Interesting article on city life and the brain

[PamNY]

The main city thing that I think really adds stress is noise. Of course crime would as well; I am lucky enough to live in a safe neighborhood.

But crime can happen anywhere, so I don't know if that counts as an urban stress.

And I am exceptionally good at using city parks -- today I went to one Trader Joe's instead of another because I could use a route that allowed me to walk through Central Park. Takes an additional 15-20 minutes but worth it.

[Jolt]

The main city thing that I think really adds stress is noise. Of course crime would as well; I am lucky enough to live in a safe neighborhood.

But crime can happen anywhere, so I don't know if that counts as an urban stress.

And I am exceptionally good at using city parks -- today I went to one Trader Joe's instead of another because I could use a route that allowed me to walk through Central Park. Takes an additional 15-20 minutes but worth it.

Noise is definitely a big contributing factor, but even worse IMO is crowding/congestion. Walking down a sidewalk where you're elbow to elbow with random strangers just sucks, as does not being able to see very far ahead because you're short and are right behind a bunch of taller people. Of course, being familiar with the city probably helps one avoid those situations as much as possible (like your example about walking through Central Park to get to TJ's).