Liveability describes the frame conditions of a decent life for all inhabitants of cities, regions and communities including their physical and mental wellbeing. Liveability is based on the principle of sustainability and is sensitive to nature and the protection of its resource.
Each city is assigned a liveability score for more than 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
Below are some of the main factors that you should consider when moving into a new area or city to ensure you’re in a livable community.
A Sense of Belonging
Nothing feels better than walking down the street and greeting your neighbours. It’s a simple thing, but one that makes you feel like a genuine part of the local fabric.
A community needs to be set up to foster organic connections and long-term relationships between residents. This can be demonstrated in many ways, including special events and amenities that help residents stay connected and keep the friendships they’ve been able to make
Events and Activities
A liveable city stays alive after the sunsets. There are things to do and places to see in a well-planned community at all hours, and public areas can be enjoyed at most times of the day or night. There are also a large range of services that are provided to the residents, from schools and shops to gyms and dentists. Studies have proven that main streets that act as community hubs help create a sense of social inclusiveness.
Access and Walkability
A community should be easy to get around via a range of transport options – that includes not only cars, but public transport, bikes and, most importantly of all – walking. In fact, the more ‘walkable’ a neighbourhood is (measured by how easily and quickly residents can reach necessary amenities on foot), the more satisfied those who live in the vicinity are likely to be. As well as being easy to get around, a community should also be well connected to surrounding areas. A community that promotes activities like walking and cycling also provides more opportunities for residents to be physically active, and therefore healthier and happier.
Being within easy reach of supermarkets, work and natural outdoor amenities matters, as nobody wants to drive a long way for a bottle of milk or a morning jog. Society also has a renewed focus on health and wellbeing, so features like gyms, pools and sporting reserves are essential.
Comfort and Cleanliness
Well-maintained communities have a big impact on the wellbeing of residents. Streets should be largely clean and free of litter, and residents should feel safe outside after dark. Alongside that, the character of the area should be maintained, with public art and historical buildings that make the area attractive and interesting. Thriving communities retain a sense of uniqueness that can’t be easily replicated elsewhere.
Parks and Greenery
Multi-purpose areas that allow residents to enjoy the outdoors and partake in physical exercise are vital. This includes playgrounds, barbecue and picnic areas, sports ovals, landscaped gardens, tennis or basketball courts, fountains, walking trails and lakes. It goes without saying that these spaces need to be clean and well maintained – local residents can often play a part in this by joining local action groups that plant trees, pick up litter and care for local ecosystems like wetlands. It’s crucial that the spaces are designed to meet local needs – for example, a playground in an area where there a few children provides little benefit.
Sustainability
It’s no secret that sustainability is coming to the forefront for many buyers. Many homeowners are interested in sustainable features such as good energy efficiency or having solar panels to help with utility costs. This aspect also ties in with living in a walkable area and having access to public transport from an environmental standpoint.