Tension between university communities and the surrounding residential communities has existed almost since the creation of higher education. Historically, there have been murders and riots. More recently, there have been protests and simmering animosity. In the 1980s, there was a greater recognition that the fate of the residential communities impacted the fate of the universities, and steps have been taken to address the disconnect ever since. Most of the literature about university-community engagement since then has focused on the university perspective, and the good that has been done through university outreach programs. This study looks primarily at the residential community perspective, learning about the experiences of people who live near higher education institutions in Philadelphia and trying to understand what they want from the relationship. Ultimately, this study presents a foundation for what can be and how the two communities can and should work together in mutually beneficial ways. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]