Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
#31
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Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
Do notice a lack of older people,over that age though.
Still being able to attract one of the worlds most diverse populations to come and live here suggests London still maintains it's desirability.
#32
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Location: Perth
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Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
Actually, Australia's done really well - six cities in the top 40 in the world, pretty impressive. And it's great that a big company like Mercer is recognising that as people (and companies) will take note.
I also think that Germany and Switzerland (and other countries) have done really well but since this forum isn't about them, I haven't focused on that!
I also think that Germany and Switzerland (and other countries) have done really well but since this forum isn't about them, I haven't focused on that!
#33
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Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 6,765
Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
Exactly. More a matter of personal taste.Although the Germanic nations score higher, for the moment at least, in the assistance granted to citizens of those countries.Germany in particular.
#34
Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
True although the focus of these rankings is not on 'where would individual people want to live' - it is to give companies a guide as to how much allowances (especially for 'hardship') they should pay their employees depending on where they send them. That's the point of the rankings but I think it does create an interesting talking point generally. Where you, personally, will want to live is a very individual choice and no ranking is going to tell you where that is! They're still quite fun to look at though.
#36
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
My guess (and having lived there for 7 years), the reason that US cities dont do so well is because
1) Any of the really good cities (SF, Boston, NYC, Chicago) all have very high property prices in the nice areas.
2) Most/All US cities generally have major no-go areas where crime is very high and living standards are very low. Most people just stay away from those areas and so most have good experiences. But they bring the overall picture down.
I personally think there are several great US cities, but I wouldnt be able to afford to live where I wanted there. Thats the case for most people there, and hence the growth of suburbs and small towns, which is where most people live. The vast majority of US population live outside of the large cities, which is the opposite to many developed countries.
If you took a quality-of-life survey for those areas (say nice small towns / small cities close to major met areas), then I think the US would come out at or near the top. IMO.
London also suffers from this issue IMO. If you have the cash, its a very nice place to be. If not, not so much.
1) Any of the really good cities (SF, Boston, NYC, Chicago) all have very high property prices in the nice areas.
2) Most/All US cities generally have major no-go areas where crime is very high and living standards are very low. Most people just stay away from those areas and so most have good experiences. But they bring the overall picture down.
I personally think there are several great US cities, but I wouldnt be able to afford to live where I wanted there. Thats the case for most people there, and hence the growth of suburbs and small towns, which is where most people live. The vast majority of US population live outside of the large cities, which is the opposite to many developed countries.
If you took a quality-of-life survey for those areas (say nice small towns / small cities close to major met areas), then I think the US would come out at or near the top. IMO.
London also suffers from this issue IMO. If you have the cash, its a very nice place to be. If not, not so much.
#39
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 691
Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
London has it's share of problems but for a lot of folk it is still a great place to be. Moved back here going on two months ago and if your youngish, say under forty and earning, London has a wealth of possibilities.
Do notice a lack of older people,over that age though.
Still being able to attract one of the worlds most diverse populations to come and live here suggests London still maintains it's desirability.
Do notice a lack of older people,over that age though.
Still being able to attract one of the worlds most diverse populations to come and live here suggests London still maintains it's desirability.
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
Yes, unfortunately it does, I'm moving to Melbourne in 3 weeks so have noticed that :-)
In that respect, IMO they've just caught up with their 'true value' compared with other global cities, though it may be getting a bit over-egged now.
In that respect, IMO they've just caught up with their 'true value' compared with other global cities, though it may be getting a bit over-egged now.
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
Switzerland is a fantastic place to live, at least the French part is. Amazing scenery, wealth & stability, French attitude to eating and drinking, great sports opportunities, good business environment. Problem is they don't like foreigners coming in much :-)
#43
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
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Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
The survey was on cities, was it not?
And in the top 50, 26 of them are European cities, while only 6 are Australian cities, if you want to include New Zealand (as it’s in the region) then it makes a total of 7.
Out of the top 10 on the survey, 7 are European cities and 1 is Australia.
So yes, I’d say that makes Europe “Better”.
And in the top 50, 26 of them are European cities, while only 6 are Australian cities, if you want to include New Zealand (as it’s in the region) then it makes a total of 7.
Out of the top 10 on the survey, 7 are European cities and 1 is Australia.
So yes, I’d say that makes Europe “Better”.
#45
Re: Sydney and Melbourne in top 20 best cities in the world
I had a ball in London when I was young and single. You meet some fascinating, diverse people living there, but as you age theres only so many winters/tube/bus travel you can handle, plus I didn't save a penny in the five years I lived there (even though my living quarters were sub-standard, I was a teacher and you get paid next to nothing)
Will always enjoy coming back and visiting London though, I'm sure!