University of Applied Sciences and Technology of Tehran Municipality Urban Development Policy Making 3092-653X 1 1 2025 01 04 An Analysis of the Optimal Size of Neighborhoods (in Terms of Population and Area) in Tehran Metropolis An Analysis of the Optimal Size of Neighborhoods (in Terms of Population and Area) in Tehran Metropolis 91 105 215108 10.22034/judpm.2025.503093.1007 FA Neda Mirakbari Master s Degree in urban Planning, Islamic Azad University, Ghazvin Branch Amirhosein Pourjohari PhD in Urban Planning, faculty member of the Urban Planning Department, Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e-Quds Branch, Iran Maryam Abhari PhD in Geography and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran Journal Article 2024 10 16 In the literature on urban planning, neighborhoods hold significant importance, and their optimal size in terms of population, area, and service levels has been defined by various scholars. Over time, these concepts have evolved in different countries and perspectives, and no universally agreed-upon standard has been presented. This paper reviews different views on the optimal size of a neighborhood and proposes an initial optimal population and area for neighborhoods in Tehran. Using a comparative analysis method, the current status of Tehran's neighborhoods in terms of population and area is examined and categorized, then compared with the optimal range. The results indicate that a new optimal standard needs to be defined for Tehran, as half of the neighborhoods do not fall within the acceptable range. This study emphasizes the necessity of establishing a specific framework for determining neighborhood boundaries to achieve spatial justice and equitable access to service. In the literature on urban planning, neighborhoods hold significant importance, and their optimal size in terms of population, area, and service levels has been defined by various scholars. Over time, these concepts have evolved in different countries and perspectives, and no universally agreed-upon standard has been presented. This paper reviews different views on the optimal size of a neighborhood and proposes an initial optimal population and area for neighborhoods in Tehran. Using a comparative analysis method, the current status of Tehran's neighborhoods in terms of population and area is examined and categorized, then compared with the optimal range. The results indicate that a new optimal standard needs to be defined for Tehran, as half of the neighborhoods do not fall within the acceptable range. This study emphasizes the necessity of establishing a specific framework for determining neighborhood boundaries to achieve spatial justice and equitable access to service. https://www.judpm.ir/article_215108_01b1d1d721b9e24f680383cb92addf15.pdf