6+ Favorite Books on Sustainable Urban Living (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on sustainable urban living (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick
$10.52

In This Is Where You Belong, Melody Warnick tackles what makes us love the places we call home and why that connection matters. Drawing from her own experiences of moving multiple times, she shares practical tips on how to foster a sense of belonging in our communities. I really appreciated her take on the importance of staying rooted and engaging with local life to boost happiness. The book offers valuable insights, like acting as if you love your town to actually start feeling that way. Honestly, I found it inspiring—there’s not much I didn’t like about it!
Pros:
Explores the importance of community and belonging.
Offers practical suggestions for increasing place attachment.
Emphasizes the joy of committing to a place and engaging with it.
Cons:
Not a whole lot - excellent book.
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02/06/2026 10:02 pm GMT
City On The Verge by Mark Pendergrast
$21.17

In City on the Verge, Mark Pendergrast takes a close look at Atlanta's history and its evolving neighborhoods, touching on critical issues like income inequality and racial injustice. I found the book particularly engaging because I live in Atlanta and can see these changes firsthand. Pendergrast connects the BeltLine project to the broader challenges cities face, making it a great read for anyone interested in urban planning. However, I felt it was a bit niche; while it aims to represent urban America, it still feels very much focused on Atlanta itself. Overall, it’s a worthwhile read that sparks hope for the city’s future.
Pros:
Deeply researched and informative about Atlanta's history and neighborhoods
Addresses critical urban issues like income inequality and racial injustice
Relevant for those interested in urban planning and community building
Cons:
It's a niche book focused primarily on Atlanta, despite attempts to generalize to America.
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02/07/2026 01:05 pm GMT
The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne
$12.52

In The Urban Homestead, Kelly Coyne offers a practical guide for anyone wanting to live more self-sufficiently in the city. The book covers everything from growing food on small patios to raising chickens and cleaning without harsh chemicals. I loved how it’s packed with easy-to-follow projects and tips, making it super accessible for beginners. While some of the info is a bit dated since it was published in 2006, the core ideas are still solid. Overall, it’s a fantastic resource that inspires a more sustainable urban lifestyle, and I found it genuinely useful!
Pros:
The book is practical and useful for self-sufficiency.
It provides interesting and vetted ideas for city dwellers.
The authors promote sustainable living without resource depletion.
Cons:
The book is somewhat outdated as it was written in 2006.
Some techniques have evolved since its publication.
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02/07/2026 04:02 pm GMT
Happy City by Charles Montgomery
$19.19

In Happy City, Charles Montgomery explores how urban design shapes our lives, influencing whether we feel connected or isolated in our communities. I found his insights engaging, particularly how well he illustrates the unintended consequences of past design choices, like prioritizing cars over people, which often resulted in more harm than good. The book is packed with research and anecdotes from various cities, making it relatable and informative. Overall, it’s a fun read that not only sheds light on urban planning but also offers practical ideas for improving our neighborhoods. Definitely worth picking up!
Pros:
Engaging storytelling that combines statistics and anecdotes
Offers valuable insights on urban design and its effects on life
Highlights the importance of road safety and community interactions
Cons:
None
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02/07/2026 12:01 am GMT
99% Invisible City by Roman Mars
$16.76

In 99% Invisible City, Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt explore the often-overlooked elements that shape our urban landscapes. Building on the popular podcast, the book highlights the fascinating stories behind everyday design—from street signs to fire escapes—and encourages us to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind these features. I loved the engaging stories and the stunning illustrations that bring the content to life, making me see my own city in a new light. My only gripe is that it leans heavily on examples from major cities, but the insights are still relevant for smaller towns. Overall, it's a captivating read!
Pros:
Engaging exploration of unnoticed urban elements
Rich narratives that transform perspectives on city life
Visually appealing with over 100 detailed illustrations
Cons:
Heavily skewed toward global mega cities
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02/07/2026 03:03 am GMT
Blighted by Margaret Stagmeier
$13.68

In Blighted, Margaret Stagmeier tackles the pressing issue of the housing crisis in America, focusing on blighted properties through her experience with a distressed Atlanta site. The book thoughtfully explores the complex factors behind urban decay and offers hopeful solutions, emphasizing real-life examples that highlight the human impact of blight. I appreciated Stagmeier's pragmatic approach and the importance she places on collaboration between public and private sectors. While she presents a successful model, I found myself skeptical about its scalability across the U.S. Overall, I enjoyed the insights but felt it leaned too heavily on one success story.
Pros:
The book provides nuanced insights into the housing crisis and blighted properties.
Stagmeier uses real-life examples and personal experiences to illustrate her points.
The book emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors for community revitalization.
It offers a holistic approach to addressing both physical decay and social revitalization.
The author effectively presents real numbers to discuss costs and fairness in real estate.
The focus on a specific property provides a pragmatic view of affordable housing issues.
Cons:
A few chapters could use editing.
The author leans heavily into the success of her model, which may not be universally applicable.
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02/07/2026 12:04 pm GMT