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 live in Queensland Australia, and apart from the beautiful weather, amazing scenery, and the diversity of cultures, we have amazing opportunities for growth both as a people and a nation. I agree that the places you have listed are amazing as I have been to many of them, but no matter where you are living, enjoy everything it has to offer.
Thank you Brenda. I hope to see Australia someday, too. And I agree, you have make the best of where you are. Not many people can live abroad.
OZ is wonderful indeed, as is the beautiful USA........Venice, Italy and many other places that I have been lucky enough to visit. I am a Brit living in the UK, but I just wanted to say, that everybody lives 'abroad' to someone in another country!!
Hi Terra, u r so beautiful , i fell attracted ...
yeah that true injoy were u live because that god plan to u!
i agree with you i was really thinking to see australia on that list, canada aswell
how beauTIFUL IS Queenslnd now? r u under water there mate? or does the crocodile got ur tongue??
Not under water now, but was for a while. Beautiful sunny blue skies now. No crocodiles here :)
I lived in melbourne for 5 years and although I miss it a lot, my heart belongs to Playa del Carmen.
Its really affordable and right now has a lot of investment opportunities to consider. Riviera Mayas airport is under construction, so now is the best time to invest in Real Estate!
HEY HUGO, I THINK YOU´RE RIGHT, PLAYA DEL CARMEN IS AMAZING!
you are right brenda you have to enjoy every place you live and every moments in your life
This post is really providing useful information. And i agree with you.
Virginia? Really? Sure, I guess, as long as you're white, born in the USA, and know all the wrong words to "Amazing Grace," then I'll bet you'll fit in just fine.
hai hello frnd my name is venn . i shall go to barzil country so is that pplace . wil be good or not
How does any list of "Top Places" not take into account the little matter of crime?
Brazil? South Africa? Crime runs rampant in these countries, especially in/near big cities. Come on, at least do a little research before posting.
@Seriously - This is a very good point. However, Brazil and South Africa also offer features not found elsewhere. This is why I stated that one must consider the facets that are important to them.
I live in South Africa, and crime is not bad. maybe yours in USA , Britian. the only diffrence is, our media is controled by no one so every body sees whats going on. Other countries media is controled so that the country won't look bad. so get a life
Tell him dan!! I love this place and it's unique diversity. You want to focus on the bad (that exists in every city), you go right ahead.. Your loss!
I have lived in South Africa my entire life, and I assure you it isn't half as bad as people make out. The numbers you see are all from the rural township areas, and I'm sure no European immigrant would be living there. The urban areas are mostly white-populated, and I have never been a victim of crime. It's a stunning country, and I certainly don't plan on leaving any time soon :)
PS. I live in Somerset West
@Megan - thanks for sharing your firsthand experience.
hai tankz to u
That's because you are near Capetown, which many of us know is the best city on earth :-) I'm a Scotsman in New Zealand, a fantastic but boring country with no ozone layer. I lived in Johannesburg for 4 years (as we as all over Europe, Australia and USA over the last 13 years) and I know from area to area and person to person the perception of crime is sharply contrasted. I'd love to return to SA but always get worried I won't get work since I am white (and my partner is black Zimbabwean)
why just why where are the canary islands
I thought Cape Town was listed and not Johannesburg, Reminder this is the top places to live in, not the top countries of the world. Finally this is about location, and it's unique futures and not about job security; which happens to be an issue in every country.
The hell is this supposed to mean? The urban area in South Africa are mostly white populated and therefore safe? Take your biased and ignorant babbling somewhere else.
So only "white" populated areas are crime-free? Ouch. As an African, I'm a little offended.
I fi d your assertion that urban areas are safe because they are populated by whites! Come on now! Do you actually believe what you saying. I am A Pakistani who has visited to South Africa and cape Town many times.... What a wonderful place. Crime is every where in the world.... In Uk where I live I have been attacked 2 times, once because I have a fancy car! Plea when you talk about South Arica dont forget who is responsible for the biggest crime against humanity! It is certainly not Africans.
I could not agree more
yes megan im sure your right south africa is a nice place to live if you moved there from iraq lets just say but back home in sunny old england you never hear about are white farmers being beat to death by crazy ka-fus and im sure south africa has one of the highest rates of kidnapping in the world behind Mexico well take care and you stay safe now
I agree,where's your research.The public health system is terrible in Brazil and as a place for retirement!Think carefully before doing this.Brazil is a beautiful country but personal safety has to be considered in the urban areas.
i have had a bf from brazil and he said that it a nice place to live everywhere you go is the same and one day i will be living in brazil
and crime doesn't happen in the rest of the world? what about the UK? I lived in Paris for 13 years and my house was broken into....this has never happened to me in Cape Town...so be careful with your comments....have you visited any of these places?
Crime can be in any place in the world not sure that Brazil or South Africa are the only countries for the crime.
Brazil seems really nice country to me . The nature is great and I know the people there are good too!!
@Kristina - Yes, even small towns have crime. Brazil is beautiful!
Have you ever been living in South Africa ? becouse if you did not than you don't have a slightes clue what crime is.
As voted by the U.N. 7 years in a row as the best country to live in by low crime rates, economic opportunity, cultural diversity and many other reasons, I'm wondering why Canada was left off this list. Isn't Miami one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. to live?
If only the list were the top 20 places to live in the world. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Scott. As far as those that choose Miami - perhaps they are more interested in partying than in healthcare.
It's obvious from the list you were born and raised in the USA. Miama is far from the top in the world for Sizzling and Sexy. For one, Montreal, Quebec, Canada trumps it easily. If anyone disagrees then they obviously haven't been there. Why sacrifice the healthcare perk for partying when it's both offered in Montreal? Montreal has been called Disneyland for Adults, and for good reason. With multi-cultural diversity, the majority of the population bilingual, a smaller percent less than 60 (11% for Montreal compared to 21% in Miami, because nobody find grandma and grandpa sexy in a swimsuit) and almost 5 times the population, how is Miami better?
@Jeffery- yes I was born and raised in the US. I am also well traveled. My parents own an island in Canada and I have a grandmother (and lots of relatives) in Florida. I've been to Canada and Florida many, many times. Personally, I'd live in Florida. That's the great thing about opinion articles - I get to share MY opinion. No one is stopping you from writing yours.
Terra,
I have to say that I think that your article is wonderful and I appreciate you writing it. My husband and I are US citizens who currently reside in Japan and are looking for our retirement country. We are pretty well traveled ourselves but still have SO MANY places that we would like to visit. It may be that we will never find just one that suits our purposes, but I really enjoy hearing about places that other US citizens (As we have a similar basis for comparison) recommend.
I would like to mention that I think that it is sad that every time anybody decides to put themselves and their opinions out there on the internet for the assistance and use of others that there are so many nasty nay-sayers out there who can't wait to pounce on any little perceived slight and spew forth negativity. Shame on them all! Great Job Terra!!
Yes, Nikki
I do agree with you. That`s why I normaly check in the internet and see the sites and comments to learn but never say anything, because nowdays is scary. You find ssuch nasty and stupid people that mostly do not understand that internet and sites like this is FOR PEOPLE CIVILIZED TO SHARE OPINIONS AND LEARN WITH EACH OTHER.
I must say that lately, with so much technology as twitter and facebook, people DO NOT KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE, TRANSMIT AND SHARE CLEAR IDEAS AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH, and as a consequence of that I leave this sites, threads and comments pages more confused and frightened than ever.
I lately sometimes look for pages and comments like this one as I am looking and reseaching for the safest, peaceful and possible a little more drug free country in the world, to raise a kid to since I am a single mother when I stubble in pages and comments like these, and I can tell you all I get more confused and scared than ever before.
I started first with Hawaii, since me as a budhist and holistc/ life coach it seemed and read about it, the perfect paradise and the calm that I need. I was totaly suprised and confused to learn with pages and comments pages like this saying that has the most crimes and loads of drugs everywhere, everybody is doing them, even schools high rate of crime and drugs, violent crime very high as for drugs. I was so stunned with information of the site and comments that I stopped my search for awhie, throwned me completely off the horse and off course. If true, not a good place to raise a kid.
So now, as I live in UK, New Zealand is very popular around here and they are being very generous to people to immigrate. So I started to search about it and New zealand things.
I clicked in one site about drugs problems and to my dismay New Zealand is full of All kinds of drugs, so then again I am totally suprised and more confused than ever.
Even tried Seychelles, as my friend went holidays there and recommended the best paradise, everything good, I checked as bacause of being an island has a big and dangerous case of piracy bringing drugs and prostitution. Kind of like Bahamas and Carabbean. So out of the question. Bermuda is a good country I lived there but after the independence become a very gang violent, druggy country.
I know you all are going to tell me that there are drugs everywhere in world, it is a problem worlwide worst than famine. But I think it is my moral duty to look for the best or at least thje least, safest country of it so I can live a little less worried, scaried kind of life a little bit more peaceful with the plus of the calm and beauty of the world.
I kept searching, when I saw your page.
I know a lot of people are going to say that I am crazy, but since I am an immigrant in here too, I can/want to give the best to my child, a good place for education, a peaceful place for us and for my retirement, that is soon, english speaking country as is important now and a beautiful place where we can appreciate and enjoy nature. Of course having a child is a very big responsability therefore I want to see if I can combine everything.
All of us as Citizens of the World have that right, as old have a beautiful and peaceful days of our lives and as responsible parents to live and give a high standard, peaceful and safe place and experience to our kids.
But when I come here or other sites it is disgusting and distutbing to see some comments and ill faiths/comments in here and sites like this.
When people are going to Grow Up, have some civilized common sense, analyse stuff First then answer and NOT Take things and stuff Personally, MAINLY UNDERSTAND THAT INTERNET IS A PLACE TO COMMUNICATE/ SHARE IDEAS CIVILIZED, ADULTLY AND RESPONSIBLY, NOTR TO ENGAGE IN ATTACKS.
For people like me, looking for serious resolution is confusing, disturbing and make things complicated and worse.
When internet is supposed to help us and make things simpler.
But anyway I am just soo sick and tired of this internet personal and disgusting abuses that I felt like saying this.
There is a famous wise saying that says, Home is here the Heart is, I could not agree more but I need to think that I would love to find a good, healthy lifestyle, peaceful and beautiful country to live and enjoy the rest of my days, give the best start and beauty in life that i can to my son and install the calm, education and tolerance in him, something that the world is lacking, Calm, peaceful peace of mind, where your mind meets your body.
Now wonder the world is going crazy, more violent and more social drug problems, people are not true to themselves, don`t listen to themselves and others, don`t know to enjoy and be grateful for the beauty of the world, around us, the planet because they are being selfish, greedy and unbalanced.
At least I want to die not striving for stupid money, metal, having my beautiful moderrn cabin in the nature, lovely clean conscious and leaving a beautiful, conscious, liberal, responsible, modern, friend to fellowship and balance legacy, my son, a better generation, future.
Anyway, enough, if anyone wants to help me to find a not with so many drugs and crime problem country and beautifully peaceful, please by all means.
No judgements. Thats is the New World, generation should be like NON-JUDGEMENTAL. Loving.
It all depends on your opinion, on what is the best place. For example, I was born and raised in Brazil, one of the countries listed, but, although, don't love my country, and I can give you reasons:
1. Many of our polititians steal our money
2. Crime in some cities like Rio runs loose.
3. Here life is expensive, because of taxes that are really high, not regular, like, sometimes, not always, we have 100% of taxes.
4. Fun for your son is not easy to find, all we have here are really dangerous parks.
5. (This is my opinion) The climate here is too hot, and as I don't like hot places, it doesn't work for me.
These are some of the many reasons why I don't really love my country.
Maybe you should be asking your friends and family who have fled to our beaches this winter why Miami is better than Quebec, Jeffery. All I see is car after car after car full of people with a Quebec license plate on the back this Christmas season.
You can't tell me you truly enjoy a country where the weather is unbearable half the year. Been there, done that. Moved to Miami, enough said.
By the way.. the nightlife in Montreal isn't that great. Not nearly comparable to Miami and Miami Beach over the past few years.
Uh, obviously you
haven't been to Las Vegas!
Besides, Canada is an icebox for half the year.
Miami has a tropical weather all year round for starters. Beautiful white sand beaches, 24 hour clubs and restaurant in South Beach. Canada is cold very cold i should add. Miami has beauty, is a very dynamic city and you are right, it is not for old people. Miami is for the young and vibrant. Although there are plenty of places in Miami, for middle aged people. I have lived in Miami for 25 years and had a blast in my younger years and enjoy it very much now as well. As far as crime there is crime every where. In all my 25 yrs living in Miami I (thank GOD) never had any problems.
Wot about Sydney? The most beautiful harbour in the world, relatively safe (few guns), magnificent climate (mid winter today yet I'm out and about in a T shirt) AND the transvestite centre of the universe!
@Kelly- interesting combination of benefits. I've never been there, but the shots I've seen of the harbor are spectacular. I'm also partial to that kind of climate. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Wow, Florida and Brazil is on here? really? How about cities with less crime
@PF, I think we discussed the crime issue already. And Florida and Brazil are not "cities."
I can't tell you haven't been around that much... When people think of Brazil they always think of Sao Paulo or Rio which have a high crime rate just like any other big city in the world. Brazil is a big and diverse country, maybe you should explore it more before writing a review, and I can say this because I've lived there.
I CAN tell you haven't been around that much*
dislike you want know untill you have been there
I lived in Birmingham, Alabama and it was great. But try living in Romania, except the landscape it SUCKS (from high taxes to crimes and corrupt people in high positions)...i dare anybody to come and live here with the misery of wages we get
Yeah but you have those smokin hot Romanian honeys there bru. Where else are you going to find them??? (and yes I have been there!)
AMSTERDAM? one of the top ten places to live??? i don't think so...for those people who loves night life, marijuana, and those who are addicted to sex, this is the place for you since it is legal there...prostitution???naaahhhhh! not a good idea...i don't think you will have better life here...the red light city????i once went there to AMSTERDAM...yeah the place itself looks nice...but i don't think i will ever come back and visit there again....can you believe a restaurant there where waitresses served you naked??? how immoral that is???but for people who wanted to have a better life, i would recommend australia or canada...no offense...this is just based on my experience...
it's not immoral, it's a different way of living. half the indigenous groups in africa&asia don't wear clothes-- are they immoral? and actually legalizing prostitution was one of the best ideas Amsterdam has had, now they can regulate it &make sure that the people participating are in there on their own accords, are of age, don't have STDs, etc. The amount of underage sex trafficking has gone down tremendously since they legalized prostitution.
Yes, Caitlin,
it's immoral.
That means
IMMORAL -
adjective
1.
violating moral principles; not conforming to the patterns of conduct usually accepted
Besides, it's not the clothes thing;
it's the sex like dogs in the street thing.
CTJ Bush- Moral principles, based on who's principles? Yours? Everything one has their own standard of morality and just because it defers from yours doesn't mean its 'wrong'. So calm down because your little definition there only applies to the "patterns of conduct usually accepted" of the majority of Western countries, but if you were a little more cultured and well travelled, you would understand that not all cultures have the same social standard as you, so stop acting like you know everything.
Alicia, my morals are based on God's book, the Bible.
Can you find a better source of morals?
BTW, learn to spell and get a grammar checker.
It's whose, not who's.
Your wrote: "Everything one has their own standard of morality ... WHAT.
So if a person is a pedophile then molesting children is OK?
It's differs, not defers.
There are other mistakes, but let's move on.
I am as "cultured'' as the next person.
I have traveled extensively, speak three languages and have several degrees in subjects you couldn't understand if you tried.
I don't know everything, but my opinion is just as important as yours.
If you don’t mind Anne, i would like to comment on your post. Amsterdam, the city where i live is is indeed quite liberal. There is a big red light district, yes you can pay and have sex. But isn't that the same as any big city in the world? We only gave it a place, to make sure it can be watched and regulated, taking it of the streets. Same goes for marihuana. There is scientific proof that its a less harmful drug than alcohol, and its more controlled by providing it in specialized shops. I would like to make a note that i don't do drugs, period. And that restaurant where girls serve you naked, not entirely true. they serve you in bikini's, including top. Its a big tourist attraction. The liberal mindset makes it possible to be yourself, gay, straigt, cross-dresser, black or white. That makes it a very nice place to live for me!
There is no place like that in Amsterdam, I lived there and the only restaurant somewhat like Hooters in the usa, is one where the waitresses wear bikinis. Not immoral at all. Get your head out of the gutter.
I suggest you become a nun Anne, or maybe you're envious of some naked waitresses? Maybe you missed that restaurant with naked waiters. Then you would have felt ok huh?
What a pity Anne you saw all the places in Amsterdam I did not see. H Lovely place, greet food, lovely people. You saw what you wanted to see. We have all that here in the back streets.
South Africa? highest rape rates inthe world, totally unsafe for women at night,Brazil ,gee the highest murder rates in the world by a long way, something like 130,000 per year , you have got to be kidding , Love Paris but sooo expensive ,Australia no guns not bad, Canada really nice, Don't know who made this list but great Places to visit but to live there I don't think so, And whats wrong with naked chiclks in amsterdam? immoral ?? They don't have the hang ups and are proud of how they look.
hi..i understand your point however we are talking about "best place to live in the world"...do you think you can bring your kids on those kinds of restaurant and see naked ladies at amsterdam???do you think you can have your kids see people taking marijuana legally???think about that...how would you teach good values to children if that is the kind of environment they grow up with???i defenitely agree with what steve said about amsterdam..as what i've said the place itself looks nice as a tourist spot but not a place to LIVE IN...thanks! (",)
@angelica-
raise your children right and it won't matter... c'mon now there are kids being raised in much more terrible situations then "Amsterdam" and they've made it thru.. if you don't want your children seeing naked women, then don't take them to that restaurant? I personally believe it's extremely important to raise kids around people that are tolerant, have different morals, ideas, blah blah blah. and who cares if your kids see people smoking weed legally? i'd rather my kid smoke weed then half the other shit kids get into these days. my main point is, if you raise your children properly, it shouldn't matter.
why do you accept an opinion from someone who is obviously paranoid about nakedness and hooks is up to immorality??and yet has never been to Amsterdam, no idea if this is true or not and willing to believe it hook line and sinker. There is no place like that in Amsterdam, I lived there and the only restaurant somewhat like Hooters in the usa, is one where the waitresses wear bikinis. Not immoral at all. Get your heads out of the gutter. Or travel.
have you been to brazil if you have you must have been dreaming or high coz brazil is not like that