5 Benefits of Living Near a Green Area

Living near a green area may bring many more benefits than good scenery. Let's dive deep into why living near green areas is great for us.

1. We exercise more often.

Having a green area near home increases our chances of exercising more often.

Additionally, according to a study published in La Revista Médica de Chile in 2022, performing physical activities specifically in green spaces reported having multiple benefits for people, including satisfaction with life and pleasure, positive emotions, mental well-being, feelings of good health, restoration of attention, and decreased perceived stress.

Nowadays, the WHO (World Health Organization/Organización Mundial de la Salud OMS) says,

"Any amount of physical activity is better than none". World Health Organization.

The organization has published some research-based guidelines for pregnant/post-pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and for every age group, including recommendations for types of exercise and intensity. Although the study was mainly conducted in developed countries, it gives a good amount of motivation to increase physical activity and avoid health problems.

2. We connect with nature.

When living close enough to a green area, our daily habits become more natural. We can wake up with the birds chirping, or join a bird-watching club.

We can have more space to see the movements of the stars and the Moon, and align with the natural cycles.

Some parks allow you to feed the animals, too, which can be a relaxing activity to do alone or with company.

Spending time in nature is a simple way to boost our mood when feeling low in energy. It's now part of my list of self-care ideas for low-energy days.

3. We connect with other human beings.

Natural areas, especially parks and beaches, are common places where people spend time exercising and socializing.

As an introvert, I've found going for a walk in green areas can feel like light socializing, because many people go there for a walk too. Even if I don't talk to others, it feels nice to be surrounded by like-minded people. That increases a sense of community.

An interesting study on urban spaces studied the feelings of people when attending two parks and a plaza. It concluded that these places strengthen the sense of belonging, the sense of familiarity, and social identity.

4. We are better informed about the city/neighborhood events.

Maybe because of its open-space nature, public green areas in a city are good places for institutions to organize events like environmental campaigns, artisanal fairs, clubs, concerts, and even parties.

This can be good, especially for older people who don't go out often and feel lost about what's going on in the city. Living near a public green area increases the chances of catching up on the news (and having something to talk about during social events).

5. Our creativity increases.

Going for a walk in a green area when having a creative block is a common advice that usually works wonders. After a walk, we might feel calmer, and our ideas could flow better.

There is a study on 100 people about the influence of natural environments on creativity. The results show that high perceived naturalness had a positive influence on creative performance. Viewing natural environments stimulates curiosity and fosters flexibility and imagination.

So, next time you feel stuck on an idea, try going for a walk in nature and see what happens.

Beethoven, Ludwig van - Austrian National Library, Austria - Public Domain.

Final thought

I hope this little list of benefits of living near a green space has inspired you somehow to get closer to one, appreciate your surroundings more, or even better, help your city improve its public natural areas.

Written by D. Y. Pinto.

Last Update: 12th July, 2025.