House size or walkability, what makes you more satisfied? Understanding the relationship between housing characteristics, local accessibility, and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 confinement period

The travel and activity restrictions related to COVID-19 dramatically changed the lives of Canadians, with important implications for well-being. This study analyzes the impacts of housing characteristics, local accessibility, and quality of active transport infrastructure on individuals’ life satisfaction during the lockdown. Data was collected through a Canada-wide online survey fielded in November 2020 (n=618), during the second wave of the pandemic. The survey captured information on travel behavior and activities during lockdown and perceptions of neighborhood characteristics, together with self-reported life satisfaction and housing characteristics. An exploratory data analysis followed by an ordered logistic regression was performed to assess the determinants of life satisfaction during lockdown. Findings reveal that access to a private yard as well as park space and sidewalks which are wide enough to maintain social distancing were key determinants of life satisfaction, whereas dwelling size was not. Building on previous research on life satisfaction and travel behavior, this study highlights the benefits of providing high-quality neighborhood and transport infrastructure, as well as access to nearby outdoor spaces, specifically for those without access to a private yard. The findings are of relevance to support resilient cities that better meet the needs of all individuals.