What is a perceptual region?

A perceptual region is one created in the mind of the viewer according to associated feelings and ideas. It is a highly subjective way of looking at a geographic region.

A perceptual region exists where there are common assumptions about a place and its people. For example, to say, "this town is backwards and has no opportunity" indicates a perceptual region. Another person with a different point of view could see the same place in an entirely different way; for example, rather than a dead end, a place where life is quiet and without stress.

Perceptual or perceived regions are based on opinion rather than fact, and may in some cases come in contrast to facts or regions as devised by geographers.