“I’m a native New Yorker who moved to Vienna for the lifestyle about four years ago and have no plans on returning,” said Nataleigh O’Connell, a communications consultant at UNIDO. “I’ve found a quality of life that I didn’t think was possible in a major capital city.”
She points to affordability as a major draw, noting that rent is extremely reasonable, with a city-centre one-bedroom flat costing less than €850 per month. Vienna’s extensive public transportation network is also clean and affordable, priced at just €1 a day for city residents.
“It’s a city that offers enough of everything, whether it be new restaurants, world-class performances or art exhibitions, without ever feeling overwhelming,” said O’Connell. To experience Vienna like a local, she recommends visiting heurigen, local vineyards within the city limits. “The hiking trails that connect them offer spectacular views of the city,” she said.
Geneva
Switzerland consistently ranks high for quality of life, thanks to policy and infrastructure that support well-being. Both Zurich and Geneva made the top five this year, but Geneva residents say their city has a different feel – more compact, more relaxed but with all the benefits of a global hub.
“Geneva is a well-run city in a well-run country,” said resident James F Royal, who moved here from Florida several years ago and is the author of the book Options Trading 101. “It offers many of the benefits of the big city – music, arts, business – in a cosier environment, meaning you get many advantages of urban life without the usual disadvantages.”
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With perfect healthcare and infrastructure scores, the city is also clean, safe and easy to navigate. “Whether you want to walk to your destination or use the dense public transportation system, you can get around easily with no car required,” Royal said. In addition, Switzerland’s reliable train network and central location make it easy to travel almost anywhere in Europe in just a few hours.
