ABSTRACT
In the social geography of Athens the east-west differentiation, based upon middle-and low-income population groups respectively, is at present dissolving. Though many areas of the city are still missing basic infrastructure and services it is apparent that the traditional concentric model, incorporating an affluent inner city and poorer peripheral settlements, is currently undergoing significant change. On the northern and southcoastline of the conurbation the development of two areas with broadly similar characteristics is taking place. These areas consist of high-income housing and retailing while the main road network (Kifissias, Singrou, Vouliagmenis Avenues) leading to these areas has become the favoured zone for the location of large-scale office, retail and administration activities (Figure 14.1). However these do not imply the formation of a clearly segregated pattern; rather Athens in many respects is a mixed city and arguably this seems to be its prime characteristic.
