Summary. This page presents information about what are considered to be the best places in the world to live.
Canada. By comparing data from different reports on weather, healthcare, education, income, employment, transportation, clean air, environmental protection, civil liberties, safety, and other factors, it seems that Canada may be the best choice for many people. Money Sense, of Canadian Business Online, offers an analysis of 154 communities in Canada based on various factors. They offer a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with the raw data used for their report. According to Men’s Health, Canada is one of the healthiest places to live.
United Nations. Since 1990, the United Nations has presented a Human Development Report that evaluates many aspects of the global condition and lists what nations are best to live in. [PDF Report] BBC News has reported on the UN Study. The WorkPermit.com website reported on the 2006 findings. Canada is 4th in the world. The top 10 list according to the United Nations is:
- Iceland – As of 20090125su there were riots in the streets and citizens are demanding a new government.
- Norway
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Netherlands
- France
Country Selection. The SheltersOffShore.com website offers an article highlighting some considerations for living in other countries.
Community Selection. Have you considered what kind of community would you like to live in? Some examples are below of U.S. cities. Yet, the list applies to any country. There are “types” of communities. Some are quaint and quiet. Some are middle size like Iowa City. Some are large like Chicago and New York City. What kind of community would you like to live in? Or, does that even matter? Forbs has a report of 150 Cheap Places to live in America. They break these 150 communities down into 6 general categories of communities:
- Porch-Swing Communities – medium size low-stress communities
- Happy Hootervilles – small quaint towns like the Amanas
- IQ Campuses – high tech cities known for technology jobs
- Steroid Cities – larger cities with a lot going on
- Bohemian Bargains – larger artsy cities that are inexpensive to live in
- Telecommuting Heavens – Great destinations for people who can work remotely
Gadling. According to a report by Gadling.com, the World’s Best Places to Live are:
- Finland
- Iceland
- Norway
- Sweden
- Austria
Mercer Report – Best Cities. The Mercer Consulting Report from June 2008 has been reported on by WorkPermit.com and other sources. This is a highly regarded study/report that takes various factors into account. More about the current Mercer findings is available on the Yahoo Finance and Business Week pages. The Mercer Report selected the following cities as the best places to live:
- No. 1: Zurich, Switzerland
- No. 2 (tie): Vienna, Austria
- No. 2 (tie): Geneva, Switzerland
- No. 4: Vancouver, Canada
- No. 5: Auckland, New Zealand
- No. 6: Dusseldorf, Germany
- No. 7 (tie): Munich, Germany
- No. 7 (tie): Frankfurt, Germany
- No. 9: Bern, Switzerland
- No. 10: Sydney, Australia
- No. 11: Copenhagen, Denmark
- No. 12: Wellington, New Zealand
- No. 13: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- No. 14: Brussels, Belgium
- No. 15: Toronto, Canada
- No. 16: Berlin, Germany
- No. 17 (tie): Melbourne, Australia
- No. 17 (tie): Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- No. 19: Ottawa, Canada
- No. 20: Stockholm, Sweden
- No. 23: Honolulu, U.S.