Measuring Quality of Life from the Perspective of Neighborhood Accessibility

Quality of life (QOL) has been an ongoing subject of discussion in the field of urban planning and development in recent decades. Measuring QOL of residents through fundamental neighborhood metrics provides information on the living conditions of citizens and helps to promote sustainable social development. This study investigates the effect of neighborhood design on the QOL of residents. The metrics used to measure the QOL include availability and accessibility to goods and services. For the this paper, Edmonton, Canada, as an example of a growing city that brings challenges for urban planners in terms of sustainable development, is chosen for the case study. The methodology underlying this contribution relies on a comparative study of four neighborhoods located in four different parts of Edmonton having similar densities. The results of this study provide further insight into land development patterns and can assist decision makers involved in urban development.