Urban environment satisfaction in downtown and neighborhoods: Analysis of differences from the individual's perception

Abstract

There is an understanding that neighborhoods and cities must be designed to meet the needs of residents. Several studies have analyzed individuals’ perceptions about the urban environment to understand whether their expectations are met. However, are there significant differences between the satisfaction perceptions of residents who live in downtown cities and those who live in neighborhoods? Moreover, this research aims to understand the existing differences in the perception of satisfaction regarding the location of the dwelling. Using a questionnaire, a sample was collected with 234 respondents from cities with more than 500000 inhabitants in the country's South, Southeast, and Midwest regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and discriminating statistics. The results indicated differences between individuals who live downtown and those in the neighborhoods. Among the main differences between the two groups are: the offer of services, the maintenance of public spaces, the frequency of public transport, and the distances covered. This understanding can contribute to a more precise definition of the target audience of public urban planning policies, aiming at reducing inequalities and prioritizing specific strategies.

Keywords: neighborhood satisfaction, urban environment, perception, urban planning.