An incredible city - Melbourne.
Melbourne, Australia held the title for seven years straight, on CNN, as the most liveable city in the world. As of 2018, this amazing city was knocked down to second place. Business Insider claims that Vienna, Austria has Melbourne beat by a minor 0.7 mark difference.
Although, I’m sure Vienna is fantastic, here are the reasons why Melbourne should be considered the best and most liveable city in the world, to date.
The city revolves around creativity and inspiration. And as young people often find themselves lost and unsure of a path to follow, Melbourne continuously shows people that there is no path. In fact, the city uncovers interesting ways for humans to involve themselves in society and establish other means of direction, rather than the boring, point A to point B, “path”.
The foundation of creativity can quite literally be found in the pathway of Hosier Lane, which is filled from top to bottom with constantly changing graffiti art. The art stems from professional artist paid to create life size paintings of Australia’s favorite celebrities, or even a passersby can participate if they have the 7 bucks it takes to buy a paint can and the ability to draw a cat.
However, maybe the less obvious, but equally opportunistic, route to expressing oneself, is through Melbournes outstanding education system and potential employment chances for everyone.
This city is regularly ranked one of the world’s top student cities because of it’s incredibly high participation and graduation rates. And unlike most universities, students do not even start paying back their debt until they are secure in earning a consistent income of at least $54,000 (AU) per year. Which means if you are one of those lost and confused students who hasn’t found their “path” yet, you still have time and the freedom to figure it out.
Not only does the city have great means of education, but Melbourne also has great job prospects for everyone. The unemployment rate is reasonably low and is continuing to lower every year with plans in place to give equal opportunities to all citizens and migrants. Which means, if you are from the US (like me), or any other country, getting a job in Melbourne as a foreigner is not as difficult as you’d think. Infact, not only Melbourne, but the whole country of Australia, is one of the most diverse places in the world.
Melbourne’s culture diversity is, in my opinion, the most compelling factor as to why this city is so fantastic. However, this is surprisingly a big reason as to why Melbourne was bumped to second most livable city in the world. But why? How is it possible that their culture and diversity falls flat? The answer is yet to be determined, but with over 260 languages spoken, and 135 religious beliefs represented, these people from 200 countries that migrated to Melbourne are the basis of this city’s story. The city not only shares their own cultures from the indigenous people, it also encourages people to share their own ideologies with the community. Melbourne allows one of the biggest outlets for cultural expression right in center of the city. You can find culture in gallary’s such as the infamous ACMI, which presents inspiring audio visual arts shows, or in the unmatchable MCG, where you can watch everyone’s favorite Australian Football League. With 100 plus options, you’ll surely find something that inspires you.
The one thing that people get most concerned about when moving to Melbourne is the cost of living. Most people see that scary rent pricing and immediately want to get on a plane back home. However, although the accommodation may seem pricey, minimum wage and working salaries are significantly higher than most countries, making it easier and more reasonable for rent to be a bit more expensive than expected. On the bright side, this is a city where you definitely won’t be needing a costly car. Melbourne’s public transportation is extremely cheap and efficient. Coming from someone who is not so comfortable with public transport, Melbourne’s system makes it super easy by using smartphone apps. They even have a free tram system that’ll get you to Melbourne's most popular areas in the city.
And if all of that isn’t enough, the best things Melbourne has to offer can’t even be measured in a “most liveable city” test...
You can find the best coffee on any corner of Melbourne central. Unlike Los Angeles or London, organic tea will not do you justice. And Melbourne has some of the most lively and friendly festivals in the world, ranging from famous music festivals like Sugar Mountain to even community festivals like Moomba. Melbourne also has an extremely unique nightlife. Every night you can discover a new hidden gem, so there is a club or pub for every mood. And if you aren’t planning on staying out late, Melbourne has awesome markets in every season that allows you to try different cuisines of every culture and listen to live music as you stroll the shops for knick knacks. Not to mention the beautiful Australian beaches are so close to the city center, you can often take the free trams straight to them.
The list continues, but the point is, Melbourne may not score a perfect 10/10 on the world’s most livable city chart, but I know Melbourne could prove to you that it is the absolute best place for anyone to live because it has the ability to make you feel at home.