Háskóli ÍslandsUniversity of IcelandAla-Mantila, SannaHeinonen, JukkaJunnila, SeppoSaarsalmi, Perttu2019-09-162019-09-162017-09-14Ala-Mantila, S., Heinonen, J., Junnila, S., & Saarsalmi, P. (2018). Spatial nature of urban well-being. Regional Studies, 52(7), 959-973. doi:10.1080/00343404.2017.13604850034-34041360-0591 (eISSN)https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/1248Publisher's version (útgefin grein)The evidence for connections between subjective well-being and spatial factors remains inconclusive, especially with respect to the immediate living environment. To fill this gap, this paper explores the relationship between individual-level subjective well-being and spatial variables in urban areas. This resolution is achieved by utilizing finely divided geographical information system (GIS)-based neighbourhood data, and controlling for objective and subjective spatial characteristics, as well as socio-spatial factors. The results suggest that subjective well-being has some spatial nature, but the direction of these relationships is highly dependent on the subjective well-being measure used. For example, central pedestrian zones flourish in terms of quality of life, whereas the highest happiness is reported in car-oriented zones. Overall, subjective spatial characteristics are more important for well-being than objective ones.959-973eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessSubjective well-beingCitiesHappinessQuality of lifeInequalityUrbanizationBorgirHamingjaÞéttbýlismynduninfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleRegional Studies10.1080/00343404.2017.1360485