In most areas of Europe (which is what I know), a park is never far away, and the cities are kind of narrow and not built for cars. A short bike ride will carry you to the fields with a lot of paths, or a forrest also full of streets (well, utility roads, but you're free to use them). There could be a lake for swimming in biking distance (or use local transport). Some of the bigger cities have been created from several towns, and at the seams there can be a lot of greenery (Frankfurt, for example). Thus, you do not need a car to get around and can reach a good number of places, and you still have access to city culture. Not all cities are made equal.