Spatial Variability and Clustering of Quality of Life at Local Level: A Geographical Analysis in Athens, Greece

Abstract

This paper presents a geographical analysis to evaluate urban quality of life in Athens, Greece, and investigate spatial heterogeneity and potential clustering. The urban environment was examined using composite criteria related to natural, built and socioeconomic environment, housing conditions, public services and infrastructures, and cultural and recreational facilities. Each criterion constructed from a set of mappable sub-criteria/variables. Weighted cartographic overlay was implemented to assess the overall urban quality of life of each spatial unit, based on the importance the residents of the area attributed to each criterion. High levels of quality of life were revealed in the eastern neighborhoods of the municipality, whereas low levels were noticed mainly in the western neighborhoods. The results of the study were validated using the perceived quality of life of the study area’s residents, resulting in substantial agreement. Finally, after spatial autocorrelation analysis, significant clustering of urban quality of life in Athens was revealed. The quality-of-life assessment and mapping at a local scale are efficient tools, contributing to better decision making and policy making.