After a study of socioeconomic conditions in a range of cities, Vienna has been placed first for its quality of life. It is a city full of rich cultural history with marvelous nature surrounding it. The housing is affordable and the education system is exceptional. We have 10 reasons why Vienna is an amazing city to live in.
Housing
Viennese flats are like what you would see in the films, high detailed ceilings and in general, contracts are formed in favour of the tenant. This means you won’t be charged extremely high rates and restrictions could be set depending on the size of the flat and the condition. Despite prices increasing in most of Europe, in Vienna, they are still low compared with other cities.
Even the social housing system has a good reputation. 60% of the Viennese live in subsidized flats. 220,000 people live in council homes. Social housing is well designed. Harry Gluck, the architect, believed in homes for the poor with features for the wealthy.
Transport
Almost as important as a nice home is a well-functioning transport system and is certainly necessary to enjoy life in the city. There is nothing worse than finishing a day of work to be stuck in hours of traffic or edged in a packed cabin. The U-Bahn in Vienna is easy to use, reliable and runs 24 hours a day, even at the weekends. A yearly ticket for the U-Bahn costs just 1€ per day. There are pathways and cycle paths for cyclists to easily tour around the city and it is a lovely city to stroll around in the summer.
The Environment
In a world that is smothered in pollution, Vienna keeps its city air clean, measured as ‘good’. It is well known as being a green city The drinking water is rated ‘very high’ in both quality and accessibility. In terms of noise and light, pollution is also considered low.
Education
The level of education throughout all age groups is thought to be excellent. The Montessori method is used in many nurseries and for early years students. Even some of the universities are rated as the best in the world. If you prefer, there are several specialist schools that focus on developing the individual’s strengths, for example, The Rudolph Steiner School.
Healthcare
You won’t be disappointed by the level of skill and ability found in hospitals and clinics in Vienna. Their examinations and reporting rates are considered high, so you won’t have to wait as long as would in other countries. As once the home of Sigmund Freud, counseling and therapy are part of the Austrian way of life.
Economy
The social market economy is highly developed, which is one of the main reasons for Austria being the 14th-richest country in the world. The country keeps close relations with other EU members and exportation is crucial for its economy. The high standard of living was proven when the World Bank stated that Austria has one of the highest GDPs per person.
Assisting the growing economy is organic farming. Austria has more than 18,500 organic farms and has now been dubbed ‘Europe’s Delishop’.
Crime levels
Vienna’s crime rates are some of the lowest in Europe. Numbeo’s report stated that the concerns of residents regarding theft, mugging, and assaults were ‘low to very low’. Similarly, the total level of crime was stated as low. Walking home at night is considered ‘high’ in safety and during the daytime ‘very high’. There are certain areas of the city that aren’t as well-rated, but you see this in practically every city in the world.
Culture
Vienna is saturated with culture and art. There is a long history of fantastic Austrian fine art, classical music, and theatre. All you need to do is imagine the works of Beethoven, Klimt, and Mozart to know what the city is capable of.
Museums and music venues are amazing for their design and popularity. Vienna State Opera House is known across the globe for its world-class performances that are seen by thousands from all over the world.
Vienna has a strong coffee culture. It is not about the actual coffee but more about the atmosphere it creates. Coffee houses provide a location for locals and tourists. They are a place to relax and chat about daily life. They have become a place for great minds to cluster together.
Location
When you look at a map of Europe, you will see that Vienna is the center of the continent, and this is a great advantage. You can get to Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, and Germany by car or train. Despite Austria being a landlocked country, it’s not far to the Mediterranean Sea and if you don’t fancy that drive, the River Danube will satisfy the desire to swim.
Proximity to the countryside
As we have already said, Vienna is one of the greenest cities in Europe. It is surrounded by rolling hills and rural landscapes. There are endless parks and hiking routes to take in the fresh air both in and around the city. If that isn’t enough, you can visit some amazing vineyards that are reachable by train.
