This study examines the role of historic resources in fostering sense of place by comparing the communities of Uptown and Tierrasanta, San Diego. One hundred and four residents, fifty-two from each community, participated in a survey that measured residents' feelings toward their respective communities. The study design utilized a quasi-experimental test control methodology by selecting one community with historic resources and another without historic resources to determine the effect historic resources have on measures of sense of place. A main goal of the study was to determine whether sense of place was higher in a community rich with historic resources (Uptown) or in a suburban community generally lacking historic resources (Tierrasanta). The survey results showed significant differences among levels of sense of place in Uptown and Tierrasanta, with Uptown showing higher levels of sense of place among residents. The findings suggest that planners should consider historic resources as an important component of socially sustainable communities.
