There is no consensus on what makes for a livable urban environment. This requires empirical assessment of the relationship between urban characteristics and the happiness of residents. We took stock of the available research findings, using the World Database of Happiness; 445 findings are considered, from 20 nations over the years 1975–2022. We considered 3 aspects of the urban environment, 1) objectively assessed characteristics, 2) subjective perception of urban characteristics and 3) satisfaction with urban characteristics. Urbanites tend to be happier in places characterized by the following objectively assessed features: a) access to local green/nature, b) access to cultural facilities and leisure amenities, c) access to healthcare, d) access to public goods such as access to sewage and water supply and e) access to public spaces. On the other hand, residents tend to be less happy the closer they live to f) shops, g) public transportation hubs and h) the city center. Subjectively perceived environmental characteristics that go with greater happiness are: i) amenities, j) public goods in vicinity k) playground and sport facilities, while l) perceived air pollution is negatively linked to happiness. Residents were found to be happier the more satisfied they are with m) connectivity and local transport, n) local recreation o) water quality and the, p) environment as-a-whole. Correlations with objectively assessed characteristics. with the urban environment are smaller than with subjective perceptions of the same and differ in direction for living close to q) shops and r) public transportation hubs. While objective closeness to these amenities relates negatively to happiness, subjectively perceived availability and satisfaction with these amenities relates positively to happiness. Most of the available findings are of a cross-sectional nature and do not inform us about cause and effect. This strand of research is still in its infancy. By lack of a sound evidence base, claims about livability of urban settings will remain a matter of subjective hunches and sales-talk.

Cities today face the dual challenge of increasing vulnerability to disruptions and a growing demand for improved quality of life. By prioritising happiness and resilience, cities can create sustainable environments that promote health, social cohesion, and adaptability to various stresses and withstand economic, social, and environmental shocks while fostering the well-being, inclusivity, and quality of life of all residents. This study aims to understand what indicators most impact urban resilience and happiness through a systematic literature review. Our analysis uncovered that factors with a dual impact on improving urban resilience and happiness fit into the following categories: individual, social, socio-economic, environmental, infrastructural, technological, resource-based, place-based, urban planning, and housing-related. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of how urban design and policies can enhance both resilience and happiness in cities. Policymakers and planners can adapt and use the identified indicators and strategies to enhance citizens’ happiness and create a resilient community in various contexts and under diverse stressors.

Urban spaces play a crucial role in shaping the happiness of individuals and communities. However, understanding the factors that contribute to urban happiness is challenging due to the complex and subjective nature of the concept, as well as the scattered nature of the relevant literature. This paper presents a systematic review aimed at identifying the factors that contribute to the happiness of citizens in urban public spaces. The review, which followed the PRISMA method, includes literature from eight academic search engines covering the period from 2000 to 2023. A total of 57 papers were analyzed, resulting in the identification of 64 factors across eight domains: physical, ecological, visual, functional, social, subjective, political, and personal aspects. This comprehensive overview of these factors provides a broad landscape of influences on urban happiness. Policymakers and urban planners can use this overview to enhance citizens’ quality of life and happiness.