If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be? What do you find appealing about that location when compared with all of the other amazing places in this world? We’ve put together a list of the top ten places to live for people looking for certain things in their hometowns.
Before we get to our list of our picks for the top ten places to live, let’s start by figuring out what makes a location a good choice in the first place.
What would your ideal hometown look like? I’d bet it’s very different from my idea of the best place to live. And that’s okay. We all have different goals. We have different preferences and needs. And we’re in different places in our lives. So an area that one of us finds exciting, another might find threatening. A place one of us thinks of as tranquil and family-friendly might seem incredibly boring to another.
The key is finding the top places for you to live. It’s about figuring out what will make you happy and then finding locations that offer what you’re looking for.
Here are some of the biggest things you might consider when trying to determine the top places to live.
Now let’s get to our original list of the top ten places to live. Do you know of other places people might find appealing? Leave a comment and tell us why your hometown (or your favorite place) is also potentially one of the best places to live.
There are many factors that make the place we live the place we love to call home. Environment, weather, history, politics, economy, infrastructure, social climate, and entertainment all play a part. When choosing a place to live, your decision should be based on what issues are important to you. Finding the right combination of features is the key to loving where you live.
Healthcare and Tolerance – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In 2009 the Netherlands was named as having the best healthcare system in Europe by the Euro Health Consumer Index. Six criterion examined were patient rights and information, e-health, waiting times for treatment, outcomes, range and reach of services provided and pharmaceuticals. The Netherlands is additionally praised for its minimal bureaucracy and patient empowerment.
The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, has become infamous for its tolerance of the taboo. The Dutch believe that people should make moral decisions with little interference from government. Marijuana is legal. Tattoo parlors, sex shops, and the red light district draw tourists. Hostels are packed during the peak summer season.
As far as culture, there are famous museums where you can see work by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. One can learn the story of Anne Frank, relax in beautiful parks and ride a bike almost anywhere. According to Claudio.Ar, “It is said that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice, more cafes than Vienna and more bridges than Paris. The tours let you discover them and other secrets of the city.”
Best Place for Singles – New York City, USA
In the mood for love? Although the cost of living is still high in New York, it has become slightly more affordable due to the recent economic downturn. In fact with many singles now unemployed, unmarried folks are taking advantage of their severance packages and enjoying all the city has to offer. With 35,000 restaurants, 3,800 bars, and 734 museums there is definitely plenty to do in New York City. The popular dating site, Match.com, has more active accounts in the NYC area than any other locale. Living in New York does, however require a high tolerance for crowds of people.
“The City That Never Sleeps” comes by its title easily. From piano bars to jazz lounges (and a few dozen dives of course), New York’s nightlife keeps the city hopping until early morning hours. Nightclubs like the Marquee feature world famous DJs for the partiers who love to dance. Other locals favor the Gotham Comedy Club, which Frommer’s guide declares New York’s “trendiest and most sophisticated comedy club.”
Whatever your interest, you’re sure to find it in New York City – day or night.
Mild Climate & English Speaking – Malta
The island nation just 60 miles from Sicily, Republic of Malta, is a repeated winner of Quality of Life Index awards for best climate.
With a daily average of over five hours of sunshine, mild winters, and hot summers – Malta is considered ideal by many.
Diving, sailing, and colorful festivals abound. Golf and horseback riding are popular pastimes.
There are few sandy beaches and yes – sometimes it does rain on the Maltese islands.
If it’s raining you can head indoors for opera, theater, music, and ballet at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta. The Manoel is the second-oldest theater in Europe.
The government is politically stable in Malta. Cost of living is low. Crime is minimal. Locals are hospitable. Travel is not difficult, despite island status.
If you lived in Malta you could check off each item on list, 101 Things to do while on Holiday in Malta.
Family-Friendly – Virginia, USA
The state of Virginia has beautiful shorelines and beaches. Virginia is very family and community oriented, with plenty of fairs, festivals, and community events. The people are diverse and friendly. Many of the schools are highly-ranked and offer plenty of extracurricular activities and elective courses to choose from.
Virginia takes the health and safety of its children very seriously. According to the official Virginia government website, $515,405 was awarded to 17 projects that support youth substance abuse and violence prevention programs for 2010.
Check out this list of 57 Cool Places for Kids.
Low Cost of Living & Retirement – Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America and therefore offers a broad range of opportunities for travel and diversity. From the Amazon jungles, to famous beaches, you will find the inhabitants friendly and hospitable. Although the nightlife is well known in Brazil, few are aware that Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are among the cheapest cities to live in (according to the Economist Intelligence Unit).
Want to pay off debt? Brazil is a good place to retire. Retirement visas are available with proof of income. It is common and legal for permanent residents to apply for Brazilian passports and keep their current citizenships and passports.
Brazilian health care is very good. You do not need to be a citizen to use the national health care system. Patients pay nothing out of pocket for most care. For the highest quality health care private market providers are also available – for a fee. Even so, the fees are much less than purchasing independent health insurance in the U.S. In general, you get more for your money in Brazil.
Due to the well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service industries, the economy of Brazil outweighs other countries in South America, and is quickly expanding its presence in international markets.
Simply Beautiful – Belize
Belize, considered one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, has it all. Belize touts great beaches, subtropical climate, diverse wildlife, and a low cost of living.
The scuba diving and snorkeling is fabulous. The gorgeous waterfalls underneath the Maya Mountains are rivaled only by the hundreds of colorful species of birds flying the skies.
Rent of a large house in Cayo district is only $300/month. Food at the local markets is very reasonably priced. The official language is English. The Retired Person’s Incentive Program starts at the ripe young age of 45 and allows tax free living.
Consider a snowbird lifestyle when it comes to living in Belize. The wet season is May to October. It rains all the time and there is a chance for hurricanes.
But I’d stay November through April in this beautiful land, which is just where I’d like to be rather than the cold snowy land I call home that time of year.
Stunning Scenery – Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town features some of the most beautiful beaches and fascinating attractions in all of Africa. Families enjoy swimming in the warm waters along the False Bay coast, where whale watching is also popular. Kids swarm to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, and for a small fee, even swim with them. The hallmark of Cape Town is Table Mountain, a gigantic slab of sandstone with breathtaking views, trails for hiking, and paragliding for the adventurous. (Cable cars are available for the not-so-adventurous.)
The second most populated city in South Africa; Cape Town is known for being socially tolerant and culturally diverse. This coastal city is mild and rainy during the winter months, but dry and very warm the rest of the year. The bistros and restaurants offer a variety of world class cuisine to satisfy every palate, and are famous for their delicious wines. Clubs, lounges, and other entertainment venues make Cape Town ideal for the musically inclined.
Thanks to the 2010 World Cup, business is booming in Cape Town. The real estate market is also on the upswing as more people relocate to this beautiful coastal city.
Economic Opportunities – Frankfurt, Germany
Those looking for a certain quality of life find their high standards met in Frankfurt, the economic capital of Germany. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is the largest in Germany, and one of the world’s most important. According to the Mercer Quality of Living survey, Frankfurt has the highest concentration of jobs in Germany, with 922 jobs per 1,000 residents.
Frankfurt inhabitants enjoy their city for more than its economic security. The museums, historical sites, and shopping districts are popular with the locals as well as tourists. Frankfurt is easy to travel in and out of, with one of the busiest airports in the world. Frankfurt Central Station is one of the biggest train stations in Europe, and few can resist the allure of the Autobahn. The views along the Main River are lovely, and Frankfurt is home to a number of beautiful landmarks such as the Imperial Cathedral, and the 50-acre Palmengarten flower garden.
The cost of living is high, but is compensated with a low unemployment rate, easy transportation for business trips, and the fact that it is an industrial and financial powerhouse. Germany’s businesses are booming.
Most Romantic – Paris, France
The air in Paris simply breathes romance. Not only is the enchanting ambience the perfect setting for romance, (who can see the Eiffel Tower without thinking of L’amour?) the cozy bistros and dimly lit restaurants are ideal for couples in love.
Paris is not just for lovers; its rich heritage and stunning architecture draw millions. The Louvre, Palace of Versailles, and Notre Dame are just a few of the beautiful buildings that grace the Paris skyline. An incredible array of paintings and art are sure to please museum goers.
As the fashion capital of the world, Paris is home to some of the most popular designers. Those looking for a career in fashion couldn’t find a more fitting place to study or work. The drawback for Parisians is a high cost of living. The good news is- Paris features some of Europe’s largest corporations, and researchers expect an increase in employment opportunities in the future. So for those who can swing it, the comfort and quality of the French life is a truly unforgettable experience. Not to mention, absolutely delicious.
Sizzling and Sexy – Miami, Florida USA
Miami is known as the “Magic City” for good reason. With the sensual Latin flavor combined with its tropical location, Miami is home to an eclectic group of fun-loving people. Singles flock to Miami for the beaches and exciting nightlife, and then discover attractions and career opportunities that offer more than they were expecting.
As the “Gateway to Latin America”, Miami is a city of diverse ethnicities. This sunny city is bursting with new developments, has surprisingly low rent and taxes, and an exceptional education system at the University of Miami.
Miami ranks highly with the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network, which rates each city’s importance to the international economy. Professionals work in a number of fields including tourism, trade, and international banking. Sports and recreation enthusiasts adore Miami for the wide variety of watersports and boating activities. Everything from snorkeling to sailing, kayaking to kitesurfing; Miami’s beaches offer it all. For landlubbers, Miami features rock climbing walls, golf courses, and tennis courts. Wherever you travel, wherever you call home, remember to make the best of where you are. The people you meet, friends you make, experiences you acquire – those are the things that make life worth living.
By: Terra L. Fletcher, owner Fletcher Freelance
Note: This list was originally compiled and published on July 16, 2010. New content was added in 2013.
View Comments
I would strongly disagree with Frankfurt. It may be wealthy, and there certainly are many jobs, but there is no middle-class in Frankfurt. The wealth gap in Frankfurt is simply to big. The large amount of wealthy bankers is contrasted by loads of homeless, junkies and unemployed. In Germany, cities like Munich and particularly Hamburg offer a higher standart of living, a nicer atmosphere and a higher diversity with makes for a lively community!
you are a American arnt you Canada did not make the list Vancouver and Calgary are on every other list and new york sucks man America sucks to live in no health care minimum wage is 5 dollars Calgary Alberta Canada has a minimum wage of 11 dollars only 1 percent homeless low cost of living and no crime in new york a murder doesn't even hit the news
The coolest thing about the US is that you can literally find almost every type of climate and ecosystem on the planet, all in a single first-world, English-speaking, culturally diverse country. Most of our western states are bigger than many European countries. Too bad we have to pay for our own health insurance. Oh well, next week I'm taking a drive out to remote eastern Oregon to camp with my wife under the stars on a beautiful high desert landscape, on National Forest land with nobody else within a 20-mile radius of us, where I'll happily shoot my arsenal of perfectly legal firearms to my heart's content. Go USA!
I GUESS YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
I DO AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT ONE, DESPITE OF SOME AREAS OF BIG HOMELESS PEOPLE, DRUGS, VIOLENCE, KNIFE PROBLEMS AND THE GHETTOS.
THERE ARE AREAS OF JUST SIMPLY BEAUTY, GREEN AND RELAXED IN THE BACK OF A CITY, YOU JUST HAVE TO STUDY ALL OF THE 25 STATES VERY CAREFULLY.
I THINK I HAVE DECIDED CALIFORNIA, ORANGE COUNTY, I LOVE CALIFORNIA WITH ALL THE HILLS AND THEN THE PEACEFUL BEACHES, THAT NOBODY GOES AND THE FORESTS THAT NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT. MY FATHER USED TO TAKE ME THERE.
MOST AMERICANS NOT EVEN KNOW THAT THERE ARE LOVELY ECO FORESTS AND ECO VILLAGES AND QUIET SANDY BEACHES IN THE SHOE OF CALIFORNIA.
HAVE DECIDED
ANYWAY IT IS A LOVELY COUNTRY/PLACE TO GROW, DEVELOP AND STUDY, LEARN DIVERSITY, FIRST OF ALL
I was born on the southern Oregon coast and loved it. Unfortunately, the economy there sucks so I ended up in Seattle (Edmonds) for most of my working life. Seattle is a gorgeous city and Western Washington is stunning but the rain and cold drove me away. I lived in the Philippines for several years along with my wife and daughter and we even bought a little beach house there but it was a bit too backwards so we now live in Jomtien Beach,Thailand. Thailand is nice but Thai culture is a bit xenophobic. As a foreigner you are charged more and admonished never to question anything lest you cause a Thai to lose face. Your face doesn't count. Beyond that it is VERY hot here and consumer goods are very expensive. We are considering a move back to the states but the thought of those long wet dreary days makes me wonder if Seattle is the right choice despite the fact that we own a beautiful home there. We're considering Bend, Oregon as well. Wish I could afford the central California coast.
I expectthat many people will believe that they live in the best place. I live in a town in England that has some of the best air quality in the country. My local hospital, doctor and dentist are within walking distance and healthcare is free at source. It's in the driest area of the country but has enough water.
I can not own my own handgun or hunting rifle. There are other problems in the area too but I have a wonderful wife and family. I am happy.
I agree. Most people are always gonna see the positives if they like where they live while others see only the negative. Obviously, EVERY country has BOTH and people need to learn to see that. For example, my family is Puerto Rican. I was born in NY and raised for almost my entire life in NJ and almost NEVER felt American. I'm not patriotic at all and instead feel closer to the European lifestyle. Most people will talk of the "American Dream," but to me it feels quite hollow. Don't get me wrong, there are many good things about living here. I love the democracy and standard of living, but it's far too capitalist for me, (the gap in rich and poor is spreading by the day) too Christian/religious (especially in the South) which is quite intolerant and impedes progress, and there's barely any history older than colonial times. I'd far rather live in a more moderately capitalist and secular country with more history. But like I said, each place has their pros and cons and this is MY opinion of the country I was born in and lived for my 25 years of life.
Also, people may "love" owning and shooting guns and that's all fine and dandy for hunting. But when they're so readily available to anyone who even looks of age can buy one without any training, licenses, or background information (What if the person had a history of gun violence?) like in many Southern states with their "gun shows," THAT'S when things get very dangerous and THAT'S why gun violence is so high in our country. Our many school shootings were no coincidence. I guess we'll never learn. Consider yourself lucky then that it's different in the UK. If no one is allowed to own guns, then no one can shoot anyone. Or the ones that do are already criminals by just possessing one which helps in the process of targeting suspects.
can you talk about NYC .. i have not read a comment yet about it yet // i am consideringMiami , nyc or montreal ..i live in vancouver
ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PLEEEEAAASE
YOU ARE NOT IN MY ENGLAND
OH WELL LETS SEE, YOU ARE ENGLISH, THAT IS WHY YOU ARE NOT FEELING THE SO HARD LIFE, THE RACISM, THE DISCRIMINATION, FROM THE SIMPLE BUS LINE, SHOPPING ( A WORDING MISPLACED) TO JOBS.
ENGLAND, UK IS THE MOST RACIST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
(AND I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT)
THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT AMERICA IS AND ALWAYS BE WHAT IT IS BECAUSE THEY EMBRACE DIVERSITY, THEY ARE DIVERSITY, THEY LEARN , GROW WITH IT
ENGLAND DESPISES IT, DOES NOT UNDERSTAND NOR WANTS TO,
STOPS GROWING
STOPPED LIVING, ACCEPTING IT
THEY ARE ROTTEN IN THEIR OWN ROOTS ( WHICH WERE NONE IF NOT MADE AND GROWN WITH THE PORTUGUESE, SPANISH, DUTCH, VIKINGS FROM SWEDEN AND EVEN SCOTISH CULTURES/PEOPLE)
THEY HAVE STOPPED IN TIME
AND NEVER GET OUT OF THE TIME CAPSULE
(NOT EVEN THINK THEY REALLY LEARNED THE ESSENCE OF WWII, BESIDES THEIR OWN HYPOCRICY WITH THEIR MORE THAN DEAD MONUMENTS, NEVER UNDERSTOOD THEIR MORBID THING WITH CELEBRATING DEATH AND THE DEAD, WHEN THE BEST THING SHOULD BE CELEBRATING THE REALLY MOTIVE WHY THEY FOUGHT IN WWII AND WITH SO MANY NATIONS WITH ONE COMMON THING) STUPID STUPID;
WHICH IS A STUPID SHAME
WITH A COUNTRY SO BEATIFUL AND RICH
IN GREENS, ECO VILLAGES
NATURAL PRODUCTS
AND A SPIRITUAL PATH AS GLANSTONBURY
AND SOUTH DEVON
BUT THE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND YOU ARE SELLING ENGLAND TO THE STUPID TO PEOPLE ARE NOT HERE, IS THE MOST COUNTRY WITH CRIME, KNIFE CRIME, RAPE, DRUGS PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND GUNS PROBLEMS AND NOW KIDS DELIQUENCY MORE OR THE SAME AS THE ENTIRE USA.
WHO ARE YOU KIDDING?
WHERE HAVE BEEN LIVING?
KIDS HERE ARE A PURE DISGRACE
AT LEAST IN AMERICA IN SOME STATES, THEY HAVE RELIGION AND DISCIPLINE TO MAKE THEM INTO WOMAN AND MAN
HERE IS A TOTALY DISGRACE SINCE BIRTH, SINCE THEY ARE POPPED LIKE RABBITS FOR THEIR MOTHERS RECEIVE BENEFITS, THEY DON NOT HAVE TYO WORK
Your views are very biased when comparing England to the US. Stop looking through rose tinted spectacles when talking about the US. Yes, there are a lot of nice places in the US, just as there are are in England. To disagree would mean you have visited everywhere in England, and I doubt that very much.
I would be very interested where you get you alleged facts for this comment: "THE MOST COUNTRY WITH CRIME, KNIFE CRIME, RAPE, DRUGS PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND GUNS PROBLEMS AND NOW KIDS DELIQUENCY MORE OR THE SAME AS THE ENTIRE USA."
As for this comment: "ENGLAND, UK IS THE MOST RACIST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
(AND I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT)"
Personal opinion again that cannot be based on fact. That is unless, you have visited every civilised country on the planet and not just looked at a few websites and read some magazines.
Time to wind your neck, travel a little more before spouting derogatory comments about somewhere you obviously have little experience of.
OMG
Thats the biggest BS i have ever read about brazil...
The 2 things they said to be great are actually the ones brazilians consider to be the biggest problems!
We have extremely abusive taxes and we get shit in return, especially health care!
(im brazilian from São Paulo)
hilarious that the writer thinks that Cape Town 'offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa'. Im not surprised though as most white foreigners think South Africa is the only country in Africa worth visiting because of its large white population.
I wonder if the writer has ever travelled to other parts of Africa to make such bogus claims. Yes Cape Town is beautiful but does it have the best beaches in Africa? Certainly NOT!!!
The beaches in Zanzibar makes Cape Town look like a tourist poop ground. A simple google image search of Zanzibar beaches simply confirms that :
Cape Town = overcrowded touristy, crime ridded piss haven and shark hellhole,
Zanzibar = PARADISE
Zanzibar aggg please!!!!
If you want beautiful beaches in africa go to Mauritius. It's safe, stable government and the south and west will make anybody believe they are in heaven.
How on earth is Cape town dangerous???????????
Now if you want to risk your life please go to Zanzibar. You'll pray for your life even before you're in that hellhole.
Brazil is dangerous, specially cities like Rio and Sao Paulo... I live there and i want to go abroad, looking for some peace...
and Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo high cost to live!!
Hello I live in La Serena Chile....nice weather and reasonable cost of life, very low crime rate and good health system...and I have live in many citys like Toronto, Los Angeles, Miami, Cancun, Rio, and Buenos Aires...
California 30 years ago was a paradise! But now there are NO jobs, the TAXES are unbelievable, health care doesnt exist , and because of the huge numbers of uneducated peasants coming from Mexico illegaly, crime is rampant! California is PARADISE LOST!!