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Europe's 10 Best Places To Live
To find Europe’s best cities to live in we used data from global consultancy Mercer, which, using data collected between September and November 2007, ranked 215 cities across the world in terms of the quality of living. Mercer used 39 criteria that would be relevant to expatriates moving to the cities, including the political stability, economic environment, crime, medial services, education, public services and transportation, availability of consumer goods, housing and culture and entertainment.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Score: 105
The administrative center of the European Union is among the best connected cities in Europe, with high-speed rail connections across the continent and to London, as well as a large number of schools serving the expatriate community. However, the large amount of traffic congestion in the city and high level of air pollution dragged it down the Mercer rankings.
9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Score: 105.7
Amsterdam’s prominent red light district and liberal policy on drug use don’t do much for its family-friendly reputation. What does? The city’s canals, parks and museums. And, according to Mercer, it has among the best selection of international schools in Europe. Its ranking is dragged down by the availability of housing in the city center and air pollution.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Score: 106.2
Living in Copenhagen is pricey; taxi rides make London’s black cabs look cheap. However the city boasts 11 Michelin-star restaurants and, according to Mercer, is among the best-served cities in terms of international schools and private medical facilities. However the city’s love of bikes–it’s sometimes called the city of cyclists–means that congestion drags it down the overall rankings.
7. Bern, Switzerland
Score: 106.5
Bern, located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, is the world’s second-safest city, according to Mercer, and with six kilometers of shopping arcades, it’s among the best places to find whatever consumer goods you should desire. The city may not have much to offer in terms of a buzzing nightlife, but its tranquility served Albert Einstein well; he worked out his theory of relativity while working in the city. It also has excellent medical facilities, including the world-famous University Hospital Insel.
5. Frankfurt, Germany (Tie)
Score: 107
The financial capital of Germany has some spectacular architecture, including the opera house and cathedral, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has excellent hospitals, shops and a thriving economy (home to Europe’s second-largest stock exchange and Deutsche Bank’s headquarters). The poor availability of housing in the city center and heavy traffic, however, drag Frankfurt down Mercer’s rankings.
5. Munich, Germany (Tie)
Score: 107
With an estimated population of 1.3 million, Munich is the largest city to make it into Europe’s top 10. Best known for its annual beer festival, the city also enjoys a thriving economy, driven by the information technology, biotechnology and publishing sectors, and has excellent connections across Europe from its international airport. However, the city has a dearth of international schools and air pollution is high.
4. Düsseldorf, Germany
Score: 107.2
Düsseldorf has invested heavily in building up its infrastructure and international transport connections over the past few years. The city, situated on the banks of the Rhine, has a plethora of consumer goods and is considered the fashion and shopping capital of Germany. Düsseldorf has a thriving economy, with some of Germany’s largest companies, including energy giant E.ON and engineering company ThyssenKrupp, headquartered there.
2. Geneva, Switzerland (Tie)
Score: 107.9
Over 50% of Geneva’s population has a foreign passport, according to the region’s statistics office OCSTAT–not surprising given the heavy presence of United Nation agencies and organizations such as the Red Cross. As a result, the city is geared to an international population, with extensive private banking facilities, private hospitals and international schools.
2. Vienna, Austria (Tie)
Score 107.9
The entire city center of Austria’s political, cultural and economic capital has been designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site. As it has excellent education and infrastructure, as well as high-quality housing in the city center.
1. Zürich, Switzerland
Score: 108
Zürich’s tiny population–376,815 at the end of 2007–is spoiled with over 2,000 bars and restaurants, (including one with original Picasso and Cezanne paintings on the walls) and a breathtaking view of the Alps and Lake Zürich. Taxes are also among the lowest in Switzerland, and residents pay no inheritance tax. The city has top scores practically across the board, whether for its medical facilities or international banking services, though its gloomy weather and traffic bring it down.
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Originally Posted by Danielion
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