Table 3 Emerging categories in in-depth interviews

Neighborhood boundaries are subjective.

“We take a compass and put the center of the compass (from his home) to Quintana and the circle is round. That would be my neighborhood “(Food store owner)

Economic crisis influences neighbors behavior.

“… Nowadays there are a lot of grandparents taking care of the family…. Many unemployed descendants. So there is little time for healthy habits like exercise… ” (health care provider, woman)

Immigration is seen as very influential element in neighborhood life.

“… In the past other people would go there [park], but now the Romanians are there…” (men, < 65 years)

Social relationships affect the use of the neighborhood.

“I’m happy with people in my neighborhood. Since my husband died, … adults and kids alike, boys like my sons, 50 years-old, [have told me] “hey, I work on this, if I can help you… I will help you with stuff if you ask me”” (woman, > 65 years)