What it's like to live in 5 of the best cities in the world
Vienna is first on the list
After the crisis generated by the covid-19 pandemic, the quality of life has increased again in many cities around the world.
More specifically, overall quality of life has peaked over the past 15 years, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Global Liveability Index.
The ranking evaluates 173 cities on factors such as stability, health, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
The rise in quality of life is largely due to improvements in health and education in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
While an index can show data about what makes a place livable, it's the people who experience it day in and day out who can best speak to what it's really like to live in a place.
We spoke to residents of some of the top 5 highest rated cities to find out why they like living there.
Vienna, Austria
For the Austrian capital, the number one position in the best places to live index is nothing new.
She only briefly missed out on the award in 2021, when pandemic closures took a toll on her museums and restaurants.
With perfect scores for stability, healthcare, education and infrastructure, Vienna is much more than the sum of its parts, according to residents.
"Basically, you have a whole life cycle in one place," explains Manuela Filippou, manager of the two-Michelin-star Konstantin Filippou restaurant and natural wine bar.
This historic city has a reliable public transport system, child care facilities are accessible and the area's cafes, theaters and even wineries are easily accessible.
The Danube crosses the Austrian capital
All of this makes Vienna seem like a timeless vacation spot, says Filippou.
"Sometimes when we are overworked and unable to travel for a long time, we don't even realize it because we can satisfy our hunger for all of this within city limits," added Filippou.
For Richard Voss, Vienna resident and sales and marketing manager at the Das Tigra hotel, the city's quality of life is enhanced by its rich cultural history and the activities on offer.
"Vienna has many impressive historic buildings, including Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg or Vienna City Hall," he says.
The Belvedere Palace in Vienna's 3rd district was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy
"The city is also known for its musical tradition. Famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss lived and worked here."
Voss recalls that all this history also permeates the various museums, theaters and opera houses in the city.
He also recommends delving into Vienna's culinary history, sampling traditional dishes like wiener schnitzel (something like breaded meat) and sacher cake (a type of chocolate cake popular in the region).
Or visit the various markets such as Naschmarkt for fresh food and local specialities.
Albert Park Lake in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Both Melbourne and Sydney have regained their ranking positions (3rd and 4th respectively) after slipping in the index during the pandemic that has crippled the Australian healthcare system and led to prolonged lockdowns.
Melbourne, in particular, scored the highest in the country for culture and environment, traits that locals love.
"Melbourne has an incredible cuisine, culture, arts scene, as well as events and attractions, and is home to all the biggest international sports and events, including the Australian Grand Prix of Formula 1 and the Australian Open of tennis," says Jane Morrell, disability activist and founder of Carer Solutions.
She also says the city is easy to get around, with easy-to-use trams running through the central district and other neighborhoods.
The next Australian Grand Prix will be held on March 24, 2024
In addition, the town is just a short drive from beaches and the world-renowned wine country.
For blogger Kimmie Conner, a native of California, the city slightly surpasses other cities.
"There are places like Sydney that you know are beautiful as soon as you see them. It has stunning views, coastlines and iconic buildings. But Melbourne isn't a city of monuments, it's a city of culture. research,” says Conner, who writes in "Adventures & Sunsets."
She claims that she prefers Melbourne to any other city.
"To find out what's going on in Melbourne, all you have to do is walk into a small cafe in a colorful alley and be served one of the best coffees of your life."
A tram passes in front of Flinders Street railway station in Melbourne, Australia
“I recommend trying the tasting menus at the city's specialty restaurants and sipping cocktails at hidden bars, often hidden behind doors or secret cupboards,” he added.
Melbourne's people are very approachable and friendly.
There's nothing this glittering city can't offer.
Conner believes that people are initially more welcoming in Melbourne than Sydney, while Morrel also cites the positive attitude of locals as a factor that makes life in the city more enjoyable.
vancouver, in canada
Three Canadian cities (including Calgary and Toronto) made this year's top 10.
But Vancouver ranked first among them (5th) for its cultural and environmental scores, traits that residents immediately point to in their love of the city.
"From Vancouver, it's very easy to get to the forests, the sea or the mountains," says Tony Ho, resident and small business owner.
"Our transport system allows you to get from beautiful English Bay to the top of the city on Grouse Mountain all in the same day and you can do it by bus, bicycle, train and boat."
He also loves the city's diverse cuisine, a reflection of Vancouver's multicultural makeup, where you can find everything from Ethiopian injera to Tibetan momos.
Vancouver's landscape is praised by locals and tourists alike
"Gastronomic culture and the origin of whose cuisine is always growing.”
As the father of a young child, Ho also appreciates the many parks and beaches, all within 20 minutes of downtown.
"It's something I want my son to have access to for the rest of his life," he says.
Businessmen from other countries are also attracted by favorable immigration policies.
“As an entrepreneur and immigrant from Croatia, I was looking for a city that fostered business growth, but was also vibrant and welcoming,” says Joe Tolzmann, Executive Director of RocketPlan mobile platform.
In Vancouver, access to parks is easy
"Vancouver is perfect for starting a business because there are so many skilled workers. There is always someone you can contact or services to turn to at every stage of your business venture. The business community here is extremely supportive and inclusive."
In addition to business, the landscape always offers good alternatives for rest.
"When I need a break, I have the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other," adds Tolzmann.
Osaka, Japan
Ranked 10th on the index and the only Asian country to make the top 10, Osaka scored a 100 on Stability, Healthcare and Education.
As the cost of living continues to reduce income in many places around the world, accessibility in Osaka is also a huge advantage for residents.
"Renting in Osaka is not expensive compared to other metropolises in Japan and the world," says Shirley Zhang, a Vancouver native.
“My rent is approximately [the equivalent of] US$520 (about R$2,400) per month with water, internet and maintenance fee included. Although the apartment is small, it is new and clean. place like mine in Vancouver, it wouldn’t cost me less than $900.”
Going out to dinner in restaurants and spending little is also one of the things most highlighted by the residents.
The cost of rent in Osaka is low compared to other cities
"Unlike the UK, where I'm from and where dining out can be expensive, Osaka offers quality meals at surprisingly cheap prices," says James Hills.
"You can afford to eat in restaurants every day."
The city also seems safer than other big cities.
“I feel very safe walking home alone, even at night,” says Zhang, adding that she never worries about her purse or purse being stolen, even when she leaves those items unattended.
Osaka combines tradition and modernity
"The city and its surroundings have an extensive rail network," says Jonathan Lucas, a marketing specialist at the Osaka Department of Tourism.
"It's quick and easy to get out of the city for a day and explore other amazing places like Kyoto, Nara and Kobe."
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is up more than 25 places from last year, due in large part to its pandemic-delayed reopening, where restrictions and lockdowns were not fully lifted until September 2022.
Along with its perfect education score, the city also had the highest culture and environment score among the top 10 cities.
"You can find a beautiful secluded beach probably just a 20-minute drive from Auckland, if not closer," says resident Megan Lawrence, who writes for My Moments and Memories .
"We have an amazing water park just around the corner, with so many ways to enjoy it. Likewise, the city is surrounded by beautiful native bushland, where it's easy to escape and not feel like you're in the city."
As New Zealand's largest city, residents also benefit from world-class events including the FIFA Women's World Cup, which is currently taking place.
Auckland's landscape enchants visitors to the city
"We have the best concerts, shows and sporting events right on our doorstep," says resident Greg Marett of the AAT Kings tour company.
"Next week, I'm going to see an exhibition about the time of the pharaohs in Egypt at the Auckland Museum."
It also emphasizes the beauty of the city's impressive port, with yachts and sailboats moored that justify the nickname "The City of Sails".
And he recommends that visitors explore the Auckland Maritime Museum to learn about the city's maritime history and New Zealand's history in sailing America's Cup competition.
As a relatively young and culturally diverse country, New Zealand embraces and adapts to cuisines from around the world, so both restaurants and supermarkets offer plenty of options, says Lawrence.
The harbor is a very touristy area in Auckland.
But what really makes it a good place to live is the friendliness of the people.
"Most people are friendly, willing to help and always happily greet you when you pass them on a walk," he said.
"I love how open people are here, always with a smile and a hello."
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