Urban vitality versus urban livability: Does vibrancy matter for neighborhood satisfaction and neighborhood happiness?

Urban vitality is often considered a key factor for a successful city, yet its contribution to urban livability remains underexplored. In this paper, we conceptualize and test models linking the built environment, urban vitality, neighborhood satisfaction, and neighborhood happiness. Neighborhood satisfaction and neighborhood happiness are key indicators of urban livability and predictors of subjective well-being. Data come from analyses with geographic information systems and a survey carried out in Oslo, Norway. Results show that three built environment characteristics – proximity to the main city center, higher population density, and accessibility to amenities such as shops, cafes, and restaurants – contribute to increased urban vitality. In turn, urban vitality is positively linked to neighborhood satisfaction and neighborhood happiness. Among all environmental attributes analyzed, urban vitality emerged as the strongest predictor of neighborhood satisfaction. This relationship is strong and positive for all age groups but is more pronounced among younger adults than among middle-aged and older adults. The study's findings suggest that urban vitality plays a critical role not only in fostering vibrant street life, social interaction, and active transport but also in improving overall urban livability, highlighting its importance in urban planning and policy.