First thing’s first: What’s a greenbelt?
“Greenbelt” is often used as a casual way to refer to a piece of land that’s undeveloped and covered in natural foliage. The word “greenbelt” is also an official term that can refer to a land-use zone designation, which may mean the greenbelt is protected.
If you find a home you’d like to buy and it has a greenbelt that you love, you’ll want to do your research. You’ll want to make sure you understand who owns the land right behind your home.
As you can probably tell, we love a home with a greenbelt. Now that we have the basics covered, let’s talk about the perks of living on a greenbelt!
1. Low-maintenance backyard.
There are all kinds of greenbelt/backyard combos out there, but frequently we’ll see homes with greenbelts have incredible decks. We especially love it when the decks are especially large and stretch out right alongside the greenbelt—it’s kind of like being in your very own treehouse! And maybe, just maybe we like this setup the most because it also means less yardwork?! 😉 This “grown-up treehouse” situation is our favorite in large part because you still get to admire gorgeous greenery, but you don’t have to worry about taking care of a backyard. Win, win, win!
2. Views of natural beauty & wildlife.
There’s a reason why Americans spend $167 billion per year on camping gear and trip-related expenses! Many people crave getting out in nature, and even us cityfolk appreciate a picturesque view of the forest and the many critters that live there. Well, it turns out that science says it’s good for us, too. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, spending time in parks and green spaces decreases your chances of experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. Living along a greenbelt means you don’t even have to leave the comfort of home to get the benefits of greenspace.
3. Privacy & sense of seclusion.
Even if you live in the heart of a bustling city, living along a greenbelt can create a wonderful sense of privacy and seclusion. And in the Pacific Northwest, we are particularly spoiled—we get to admire the beauty of our evergreen trees all year long. And for those on a greenbelt with evergreens, this means your privacy doesn’t disappear depending on the season.
4. Less noise from your neighbors.
We love the quieter setting that neighborhoods with greenbelts provide. Part of this is of course because you won’t have neighbors directly along the back of your property. But a greenbelt can provide a real reduction in noise created in urban environments. According to a report from University of Washington’s College of the Environment, “… Those with access to a quiet side of their home, not exposed to traffic or disruptive noises, had lower stress-related psychosocial symptoms and improved sleeping patterns than those always in a noisy environment.” (The whole report is fascinating… read it here!)
5. Your house may be cooler on hot summer days.
Depending on how your home and greenbelt are positioned, a greenbelt may ensure that your home is cooler during warmer months. The shading effect of trees cools the air, and accord to the same UW report previously mentioned, “A meta-analysis of studies found that on average, urban greening cooled urban areas by about 2°F during the day, with one study in a warm climate city finding that parks were 10.1°F cooler than surrounding areas.”
Not only will your house be at least a couple degrees cooler, but there is nothing quite like relaxing on a shady deck during summer in the Pacific Northwest.
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Our latest home listing in Des Moines, Washington is nestled right alongside an incredible greenbelt. Click here for all of the photos + details!
