World's 10 best cities to live in

[scifi]

Living Standards of many countries is affected during recent times due to the global financial crisis, political turn moil & General unrest..But still there is a hope as Mercer's 2009 Quality of Living survey reflects the light on some of the best cities to live in....

Take a look whether your city is in the list.....Read ON (http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/may/01/slide-show-1-worlds-10-best-cities-to-live-in.htm)

[Fergal]

Interesting list. Vienna is number 1 and it's a city that I'd like to visit some day.

I lived in Munich for a couple of months, many years ago. It must have improved a lot in that time to make it to the top 10. I have to admit that my memory of it in terms of the friendliness of the people there, is not that positive.

[Nazreen]

All of these cities are European cities. It's a pity that there are no Asian countries in that list.

I've been to Sydney (top 10 from the list) before and I would have to agree that it's a very beautiful city. I'd like to visit there again some day.

[Fergal]

Singapore did well Nazreen, at number 26 on the list (http://www.citymayors.com/features/quality_survey.html) - better than some fine cities such as New York and Paris .

[scifi]

There are no Indian or chinese citeis cities in the list despite these two countries are world's fastest growing economy...Singapore & Tokyo are the only two asian cities in the top 50 list ranked at 26 & 35 respectively...I hope next time, the list will be featured Asian cities will definitely dominate some of the top ranking spots...

[kingmurtaza196]

There are no Indian or chinese citeis cities in the list despite these two countries are world's fastest growing economy...Singapore & Tokyo are the only two asian cities in the top 50 list ranked at 26 & 35 respectively...I hope next time, the list will be featured Asian cities will definitely dominate some of the top ranking spots...

Yes Scifi, it is quite surprising that there's no Indian or Chinese city. I think Beijing & Mumbai /Bombay should be in top 50 as they are one of the busiest city.

[Fergal]

Having traveled in India I would say that you have much nicer places and cities than Mumbai (no offense to anyone from there). Do you not think Calcutta and Delhi would rank higher than Mumbai?

[kingmurtaza196]

I have visited India too. I didn't go to Mumbai due to some visa problem though I visited Delhi & Jaipur..

I don't know whether Mumbai is better or Jaipur though I guess Jaipur should be ranked in 100 best cities . It have got Culture, History & Architecture .. :)

[scifi]

Do you not think Calcutta and Delhi would rank higher than Mumbai
Rightly said Fergal..Most people visit Mumbai because it is one of the most industrialized city of India often termed as "Industrial Capital of India"...Otherwise if we take on from the angle of living, Delhi & Calcutta would score much higher than Mumbai...


I don't know whether Mumbai is better or Jaipur though I guess Jaipur should be ranked in 100 best cities . It have got Culture, History & Architecture
Hi! kingmurtaza196!!
All the things that you have mentioned about Jaipur are 100% correct but as far as Living standards & life is concerned, I think Mumbai will score better than Jaipur..Because for living you need money, facilities, amenities and many more things too besides heritage & Culture..:)

[Fergal]

Jaipur is a fine city, unfortunately I got a little ill with flu when I was there, so I didn't get to see as much of it as I would have liked.

From what I did see the Jantar Mantar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jantar_Mantar_(Jaipur)) was most memorable. Fascinating to think that such precise instruments were built so long ago.

[kingmurtaza196]

by: scifi : All the things that you have mentioned about Jaipur are 100% correct but as far as Living standards & life is concerned, I think Mumbai will score better than Jaipur..Because for living you need money, facilities, amenities and many more things too besides heritage & Culture..

You are right ..

What do u think, Karachi [Pakistan] should be ranked near Mumbai Or delhi ? Karachi is just like Mumbai... 1 portion of the city is educated while the other are illiterate. People go to Karachi as a dream city just like Mumbai. If anyone capable of anything goes to Karachi, he does get a good job. Karachi is the Heart of Pakistan just like Mumbai being Heart of India.

[scifi]

What do u think, Karachi [Pakistan] should be ranked near Mumbai Or delhi ?

Hi! kingmurtaza196
I have never been to Karachi, however I Have heard about it a lot..From the brief description of yours, I could guess that since I rate Delhi better than Mumbai, in the same context Islamabad must be better than Karachi as a place to live in your country too..!!:)

[kingmurtaza196]

Well, I don't remember Janter Mantar though I have got some photographs which my brother took.


Anyway, is there anyway where we could vote about the best cities in the world ?

[devilbatista]

I have heard about a place called " Kashmir " which is in the territory of both India and Pakistan. People tell that It's a beautiful place though it's on debate weither it's of India or Pakistan. This land also shares borders with Afghanistan and China too.

[scifi]

I have heard about a place called " Kashmir " which is in the territory of both India and Pakistan. People tell that It's a beautiful place
Absolutely correct Devilbatista...Kashmir is indeed a very beautiful place to live in , INfact it is called as "HEaven on Earth"..BUt as you also know that it is a disputed area between India & Pakistan..IT does not qualify as one of the best place to live in..However, we are waiting for the day when Peace will be there is Kashmir valley....:)

[kingmurtaza196]

I have heard about a place called " Kashmir " which is in the territory of both India and Pakistan. People tell that It's a beautiful place though it's on debate weither it's of India or Pakistan. This land also shares borders with Afghanistan and China too.

Kashmir , one of the most beautiful place in the world often know as "The Heaven on Earth". It have been a dispute from the independence [1947] & both the countries have been claiming Kashmir to be their Territory .

You can visit Kashmir as a Leisure tour, Not for living. There aren't much facilities to live there . The people are struggling for an independence that's why curfew are imposed on a regular basis.

[simplyjo]

Interesting share.
I'd really want to visit few of these places. I stay in India and till now have only been fortunate enough to visit - Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal. Gosh! How I wanna visit Europe. SIgh....

[kingmurtaza196]

Well, Europe is a very good place to visit. I have been fortunate enough to visit Turkey & England believe me, they both are Beautiful countries but the country in which we lived from our childhood is always the best no matter what the conditions are.

[Nazreen]

I haven't been to Kashmir too. If ever peace will come to the region, I'll definitely wanna go visit it too.

I think that Mumbai still did well but with the recent terrorist activities and bombings, it's ranking went down from from 142 to 148. It said in the article one of the main criteria for evaluating a city is political stability.

Just a minor correction.. there are 5 Asian cities in the top 50 list. Among them are Singapore and Japanese cities: Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Osaka.

[devilbatista]

Thanks scifi and kingmurtaza196 for letting that know to us. I didn't knew that it was that beautiful. From your words, Kashmir surely looks like a Heaven on Earth.

[kingmurtaza196]

devilbatista , Kashmir is known is the Heaven on the Earth. The dispute between Pakistan & India over Kashmir have made Kashmir a bit risky to visit as there are curfews on odd days ! If Kashmir gets separate, it will surely get into Most Beautiful Countries to live in as the local people there are educated & there are good number of facilities there but NATURAL BEAUTY remains Kashmir's specialty .

Checkout these beautiful pictures.

http://www.royalsaffron.com/images/kashvale.jpg
http://www.info2india.com/tour/image/Kashmir---paradise-on-Earth.1.jpg
http://reddyone.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/kashmir.jpg

Say thanks if you like these pictures :D !

[Hurbel2k]

I guess everyones personal favorite will be different, as every person puts emphasis on a different aspect of living. Still there are some nice cities on the list and all of them are worth a short visit at least.

[kingmurtaza196]

I agree with ur thoughts Hurbel2k. Everyone have got their own specific way of thinking & living their life. Some people prefer living in a peaceful place where else some people want a rush life where everything is in a hurry ! With this, people decide where to live.

[iamjohns]

best city to live in is rome its beautiful , quite , exotic , and full of treasures yet to be found truly a masterpiece

[Fergal]

I'd agree with you there iamjohns, Rome is a beautiful and fascinating city. I spent a long weekend there a few years ago. We were there around the end of January and the weather was beautiful (I suppose we were lucky). A big advantage of visiting at that time of year was the fact that we didn't have to queue long to get in anywhere.

The city has huge historical, religious, artistic and architectural significance that makes it a joy for any visitor. There is so much to see and do, it is one of few cities I've been to where 4 days wasn't enough, you could spend a week there and still not see all you want to see. My favorite attraction was the Colosseum, which I hope to have the opportunity of seeing again in the not too distant future.

The city has a comfortable and friendly feel and the night life and food are great, so there is lots to do in the evening and into the night.

It's funny that you should remind me of Rome, I went to see Angels and Demons last night, which is set in Rome and it brought back fond memories of the city.

[devilbatista]

Thanks kingmurtaza196 for sharing the links. Those pictures of Kashmir look awesome. That's why it's still on the dispute. It's a very beautiful land.

[scifi]

Kashmir is known is the Heaven on the Earth. The dispute between Pakistan & India over Kashmir have made Kashmir a bit risky to visit as there are curfews on odd days

Recently I have read in the newspaper, reports from local reporters indicates that even people and non social elements too are not saying anything to people who are tourists..Tourists are the one who are kept isolated from internal matters of kashmir....
Hope this beautiful place on earth be soon endowed with PEACE!!!:)

[iamjohns]

fragel i hope you see it again , i loved rome alot also when i visited it i use o read so many books about it and just fell in love with its history its a great place and has an awsome historical background which just makes its mystery unforgotable

[kingmurtaza196]

fragel i hope you see it again , i loved rome alot also when i visited it i use o read so many books about it and just fell in love with its history its a great place and has an awsome historical background which just makes its mystery unforgotable

Welcome to BAF John. I read about Rome in my History books ! A very Historical city. I remember some historical places of History which I read . Castel Sant'Angelo, Colosseum & leaning Piza Tower ! Hope to visit Rome soon, maybe next vacation :P

[Fergal]

...leaning Piza Tower ! Hope to visit Rome soon, maybe next vacation :P

You won't see the Leaning Tower of Pisa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa) in Rome. :)

[scifi]

Good catch Fergal!!!
Rome in fact the very place that reminds me of the mighty Roman Empire...Hope to see this beautiful place with great architecture & construction.. I love places that has some amazing history associated with it....:)

[kingmurtaza196]

Thanks Fergal clearing me up ! =] & a nice catch too :P

Well, Rome is the heart of Architecture & history !

[kingmurtaza196]

The best city to live in for me is karachi Pakistan. I use to leave their but due to family I had to shift to Hyderabad.
Karachi life is great!

[Fergal]

How has Karachi been affected by recent developments in Pakistan? Is it a safe city to visit?

[kingmurtaza196]

How has Karachi been affected by recent developments in Pakistan? Is it a safe city to visit?

yes karachi has no such problem it s all in the media, media give such a big reports of small things people arent willing to even thinking to coming to pakistan...

If a cat died in road accident media will say PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN ARE KILLING CARS!

[kingmurtaza196]

One more thing karachi had little trouble in the past but now its pretty safe....

[Fergal]

I was watching a news report last night about the Pakistan arm offensive against the Taliban. It is so sad that up to 2 million people have been made homeless as a result of this military action. I hope that it is resolved soon and that everyone can get back to their homes.

Unfortunately the media coverage of all of this will have a serious impact on your tourist industry for some time to come.

[kingmurtaza196]

Kashmir is known is the Heaven on the Earth. The dispute between Pakistan & India over Kashmir have made Kashmir a bit risky to visit as there are curfews on odd days

I heard on new that kashmir is safe these days! isnt it??

[Fergal]

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8474)
...advise against all travel to or through rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir (other than Ladakh) and all but essential travel to Srinagar. There is a high level of conflict and terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh). Serious violent incidents have occurred in August 2008 and curfews and increased security force deployments are amongst measures which have been implemented by the Government. The situation in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including the towns of Jammu and Srinagar, cointinues to be volatile and unpredictable.

In relation to Pakistan they advise (http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8505);

In the light of escalating terrorist activity and the deteriorating security situation Irish citizens are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to Pakistan.

[scifi]

I would like to say that no matter how much we appreciate other places because of their beauty, technology & other things but in the end at the end of the day we want to live in the place where we are born & grew up....
After all birth place is the best place to live for most of the people even if it is devoid of some facilities other than one of the level of life threatening situation.....:)

[iamjohns]

wel king , i think that reading is only a part of believing that a city is beautiful i love travel more than anything in the world thnk u for the warm welcome its great discussing stuff like this what other cities are you interested in ??

[kingmurtaza196]

wel king , i think that reading is only a part of believing that a city is beautiful i love travel more than anything in the world thnk u for the warm welcome its great discussing stuff like this what other cities are you interested in ??

sorry man i cant understand what you are trying to say....

well other city i would love to travel to will be suncity in south africa. it is one of the most beautiful cites in the world. Any one every heard of it??

[jia]

Hello,

All European cities no Asian cities :confused:



Regards,
jia

[kingmurtaza196]

hey jia why not asian cities?? asia has also great locations for visit!

[iamjohns]

i mean that if you read about a city or any place you would like to visit one day then thats part of seeing the so called place its like you've been there when you truly havent hopefully you'd visit the place you would like to visit in south africa i know africa is great but honestly i dont know many places south , its great hearing about new things though

[Fergal]

...All European cities no Asian cities :confused:...

Welcome to Business Advice Forum Jia, if you look through this thread you will see that some fine Asian cities have been discussed.

What country are you from yourself?

[proloy03]

Hello, I feel that Angola is the best place to live in nature's bed. Angola is renown in the world over to have some of the widest composition of animals, plant life and cultures. It has the widest range of bird and animal species.

It has both natural and materialistic enjoyment scopes. I feel it is the best place to live. What enjoyment you can get with nature you cannot get it anything else.

[Fergal]

Hello, I feel that Angola is the best place to live in nature's bed. Angola is renown in the world over to have some of the widest composition of animals, plant life and cultures. It has the widest range of bird and animal species.

It has both natural and materialistic enjoyment scopes. I feel it is the best place to live. What enjoyment you can get with nature you cannot get it anything else.

I do believe that this is the first time Angola has been mentioned on Business Advice Forum, so thanks for that. I understand that Angola has achieved political stability and security in recent years, is that true?

Which industries are most important in Angola?

[Norrad]

sorry man i cant understand what you are trying to say....

well other city i would love to travel to will be suncity in south africa. it is one of the most beautiful cites in the world. Any one every heard of it??
Sun City is not an actual city, it is a resort complex. The most beautiful actual city in South Africa is Cape Town, which is constantly rated as one of the worlds most beautiful cities.

[Fergal]

I would like to visit South Africa someday. Unfortunately crime and personal safety are concerns for anyone travelling there. A lot of people who holiday in South Africa only get to see their resort, because it's dangerous for them to get out and see the real South Africa.

[ecloed]

Shangri-La is a good place for living .http://a2.att.hudong.com/74/77/01300000164151124703778497545_s.jpg



________ebsilk (http://www.ebsilk.com/)

[greefo]

your list is so good but in am interested in Singapore.

[Fergal]

Shangri-La is a good place for living ...

I understood that Shangri-La was a mythical place that doesn't really exist?

[seanstevens]

So many different places in the world to see, so many different points of view.

I have to say I'm struggling to figure out where to live next and may just end up back in the UK. I've been in Munich for the past 5 years. It's a nice place to live, its more of a town that a city. It's a great place to live for kids, but the concept of customer service just does not exist.

My wife is Hungarian and there are some great places there. I would suggest the Balaton for a visit. The in-laws live in Slovakia, avoid Bratislava and the it's a lovely place to visit. Although there are still some old lingering cases of corruption and mafia involvement (as recently as 2 years ago there was a killing in the village they live in, the village only houese 3000 people).

The only place in the US I would consider living in would be San Francisco. I've been there plenty of times in the past few years and I love it. It must be one of the only large cities in the US where you don't have to drive everywhere. It has a great relaxed feeling about it and I love just walking between the city and the peers.

I don't know enough about Africa or Asia to offer an decent opinion, but the percieved risk of instability is what puts off many people. Fergal mentioned South Africa, the world cup next year will be a major test, I fear what could be reported. Other places like Israel get good press as interesting places to live, but after my visits there, I wouldn't go back for pleasure.

Just my 2 cents.

Sean

[devilbatista]

ecloed, Thanks for sharing that picture. It's really beautiful. A sight of true and marvellous nature.

[Fergal]

Good luck with your decision Sean, sounds like you have a lot of choices and options. I've lived in different countries at different times but am now back and settled in my home town in Ireland. Although, due to family and friend connections I wouldn't be in a hurry to up sticks and move somewhere else now, I do really enjoy travelling and holidays whenever I have the opportunity.

Like lots of other Irish people, I spent a couple of months working in the Munich BMW factory, when I was a student. We worked long hours so the truth is we didn't get to see that much of the city. One thing that stood out was the wealth in the area, Ireland was a much poorer country at that time, so it was very noticeable.

San Francisco is one city that I haven't been to and I hope to have the opportunity to visit and spend time there at some stage in the future. It sounds very exciting and anyone I know who has been there, loved it.

[iamjohns]

i have discovered another great place to visit or possibly live in australia its an awsome place which is very calm with great reason to belive in many things its great its new and the weather is beautirful ....you good there one time i know i will

[Fergal]

Australia could be an attractive place to visit and live, for another reason - Australia is out of recession and they had a net gain of just over 32,000 jobs in July 09 (although most of these jobs were part time).

[devilbatista]

This sounds interesting that Australia is out of recession. We find mostly students go there for their further studies. It's an island too.