Interaction between life satisfaction and housing and neighborhood satisfaction: "privileged" housing areas in the city of Bursa, Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of satisfaction with housing and neighborhood on the life satisfaction of residents with higher economic status living in gated communities, which are a symbol of a privileged lifestyle. In line with the aim, the study was conducted in the Balat neighborhood in the city of Bursa in Turkey where there are many gated communities, and the population is dominated by residents with high socioeconomic status. By employing the stratified sampling technique, data were collected from 217 residents living in six housing estates in this zone. The collected data were analyzed with respect to the given value and satisfaction of participants with their housing estate, their residence, and the features of the neighborhood, as well as their views on neighborhood relations, the characteristics of the housing area and neighborhood, their sense of belonging, and their general life satisfaction. The collected data were reviewed through reliability analysis, frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis. The analysis that was executed in the gated community settlements where residents with a high socioeconomic status live in Balat showed that multiple dimensions, including housing, the housing area, and satisfaction with the neighborhood, combined to holistically affect individuals' life satisfaction levels. The study aims to offer a different perspective by linking life satisfaction with the living environment to offer a better quality of life (QoL), and a privileged and socially homogenous lifestyle. Finally, suggestions are provided so that the factors that increase life satisfaction can be researched and developed in different housing types for all income groups.