Estonians' Well-being is Boosted by Caring for Their Neighborhood

The happiest in Estonia are women aged 35-49 who own their home, live with a partner, and are satisfied with their neighborhood, according to a survey conducted by international housing developer Bonava in seven countries.

The "Happy Neighborhood Survey" is a project that Bonava launched in 2017. Through it, people living in housing markets are asked what factors they value in their homes and neighborhoods.

The Happiness Index is a measure of neighborhood happiness created by Bonava that can be used to measure and compare residents' satisfaction and happiness in their living environment. On a 100-point scale, Estonia's score was 72, while Latvia's corresponding score was 76. However, Swedes feel the happiest in their homes and neighborhoods with a score of 80 points.

According to Lauri Laanoja, Bonava's sales and marketing director, their goal is to create happy neighborhoods where people enjoy living. "Comprehensive living environments give people emotional satisfaction – they create opportunities for residents to interact with neighbors and spend their free time. In order to find out what people expect from their homes, we conduct a happiness survey among residents, and we take the knowledge gained from it into account when planning new homes," said Laanoja.

This year, the happiness survey results show that Estonians' satisfaction with their home and neighborhood accounts for 25 percent of their overall life satisfaction. For Estonians, the most important factors regarding their place of residence are safety (88%), a clean and well-maintained environment (82%), and the presence of walking and cycling paths (76%).

When asked what they would like to do with their neighbors, Estonians ranked neighborhood care first. Estonians consider social gatherings, such as grilling together, important in second place. Helping community members came in third place.

In addition to the above, many value a sociable lifestyle, recreational opportunities, and getting along with the community. The survey shows that Estonians whose place of residence has spaces for spending time together are 28 percent more satisfied with their overall lives. Estonians are most willing to share outdoor areas, grilling spaces, and tools with their neighbors. This is also why developers are increasingly aiming to create a comprehensive living environment with green spaces and other gathering places where residents can enjoy evenings or weekends together with neighbors and friends.

"In our developments, the areas around buildings are designed so that pedestrian and children's traffic routes do not intersect, and there are recreational opportunities and rest areas for residents of all ages. For example, in the Uus-Mustamäe residential area, Bonava is building a park next to the houses that is intended for all Mustamäe residents, and in the Järveotsa Homes development in Haaberstis, both the local street and the banks of the Järveotsa stream are being improved," Laanoja pointed out.

The happiness survey results can be found here: https://happyquest2022.bonava.ee/.