Where You Live Matters More Than You May Think

How often do you think about where you live? Likely a lot. We often distinguish between “good neighborhoods” and “bad neighborhoods,” places with well-funded schools and green spaces versus areas seen as unsafe or under-resourced. We consider proximity to grocery stores, reliable public transportation, and job opportunities. But what actually determines whether a neighborhood will be “good” or “bad”? The answer isn’t just urban planning or economic trends – it’s redlining.

Redlining was a federally sanctioned practice that systematically denied mortgage loans and investment to certain groups, primarily Black, immigrant, and other marginalized communities, based on racially biased maps. In the 1930s, the federal government’s Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) created color-coded maps that graded neighborhoods by their "desirability" for lenders. White, middle-class areas received the highest ratings, marked in green and blue, signaling "safe investments." Meanwhile, predominantly Black and immigrant neighborhoods were outlined in red – even when residents had similar economic status – deeming them "high-risk" and effectively cut them off from home loans and economic growth.

The consequences were devastating. Redlined communities were locked out of homeownership and the ability to build generational wealth, while white families in “desirable” neighborhoods accumulated assets that grew in value over decades, amassing generational wealth through rising property values. But the impact of redlining didn’t stop at housing– it shaped who had access to better funded schools, healthcare, grocery stores, clean air, and public services. Redlined areas were left with underfunded schools, crumbling infrastructure, and environmental hazards.

Although redlining was officially banned by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, its consequences remain deeply embedded in cities today. The inequities in health, education, and economic opportunity that we see in many communities are not random– they are the direct result of these discriminatory policies.

Redlining’s Hidden Lasting Impacts on Health Outcomes

Redlining didn’t just determine who could buy a home – it shaped the city’s physical landscape. Historically redlined Black and Brown neighborhoods were designated as the dumping sites for industrial factories, highways, and transit hubs, while wealthier, white neighborhoods remained largely untouched by these developments. These zoning decisions subjected residents to excessive exposure to air pollution, water contamination, and an often-overlooked consequence, noise pollution.

The effects of noise pollution are more than just an inconvenience. Chronic exposure to loud environments, caused by highways, train lines, and industrial activity, has been linked to serious health consequences, including higher stress levels, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and most directly, chronic sleep disturbances.

Sleep disorders, in particular, are an under-discussed impact of redlining. Studies show that excessive noise, especially at night, leads to fragmented sleep, difficulty falling and staying asleep, and increased risks of conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea. Because sleep is foundational to overall health, this contributes to higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and mental health disorders in these communities.

While environmental factors play a significant role, these health issues are often addressed as individual medical conditions rather than systemic problems. For instance, a resident in one of these neighborhoods struggling with a sleep disorder may be prescribed medications like benzodiazepines to manage insomnia, even though the root cause may lie in their built environment. Overprescription of sleep medications, particularly benzodiazepines, has been associated with risks of addiction, dependency, and withdrawal complications. When the underlying issues are not addressed, clinical treatments may inadvertently contribute to higher rates of dependence on sleep medications.

Let's Remove The Red Tape

Redlining occurred in nearly every major U.S. city, shaping the landscapes of Chicago, Los Angeles, Oakland, Detroit, and more. Its effects persist today, keeping marginalized communities disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards that harm their health.

To tackle these inequities, we need policies that confront the lasting impacts of redlining. This means rethinking zoning laws, regulating industrial pollution near residential areas, and investing in infrastructure that reduces harm – such as noise barriers, green spaces, and improved urban planning that prioritizes public health.

Even though redlining was banned decades ago, its effects are still quite literally keeping people up at night. It's time we change that.