Exploring the Relationship between Urban Livability, Place Attachment, and Residential Retention in Historic Neighborhoods

Historic urban fabrics represent valuable cultural assets while also functioning as living environments for indigenous residents. However, declining urban livability, deteriorating physical conditions, inadequate public services, and socioeconomic challenges have weakened residents’ attachment to place and increased their intention to relocate. This study investigates the role of urban livability components in enhancing place attachment and residents’ retention intentions within historic urban fabrics. The research adopts an applied, descriptive–analytical approach using a quantitative survey design. Data are collected through a structured questionnaire administered to indigenous residents of the selected historic urban area. The conceptual framework examines the influence of six dimensions of urban livability—physical, environmental, social, economic, cultural, and managerial—on place attachment and, subsequently, on residential retention intentions. Descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) are employed to analyze the relationships among the study variables. The findings indicate that urban livability has a significant positive effect on place attachment, while place attachment positively influences residents’ motivation to remain in historic neighborhoods. Among the livability dimensions, social interaction, environmental quality, and the preservation of local identity demonstrate the strongest impacts on strengthening place attachment and encouraging long-term residential stability. The study highlights that improving livability should extend beyond physical interventions and incorporate social, cultural, and governance-oriented strategies. These findings provide practical insights for urban planners and policymakers seeking to revitalize historic urban fabrics while preserving their indigenous population and reinforcing the sustainability of local communities.

کلیدواژه ها:

Urban Livability ، Place Attachment ، Residential Retention Intentions ، Indigenous Residents ، Historic Urban Fabrics ، Urban Regeneration