North Carolina has 2 of the 50 cities with the most green space per capita

Photo bystacker/Canva

Green spaces are essential for the well-being of city dwellers, providing an oasis of nature in urban environments.

The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of green areas for mental health and ecosystems, making them vital in cities that are becoming increasingly concrete.

While many U.S. cities are cutting back on green space, Charlotte and Raleigh are bucking the trend and keeping their green spaces thriving according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Charlotte ranks #27 with 10,980 square feet of green space per capita. The city boasts 14 parks, with The Green, a literary-themed park, and McGill Rose Garden standing out as popular spots for residents.

Photo byMcGill Rose Garden

Raleigh, at #21 with 19,949 square feet per capita, is growing its green space too. The massive 308-acre Dorothea Dix Park is a landmark in the city's heart.

Photo bydixpark

Other parks like Lake Johnson, Fred Fletcher, and Pullen add to the capital’s abundance of nature.

Both cities are making significant strides in ensuring that their citizens have access to the health and environmental benefits of green spaces. With more projects in the pipeline, the future looks greener for North Carolina's urban areas.