A neighbouhood can be defined as any socio-spatial environment where primary relations among residents prevail. Sometimes research on neighbourhood may describe local residential life but neglect connections to community organizations. Communities, unlike neighbourhoods can exist without being spatially located.

Features of the neighbourhood:

Neighbourhood is a subjective entity as well as an objective reality. What men and women may consider as their neighbourhood may vary. There is no clear-cut boundary but it refers to distinctive areas into which large spatial units can be subdivided—the distinctiveness can be attributed to:

• Geographical boundaries
• Ethnic or cultural characteristics of the inhabitants
• Psychological unity among people who feel that they belong together
• Concentrated use of areas of facilities for shopping, leisure and learning.