From Asia to the U.S. and Europe, there are hundreds of cities that constantly attract new residents, thanks to low crime rates, quality of life and many other factors. Spending the past few years moving from one city to another, I’ve had my fair share of scouting for new nesting ground. Having picked up a trick or two on where’s best and where’s not, here’s my own list of 10 best cities to live based on my own likings and experiences.
1. Melbourne, Australia
This vibrant city at the Southern end of Australia is a treasure trove of beaches, seaside esplanades and quirky antique shops. Edgy urbanites co-exist with aboriginal culture in a city that grooves with urban culture. Melbourne is just an hour away from the Great Ocean Road, a stretch of coastal cliffs bursting with wildlife and hiking trails. The Grampians mountain range are also just several hours’ drive away. It’s definitely my favorite city in Australia, just be careful, you might never want to leave.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona: progressive, new-age, explosive and colorful. The hip crowd can hang around the beach at Barceloneta, while the artistic ones can mingle around works of Gaudi. Barcelona, best experienced on a hop on hop off Barcelona bus tour, is a sprawling city with the conveniences that every cosmopolitan city has, yet it has completely come to its own.
Spain might not be ranking tops in the European ranking of infrastructure or GDP, but everyone who’s been there knows about the immeasurable quality of life. The three most important things in life for the Spaniards – cerveza (beer), siesta and fiesta.
3. Singapore
Coming in at number 1 in Mercer’s 2009 Worldwide Infrastructure Ranking, Singapore is definitely one of the best places to live in Asia. There’s not just low crime rate, but also excellent connection with the world, good career opportunities, high standard of living and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Urbanites who like living in a metropolis will definitely appreciate the vibrant nightlife and entertainment establishments available. Being a bilingual nation also helps a foreigner get by easily.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
One of my favorite cities in Europe- Prague is cheaper than most west European countries, but has equally stunning architecture, historical monuments and rich culture. In terms of security and stability, it is also on par with its neighbors. The weak currency makes cost of living here much lower as well- an important point to consider when relocating. The proximity to neighboring Germany and Austria also make it a good base to explore the area.
5. Dubai, UAE
Ranking as the top Middle Eastern city in the quality of life index, Dubai has been an expatriate-hub in the recent years. Plenty of friends looking to work abroad are seeking out opportunities in Dubai and it looks like they’re doing better than before. Quoted as ‘the fastest growing city in the world’, Dubai is now home to the tallest building, largest man-made marina and the most luxurious hotel in the world. Adventure seekers can also head out to nearby sand dunes to surf in the sand.
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the most influential city in the whole of South America, despite its economic debacle in 2002. Stretching from old neighborhood like San Telmo to the swanky riverside zone of Puerto Madero. the city holds on to its history and culture like no other. Littered with gorgeous architecture, melancholic tango bars and antique shops, Buenos Aires is reminiscent of Europe, yet completely its own. A unique place to live and smell culture, this is the perfect place to live for art lovers who seek a bohemian lifestyle.
7. Seattle, U.S.
Surrounded by magnificent mountain range, Seattle is said to be one of the best residential cities in the U.S. Being the 13th largest metropolitan area in the States, it’s neither too big nor too small. Temperatures are also milder here, which means comfortable winters and summers. There’s a vibrant music scene and plenty of outdoors options from boating to hiking. For housing costs, check out Seattle property management.
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Thats a wonderful list Nelly. Barcelona, Seattle and Melbourne are amazing places to live and work. I would also suggest Toronto and London (to a small extent, for the sake of living here)..cheers
Manchester, New Hampshire, USA is a wonderful place to live too. Easy to get to the sea or big city like Boston. No income tax or sales tax. Perfect weather too. What else do you want?
Tom, Thailand
Liked the list described over here. I do agree with some of the cities listed to live in. Liked the blog and its information shared.
Singapore Sucks!! Why would anyone want to live there, I grew up in this country & what you see & hear from the media are all lies…..
Don't come here or you'll regret it.
I have never been to Prague but would surely like to visit it soon. And yes, would like to appreciate you for sharing the information. Liked reading this blog!
Weird that other people are mentioning Toronto as multicultural but fail to mention Montreal. Montreal is a lot better than Toronto (although, all Canadian cities are great. I'm biased though). I live in Ottawa so I live between both and can enjoy them both easily (I wouldn't say Ottawa is one of the world's great cities… )
Modern city with more than a touch of histroy, heritage and a rich culture. On the coast yet not too far from stunning mountain scenery. It's Cardiff for me – although I am biased
What about San Francisco? I'm from Barcelona and LOVE my city but I found San Francisco a really nice city to live
Barcelona is the best one, is the perfect city
Hey, I live in Seattle and I'd say it was a fine place to live as long as you have a vacation home to fly off to for nine months of the year. Have you not heard that it rains in Seattle all winter? Yep. Cold, miserable, depression-inducing rain that keeps everyone housebound throughout the winter months and beyond. Yeah, OK, I exaggerate…we do get out like once a month just to let each other know we're still alive.
Personally, I like San Francisco much better. It's actually tolerable in the winter. And much hipper. Prettier. And people there won't shoot you just because they've missed a dose of their favorite anti-depressant. Too many meth heads in Portland. Another, better alternative to Seattle is Vancouver, BC. If one could live six months of the year in Baja, Mexico (during the winter), and six months in Vancouver (during the summer), one would have the best of all worlds. But then being rich just about anywhere is much better than being poor in a really great spot. Just ask your local Mexican.