Research addressing the question of what type of neighborhood environment is most supportive for older persons has identified a number of variables characterizing the physical or social context which interact with the personal characteristics of an individual to produce supportive or nonsupportive environments. Neighborhood environment was explored for a sample of 224 community-residing elderly in Portland, Oregon. Multiple regression analysis showed that neighborhood satisfaction was significantly higher for those who were satisfied with their relations with their neighbors, were not concerned about crime in the neighborhood, and lived in census tracts with a relatively low proportion of other elderly residents. Level of interactions with neighbors was found to be determined more by the personal style of the individual, as measured by activity level and level of social participation, than by the features of the physical and social environment. Convenience of location was not related to neighborhood satisfaction, but was significantly related to use of the grocery store and drugstore. Overall, perception of the environment was more important in determining neighborhood satisfaction and interaction with neighbors than objective measures of the neighborhood environment. (Author)