Principles for Creating a Comfortable Living Environment on the Example of the City of Astana

The article examines the issues of creating a comfortable living environment in Astana city, as well as the reasons for the occurrence of serious ecological and social consequences. Large-scale transformations of the town, connected with the transfer of the capital of Kazakhstan from Almaty to Astana in 1997, caused an intensive process of urbanization and territorial expansion of urban territories. In conditions of rapid growth of population, accelerated rate of housing construction, and development densification, the city is faced with an increase in anthropogenic load on the environment. These processes caused spatial-ecological imbalance, manifested in a deficiency of green infrastructure and a high level of transport congestion in residential development. In this work, an attempt is made at a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing the quality of living environment of Astana, and substantiation of principles aimed at ensuring ecological stability. The research methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, including the study and analysis of literary sources, scientific publications, legislative and regulatory documents on the topic, case studies, field surveys, expert and sociological surveys, and the use of a GIS tool to analyze the spatial accessibility of green spaces. Data obtained through a survey of 92 (ninety-two) experts conducted in the spring of 2025 and a survey of 205 (two hundred and five) Astana residents conducted in the fall of the same year allowed us to identify priority aspects in creating a comfortable and sustainable living environment. The following principles were identified during data analysis: the organization of green spaces within walking distance; the implementation of the