For much of modern history, the consensus has been that city living is bad for your health. Why would anyone choose to live in crowded, urban environments when they could live happily in the suburbs? Although there are many positives to living in the suburbs, it may not ben as great as you have been led to believe.
A study by the University of Oxford and the University of Hong Kong found that rates of obesity are lower where population is denser, i.e. cities. Also, city folk tend to socialize more often than those living in areas with lower density.
Based on this study’s findings, the impact of urban living on your overall health is fairly simple. City people tend to walk more often because of the proximity of essential places to them. This results in lowered rates of obesity when compared to suburban and rural areas where urban sprawl has forced people to drive everywhere. In addition, higher population density means that you’re surrounded by others, which tends to make people more social. This can significantly benefit your mental health.
Overall, this study concludes that living in urban areas isn’t as harmful to your health as one may be led to believe. There are countless reasons why humans have chosen to live in such close proximity to each other through history, even as technology has made it possible to do without it. For more on how city living can be part of a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally, see the guide below.
