Happiness in urban environments

What we know and don’t know yet

Bibliographic Data

ID12819906
AuthorsSahar Samavati (0000-0002-0813-6389, Erasmus University Rotterdam), Ruut Veenhoven (0000-0002-5159-393X, North-West University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume39
Issue3
Pages1649-1707
Publication date2024-07-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Housing and the Built Environment (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1566-4910 • E-ISSN: 1573-7772
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s10901-024-10119-4
OpenAlexW4400387542
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited74

There is no consensus on what makes for a livable urban environment. This requires empirical assessment of the relationship between urban characteristics and the happiness of residents. We took stock of the available research findings, using the World Database of Happiness; 445 findings are considered, from 20 nations over the years 1975–2022. We considered 3 aspects of the urban environment, 1) objectively assessed characteristics, 2) subjective perception of urban characteristics and 3) satisfaction with urban characteristics. Urbanites tend to be happier in places characterized by the following objectively assessed features: a) access to local green/nature, b) access to cultural facilities and leisure amenities, c) access to healthcare, d) access to public goods such as access to sewage and water supply and e) access to public spaces. On the other hand, residents tend to be less happy the closer they live to f) shops, g) public transportation hubs and h) the city center. Subjectively perceived environmental characteristics that go with greater happiness are: i) amenities, j) public goods in vicinity k) playground and sport facilities, while l) perceived air pollution is negatively linked to happiness. Residents were found to be happier the more satisfied they are with m) connectivity and local transport, n) local recreation o) water quality and the, p) environment as-a-whole. Correlations with objectively assessed characteristics. with the urban environment are smaller than with subjective perceptions of the same and differ in direction for living close to q) shops and r) public transportation hubs. While objective closeness to these amenities relates negatively to happiness, subjectively perceived availability and satisfaction with these amenities relates positively to happiness. Most of the available findings are of a cross-sectional nature and do not inform us about cause and effect. This strand of research is still in its infancy. By lack of a sound evidence base, claims about livability of urban settings will remain a matter of subjective hunches and sales-talk

Business · Closeness · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental health · Geography · Happiness · Perception · Political science · Public health · Recreation · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Law · Medicine · Place Attachment and Urban Studies · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Marketing

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