Psychological Research Shows Why City Living Is Overrated

The link between urban design and mental health poses some psychological concerns. Here's how you might be affected by them.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | April 29, 2024

Film, literature and music has long romanticized the idea of city living. We've heard it all before—"It's where dreams are made," "Their skylines hold endless possibilities," "Cities are playgrounds for dreamers and canvases for innovation."

Yet, despite the sayings, research shows that city dreaming could prove to be a nightmare for your emotional well-being.

More than 50% of the world population resides in a city, and it's expected that this rate will rise to 70% by 2050. The world has urbanized dramatically in recent years, and will continue to do so in those to come. So, if you're feeling the city living blues, you're likely not alone. However, it might be time to reconsider a concrete jungle hometown. Here's why.

The Relationship Between Urban Design And Mental Health

A 2017 study explored the impact that city living has on mental health. According to the study's review of literature, urban design and living pose various social and physical risks:

• The social risks of city living include concentrations of low socio-economic status, low social capital and higher social segregation. In essence, living in or around deprived or segregated neighborhoods is associated with lower mental health. This association is attributed to the effects of first- or second-hand exposure to poverty, the adverse conditions of neighborhoods and a lack of social support. Cities have also historically been characterized by residential ethnic segregation—sadly persisting even to today—which is associated with a greater risk of depression and anxiety.
• The physical risks of city living are also numerous. Pollution levels in cities—be it water, air or noise—are shown to have significant effects on mental health. Noise pollution from traffic alone is associated with higher levels of aggression and stress, and light pollution is also shown to negatively impact city inhabitants' sleeping patterns. The physical urbanization of cities is also shown to have direct effects on mental health. Cities with many oppressively tall skyscrapers, unwalkable neighborhoods and a lack of greenery are shown to increase stress levels, negatively impacting mental health. Urban areas are also more prone to traffic accidents, crime and violence, which pose risks to physical well-being.

Overall, research shines a light on the less glamorous side of city living, urging us to rethink the urban dream. As our hustling and bustling cities grow, the question looms: Is the urban lifestyle worth what it might be costing us?

How To Escape The Risks Of City Living

Research emphasizes the profound need for physical and social environments that benefit their inhabitants—highlighting that cities have not always been designed with mental health in mind.

The study proposes four key considerations to be made in citymaking and urban design, based on a review of research:

1. Green spaces. Access to natural settings in neighborhoods can be a great way to improve mental health and well-being. Having a green area around your block or on your daily walk isn't just for looks—it could act as a mood booster, as nature has long been shown to improve mental health.
2. Active spaces. From convenient active transport options to outdoor gyms, incorporating regular physical activity into urban design enhances mood and overall well-being. Simple things like easy bike lanes and outdoor gyms could be a direct line to healthier and happier citizens.
3. Prosocial spaces. Urban planning should encourage positive interactions and a sense of community, creating inviting and flexible public spaces. From charming hangout spots to involving the folks who live there in the planning, it's about creating spaces that bring people together.
4. Safe spaces. A feeling of safety is integral to mental health. Adequate lighting, surveillance and thoughtful route planning can be essential for peace of mind.

While we may not be able to choose how our cities are designed, we can certainly choose living spaces that have proven to be conducive to well-being. Opting for neighborhoods with these spaces in mind allow us to exercise agency in shaping our daily environments. Even within the limitations of location and budget, we empower ourselves to make choices that positively impact our mental health.

Is city living a source of unnecessary anxiety for you? Take the Anxiety Sensitivity Test to learn more.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.