Singapore has been recognised as one of the world’s most emotionally magnetic cities, according to the newly released City Pulse 2025 report by the Gensler Research Institute. The study, which surveyed 33,000 residents across 65 cities globally, highlights that emotional connection, rather than infrastructure or affordability, is the primary factor in long-term urban retention.
The report reveals that 77% of Singapore’s residents are satisfied with the city as a place to live, surpassing the global average. Singapore ranks among the top three cities worldwide for “staying power,” with residents expressing high levels of trust, safety, and civic pride. Despite rising living costs, Singaporeans maintain strong emotional bonds that keep them anchored.
Angela Spathonis, Managing Director of Gensler Singapore, stated, “Singapore has long invested in infrastructure, housing, and public services, but this report shows it’s the city’s emotional infrastructure that truly sets it apart.”
The findings suggest that whilst economic opportunities, safety, and healthcare access attract people to cities, the intangible qualities of pride, belonging, and feeling “at home” are crucial for long-term retention. In Singapore, these emotional connections outweigh economic pressures, anchoring residents despite affordability challenges.
The report underscores the importance of “emotional infrastructure,” such as public parks and cultural spaces, in retaining residents. Spathonis added, “The cities of the future won’t just be the most efficient, they’ll be the most meaningful.”
As Singapore addresses population growth and sustainability goals, City Pulse 2025 offers insights for creating cities that are both liveable and meaningful. For more information, visit Gensler’s website.
“`
