Residential preferences in Istanbul

Since the 1950s, the provision of housing, services and infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid population expansion of Istanbul. While some of the modern districts have become comparatively more attractive, the historic districts have lost population due to the deterioration of their neighbourhoods. These changes have created locational advantages and disadvantages which are reflected in the urban land markets and have resulted in intra-urban migration. In this study, the residential preferences of individuals are investigated with respect to their socio-economic characteristics and the general characteristics of the districts. The result of a survey are evaluated with respect to a cross-tabulation. Thus, proximity to relatives, a clean and quiet neighbourhood and a stable social environment are common factors for all income groups. This illustrates the traditional social values that transcend income levels, as well as the universal desire to escape the environmental pollution and social deterioration of a large city. The results of the study can be useful in city development plans and house-building programmes.