Many Neolithic settlements were located near major river systems and fertile land. These locations offered easy access to water for drinking, agriculture, and irrigation, which made it easier to develop farming communities. Proximity to rivers also provided food resources, fertile soil for crops, and transportation routes, which supported larger, more permanent settlements. Settlements in regions such as the Fertile Crescent, the Yellow River valley in China, and other river valleys were favored because they enabled stable agricultural practices, leading to the transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, some Neolithic settlements developed near areas with rich natural resources and favorable climates, which allowed populations to grow and flourish through farming and domestication of plants and animals.