Why Do Wealthy Households Choose Greener Neighborhoods?

People often think that having more parks and green spaces makes a neighborhood more attractive to wealthy families. But is this really the case? And does it matter if the neighborhood is in a big city or the suburbs? A recent study looked at this question. It surveyed households in downtown Vancouver and suburban Calgary. The goal was to find out what factors influence wealthy families to move into these areas. The study found that green spaces are important, but they are not the only thing that matters. Safety, nice views, and a pleasant atmosphere are also key factors. In Vancouver, being close to entertainment and public transit was also important.Interestingly, being close to green spaces was more important than the overall greenness of the neighborhood. This was true for both urban and suburban areas. However, suburban residents placed more importance on private green spaces, like backyards. This study shows that green spaces alone do not drive wealthy families to move into a neighborhood. Other factors play a big role too. It also suggests that researchers need to look beyond just city centers to understand how green spaces affect housing choices.