Preferences for urban green spaces and peri-urban forests: An analysis of stated residential choices

This paper assesses the value of urban green spaces, specifically peri-urban forests and their potential substitutes, for the local population on the basis of their residential choice. We applied a choice experiment (CE) that focuses on trade-offs between private housing characteristics and the environmental aspects of neighborhood. Individual willingness to pay (WTP) is estimated from a latent class model and a mixed logit model along with a WTP space approach. Our results show that green spaces provide both direct use value (recreation) and indirect use value (scenic views). We find that peri-urban forests and parks are not substitutes. However, ownership of a private garden reduces the WTP to live closer to an urban park.