The world's most livable cities in 2024

[Compiled and published by New Sancai] After years of changes caused by the epidemic, many cities around the world have finally entered a livable new normal. Recently, the Economist evaluated 173 cities on the Global Livability Index in terms of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure, and found that the average livability score has barely improved over the past year. increased (by only 0.06 points).

The top 10 cities are also very similar to last year's (2013) list, with little fluctuation among the top 10, except for one city: Toronto, which dropped out of the top 10 due to a worsening infrastructure score due to the worsening housing crisis. Fell out. No new cities entered the top 10, with Osaka and Auckland retaining their status, tied last year.

The 2024 global livability index rankings are: Vienna; Copenhagen; Zurich; Melbourne; Calgary//Geneva; Sydney/Vancouver; Osaka/Auckland.

△Vienna (Wien): Vienna, the capital of Austria, won the title of "the most livable city in the world" for the third consecutive year, achieving perfect scores in 4 of the 5 indicators. It only scored slightly lower in culture and environment due to the lack of major projects this year. sporting events. But that doesn’t mean the city lacks culture or environment – ​​in fact, it’s those two things that residents love most.

“When Viennese people come home from a trip, the first thing they do is turn on the tap and drink a glass of fresh spring water,” said Nikolaus Graeser, spokesman for the Vienna Tourism Board. “Our tap water comes directly from the mountains and has been for 150 years. Delivered via the Vienna High Spring Water Main."

There's also a wide range of activities on offer, including windsurfing on the New Danube, having a glass of wine in the traditional tavern Heuriger, or buying a ticket to the Vienna State Opera for just €13 State Opera) to watch.

Vienna has an efficient public transport network (for just €1 a day), a well-functioning healthcare system, many universities and a high proportion of green space. In addition, “Vienna combines the efficiency of a Nordic city with the lifestyle that people in Southern Europe enjoy,” Glazer said.

It is also committed to improvements, working to make cities cooler and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Glazer explains: New "little oases" (Grätzeloasen) are being built across the city in former parking spaces, where residents can grow vegetables or flowers.

△ Zurich (Zürich): Zurich, the largest city in the Swiss Confederation, rose three places this year to rank third. It maintains perfect scores in education and health care, and also achieved good results in infrastructure and culture. Residents like the public resources and the sense of security they feel in the city.

“I don’t hesitate to take public transportation at any time, and I don’t lock my apartment door during the day,” said Alexandra Humbel, chief marketing officer of home exchange company People Like Us. “I don’t hesitate to take public transportation at any time,” she added. Zurich is the only place where I dare to leave my phone and wallet before swimming in the lake.”

Humbert appreciates Zurich's cleanliness, efficient public transportation and closeness to nature. She also said, "I live next to Lake Zurich, an 8-minute train ride from the city center and only an hour from the mountains. , so our lifestyle is very cool, you can ski in the winter and be at the lake in the summer.”

Zurich was also recently named the world's "smartest city" for its technological infrastructure and initiatives that help improve quality of life.

NOWATA soap founder Ruslan Maidans said that thanks to Zurich’s smart traffic control system and commitment to sustainability, electric buses can be charged at planned locations without causing delays.

Zurich's economic activity is home to a large number of fintech and biotech start-ups, as well as a large number of collaborations between universities and the corporate world.

Humbert said overall the city feels very clean but also relies on community obligations. Overall, the efforts to create a calm and orderly community paid off.

△Melbourne: Due to rising housing costs, Australia's Sydney and Melbourne have both declined in the rankings this year, but Melbourne only dropped one place to fourth. Despite housing challenges, residents rave about its cultural diversity, food scene and overall quality of life.

Business manager Gus Gluck said: "From a high standard of living on a modest income to the kindest locals to a world-leading cultural industry, Melbourne rewards you with a strong work ethic and community spirit." In London, he said he particularly liked the city's child-friendly features.

“There’s affordable childcare, safe streets, and I think some of the best playgrounds in the world,” said Gluck, who regularly visits museums and exhibitions such as the Heide Museum of Modern Art. (Heide Modern) or the State Library. The National Gallery of Victoria is currently cooperating with the British Museum on the Pharaoh exhibition until early October. Featuring more than 500 rare objects, ancient jewelery and tomb and temple buildings, the exhibition is the largest traveling exhibition held by the British Museum in its 270-year history.

Nature also provides Melbourne with plenty of affordable entertainment. "I'm lucky enough to live near Port Phillip Bay, so the best way to enjoy an afternoon after work is to go for a walk or play on the beach with the kids," says founder of Reymond Communications "We often get to watch the sunset and have a fish and chip dinner," said Joanna Reymond-Burns, director.

△ Calgary: Calgary, Canada, has moved up slightly this year and is currently ranked 5th in the index (tied with Geneva) due to its perfect stability, health care and education scores. But it's the perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty that residents continue to praise this city for.

Calgary has also won many reputations, including being one of the 10 sustainable tourist destinations worth visiting in 2024 and the happiest European region for young people. Additionally, Calgary has a thriving arts and cultural scene, featuring world-class museums, galleries and performance venues. And for visitors and residents alike, the highlight of the year remains the world-famous Calgary Stampede.

"Billed as 'the largest outdoor show on Earth, it is a 10-day festival and rodeo with hundreds of entertainment, rides and dining options that celebrates its Western and ranching agriculture.'" 9 years ago Phil Ollenberg, who moved here, said, "I chose to live in Calgary because of its energy, ambition and beauty." He also particularly enjoys the festival, art and music scene.

He also said he lives downtown and can easily walk to work and events. Despite Calgary's reputation as a car-centric city, Calgary's public transit ridership is high and its light rail transit (LRT) is the first of its kind in North America.

△ Osaka: Osaka is the third most populous city in Japan. It ranks ninth in the index with Auckland and ranks among the top 10. Residents appreciate the ease that a small city brings, while also offering no shortage of amenities.

Kay A, the owner of Tiny Tot In Tokyo, who moved here from Tokyo in 2021, said: “Osaka is not as big and busy as Tokyo, so it’s not as crowded, but it’s still convenient. There are a lot of great shopping places. "

The city’s booming gastronomy also makes life here more enjoyable. She said, "The food in Osaka is also the best in Japan - after all, the city is called the 'Japanese Kitchen'. Because the prices are also cheap, we often go out to eat."

Osaka, she explains, is located in the Kansai region, making it a good starting point for day trips. "My family likes to drive to other prefectures on the weekends, such as Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama. There are so many things to see and places to explore, especially temples and shrines rich in nature and history."

But most importantly, she found Osaka to be a place where she and her family felt welcome. "The locals here are very friendly.", "When my little daughter and I took the train in Osaka for the first time and got seats, I was shocked. This has never happened in Tokyo. It's easy to make friends here."

(Author: BBC website)

(Compiled by: Bai Ding)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)