What's the Better View: Water, Mountains, Cityscape?

Psychologists have known for years that looking at natural landscapes, greenery, and water leads to a relaxed state and increases productivity. This is why homes with a view are so desirable and tend to have much higher costs. But is there a difference. Well, yes there is actually. It seems there is clinical evidence that natural landscapes, wildlife, and waterscapes are indeed highly beneficial for mental health and well being. Cityscapes would likely be at a disadvantage compared to nature, but a nice city view is still better than staring at a wall or a neighbors fence. 

I wrote a post on this site years ago about views that were just a clump of trees and such and these clinical studies reinforce that even a view of some trees out your window in a normal neighborhood can be beneficial. Check that out here. If you have a home office situation choose a room that looks out over greenery if possible and you may find your street levels drop and your productivity rises. You don't have to live in a 7 figure home to do this in Vancouver. There are many older neighborhoods with old growth trees that are quite pleasing to the eye.

In other non-pyschological studies, it has been suggested that water views are the most desirable, followed by natural landscapes, mountains and such, then other assorted natural greenery, then last but not least cityscapes.

So this simple backyard vista is hardly the "million dollar view" but with the greenery it is still going to boost productivity and provide relaxation despite its humble nature. 

So there you have it, scientific data that shows even simple suburban homes can have a worthy view and some mature trees are better than staring at your neighbors siding.

What ever you do be sure to enjoy the view.