning at any age
Time balance Commutes, leisure, sleep, unhurried time
Culture Arts, music, landmarks, local character
Religion & spirituality Congregations, worship, spiritual life

2 Good thing, or bad thing?

Reasonable neighbours disagree about these. Your answer flips which direction counts as better in your equation.

Lots of bars in a neighbourhood
Chain restaurants rather than independents
Lots of new housing being built
Homes owned by landlords who live elsewhere
Many cafés, shops and hangouts per resident
Lots of parking
Many places of worship

3 Where should we send it?

We save your equation so you can come back to it, and so we can report on what people across the city actually value.

Penlight is still in development. We will not sell your address or send anything you did not ask for.