Why is community important?

"Social connections, including marriage, of course, but limited to that, are among the most robust correlates of subjective well-being. People who have close friends and confidants, friendly neighbours and supportive co-workers are less likely to experience sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem and problems with eating and sleeping... Subjective well-being is best predicted by the breadth of depth of one's social connections. In fact, people themselves report that good relationships with family members, friends or romantic partners - far more than money or fame - are prerequisites for their own happiness."

From Helliwell and Putnam, 2004 cited in the ONS report on Measuring National Well-being - Our Relationships, 2012.