There’s nothing quite like city living, with easy access to entertainment, art, culture, amazing food and so much more. But the hustle and bustle can be draining. Even the most diehard city dwellers need some fresh air every once in a while. Fortunately, many of the best cities in the world are home to beautiful parks, beaches, nature preserves and even mountains. According to a Time Out survey of locals that identifies the best cities for green space in the world, five U.S. cities rank in the top 20. Here are the U.S. cities with the most green space for locals to enjoy nature.
Medellín, Colombia, ranks as the number one best city in the world for green space, but coming in second is Boston. Not only is Boston revered as the most walkable city in the U.S., but it’s also home to a wealth of public parks that locals can enjoy year-round. There’s Boston Common—the country’s oldest public park—and the Public Garden, home to the city’s beloved Swan Boats. Locals can stroll the Emerald Necklace linear park or get out to enjoy nature preserves and trails.
Austin ranks fifth in the world, with Zilker Park and the natural spring and swimming pool being highlights. Denver comes in at number eight, home to not only fabulous parks but also offering easy access to nearby mountains. Chicago and San Francisco—both with world-famous parks—also make the list.
Best cities in the U.S. for green space
- Boston
- Austin
- Denver
- Chicago
- San Francisco