Livability metrics

[brylie]

Human comfort is a key design goal for sustainable urban environments. While many "livability metrics" are inherently subjective, it may still be useful to support a common list for use in comparing urban environments.

Livability metrics

Below is a non-exhaustive list of common livability metrics:

• Housing: affordability and access
• Neighbourhoods: access to life, work, and play
• Transportation: safe, convenient
• Environment: clean air and water, access to green spaces
• Health: prevention, access, and quality
• Engagement: civic and social activities
• Opportunity: inclusion, equity, and possibilities

There are some related dimensions that may be useful when measuring/comparing livability:

• climate: urban temperatures
• culture
• economy
• education
• environment
• health care
• housing
• infrastructure
• international connectivity
• job opportunities
• political stability
• recreation possibilities
• safety
• sanitation standards
• transportation

It may be useful to display the livability metrics so that it is easy to compare cities at a glance. This might be done by a simple bar chart:

Resources

• AARP Livability Index