Perception of the Suburban Area of St. Petersburg by Its Residents: Main Territorial Features and Differences (Based on Survey Results)

Abstract

The purpose of the research is a qualitative assessment of the living conditions of the population in the suburban areas of St. Petersburg, including identifying differences and general patterns of development of these suburbs in various directions from the city centre.Materials and methods. The study utilizes the results of an online survey conducted among residents of St. Peters- burg's suburbs. The survey focuses on residents' attitudes towards the comfort level of living in their localities. Results and discussion. Within the defined boundaries of the suburban area of the region under study, typical common issues and similar features in the development of social life and connections with the city centre were revealed. Addition- ally, differences are identified in terms of living conditions, transportation accessibility, and self-perception between the northern, eastern, and southern suburban neighborhoods. Conclusion. Based on the results of a qualitative assessment by residents of the suburbs participating in the survey, it was interesting to examine the degree of influence of St. Petersburg on lifestyle and the peculiarities of interaction in the system «centre-suburb» in various groups of suburban areas. There is a need for a coordinated suburban «regional policy»; most of the population of the suburban area does not intend to leave its borders; accordingly, its development, particularly spatial, is likely to continue in the future.