What circumstances make people – and places – happy? In our research into the factors that affect the happiness and well-being of communities, regions and nations, we explore variables like economic and social measures, socioeconomic structures, personality types, aesthetic beauty and more. This program of research is in its early stages, so watch this page for new blog posts and working papers.

PUBLICATIONS
Should I Stay or Should I Go Now: The Effects of Community Satisfaction on the Decision to Stay or Move
March 2010
by Richard Florida, Charlotta Mellander and Kevin Stolarick

Socioeconomic Structure and Happiness
March 2010
by Richard Florida, Charlotta Mellander and Peter J. Rentfrow

Happy States of America: A state-level analysis of psychological, economic, and social well-being
November 2009
by Richard Florida, Charlotta Mellander and Peter J. Rentfrow

Beautiful Places: The Role of Perceived Aesthetic Beauty in Community Satisfaction
November 2009
by Richard Florida, Charlotta Mellander and Kevin Stolarick

WHAT WE’RE READING
Interview with Betsey Stevenson: What are the economics of happiness?
Derek Bok The Politics of Happiness
Diener, Suh, Lucas and Smith Subjective Well-Being: Three Decades of Progress

IN THE MEDIA
New York Times Economix: Does Education Make You Happy?

THOUGHTS FROM THE BLOGS
Who Stays
Ricky Martin, Tolerance, and the Creative Class
Why Nations Struggle or Thrive
Human Capital, the Creative Class and the Happiness of Nations
Happy Cities
Happy and Not So Happy Places
The Prosperity of Nations, Cont’d.
Driving Alone: A Quick and Dirty Analysis
Soul of the City
Why Is That Entrepreneur Smiling?
Stressed-out States
Unemployment and Happiness
Class and the Happiness of Nations
Female Happiness Paradox
Working Future
What Makes Happy States
Happy States II
Happiness Is Contagious
Happiness, Money, Self-Expression
Shiny Happy Jobs
The Geography of Happiness
Take Me To a Happy Place
Professor of Unhappiness

Money Can’t Buy Happiness
Money and Happiness
How Many Kids Does It Take to Make You Happy
Road to Unhappiness
Global Quality of Life Rankings
NY Times Mag: Happiness 101
How to Invest in Happiness
More Happiness Studies and Global Happiness Map
WSJ on Happiness, Money and Commuting