Study: city dwellers prefer natural forests as part of their local natural environment

According to a barometer* commissioned by YIT, the preferred type of local nature for most residents of cities is a natural forest (63%) or a lakeside or seashore in its natural state (61%). Parks were the third most popular choice (48%).

When urban dwellers were asked what they appreciate the most about their current area of residence, local nature was ranked among the three most important factors in Espoo, Kuopio and Helsinki.

“We recognise the impact of local nature on the well-being of residents and understand that some consumers consider it an important criterion alongside services and transport connections. We aim to take this into account when procuring plots and our goal is to offer our customers solutions that bring together nature and smooth daily life. There is some wonderful nature in the vicinity of various YIT Homes, such as in Ylästö, Vantaa, with excellent recreational areas in the forest and on the riverside,” says Pekka Helin, Senior Vice President, Customership and Living Services, YIT.

The survey also included questions about residential areas, and the majority of urban dwellers (85%) were extremely satisfied or satisfied with their current area of residence. After the area of residence, the most appreciated factors include the proximity to nature, reasonable housing costs, safety and peacefulness as well as the beauty and comfort of the area. These factors were appreciated by more than one in three respondents.

*The Sustainable Urban Environments barometer survey is directed at the residents of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä and Kuopio. The number of respondents for the online panel this year was 1,074 + 348 (separate sample of office workers). The data represents the population of 18–75-year-old residents of cities by gender and age. The survey was carried out between September and October 2022. Prior Konsultointi was commissioned by YIT to conduct the survey.

Learn more:
Download the Sustainable Urban Environments barometer
Five tips for getting energised by local nature | YIT.fi

Further information:
Pekka Helin, Senior Vice President, Head of Customerships and Living Services, YIT, tel. +358 (0)40 588 8135, pekka.helin@yit.fi
Maija Taimi, Senior Vice President, Communications, YIT, tel. +358 50 487 1561, maija.taimi@yit.fi

YIT is the largest Finnish and a significant North European development and construction company. For 110 years, we have been creating better living environments for our customers: functional homes for sustainable living, future-proof public and commercial buildings and infrastructure for smoother flow of people, businesses and society. We employ 5,500 professionals in nine countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. Our revenue in 2021 was EUR 2.7 billion. YIT Corporation’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy. www.yitgroup.com