Finding the best places to live takes a little research. Many companies and organizations have done a lot of the legwork for you, having compiled data and conducted surveys to find where in the world are the best places to live.
Determining the Best Places to Live
Mercer, an international corporation that specializes in human resource management, issues and resources, has come up with their top picks for 2010’s best places for people to relocate to. While the data gathered are meant to advise companies on how to compensate relocating employees, it's a great resource for anyone who is thinking of moving.
The top cities are ranked according to what Mercer calls Quality of Living, based on a yearly study with 221 cities in the running. Information is derived from 39 factors contained within 10 categories, with appropriate weightings based on priority. Categories include: political and social environment, medical and health considerations, public services and transport, consumer goods, economic environment, schools and education, recreation, housing, socio-cultural environment and the natural environment. Essential criteria are contained within these broad categories to include a range of factors from typical priorities of crime rates and hospital services to the more unique, including the availability of good water, food quality, media and censorship to recreational interests such as number of cinemas and the availability of sporting events.
Cities are given a score that is relative to New York, which receives a base point score of 100. This year, Vienna took the number one ranking (again) with a score of 108.6. Not surprisingly, Baghdad received the lowest score of 14.7.
Top 5 World Cities Based on Quality of Living
Despite the economic crisis that has dominated European news for the past few months, European cities are still ranked top in the world with Vancouver (Canada) and Auckland (New Zealand) tied for fourth.
- Vienna, Austria
With its historical architecture and its location between Western and Eastern Europe, Vienna boasts the best Quality of Living for 2010.
- Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland has two cities in the top 5 ranking, with Zurich topping Geneva as the second best city in Mercer’s Quality of Living index.
- Geneva, Switzerland
With its picturesque setting and the location of major international organizations, such as the WTO and the UN, Geneva ranked third overall.
- Vancouver, Canada (tied)
Vancouver is currently my home base and while most people associate it with the Winter Olympics, the city has a lot more to offer than skiing, skating and hockey.
- Auckland, New Zealand (tied)
On the opposite side of the globe is beautiful Auckland. Known for its easy-going style, Auckland has a lot to offer people on the move.
