neighborhood

A true neighborhood is generally old, even when those that live there are not. It conjures up images that have nothing to do with suburban areas filled with houses and strip malls but no character. Neighborhoods need bars and little corner stores, and that doesn't mean 7-11. Neighborhoods need houses, but businesses too, with people living above them. Neighborhoods need porches, in front or the back, depending on how sociable you're feeling that day.