Quantifying the valuation of urban green space proximity among physically active communities

Urban and urban-adjacent green spaces have become more relevant for home buyers in the United States in recent years, with greater preference for the inclusion of natural environments within urban and suburban areas. The dominant explanation for this phenomenon is the mental and physical health advantages associated with physical activity and social spaces. Previous research has also determined that homeowner willingness-to-pay varies across urban green space type, size, and access while also varying across neighborhood and region. However, no studies have been conducted focusing on urban green spaces within physically active communities. This study uses data from Boulder County, Colorado and the United States Geological Survey to analyze the correlation between proximity to urban green spaces and property sale prices in a community which prioritizes healthy and sustainable living. The results in this study found that proximity to cemeteries, city-owned open space, city parks, national forest, and recreational spaces were positively correlated with property sale price, while proximity to county-owned open space, city-designated natural lands, and undeveloped green spaces were negatively correlated with property sale price. This supports previous conclusions regarding urban green space type and property prices, while expanding the literature on how physically active "outdoorsy" communities value urban green spaces.