So Monocle released it’s most liveable cities list for this year (the list is behind a wall although there is a video recap, this site has the top line list). I keep trying to write about it and keep erasing my entire post. Let’s try one more time.
I hate this list.
I think everyone has different criteria for what makes a place liveable and most of the cities in the Monocle list would not make my short list. My criteria would include:
Don’t smoke in my face. Any city that doesn’t have a ban on smoking in public enclosed places would automatically fall off my list.
Be tolerant almost to a fault. Any city that doesn’t allow/recognize gay relationships wouldn’t make my short list. Not just because I think all people should be allowed to be happy and have equal rights. Also because as Richard Florida‘s research has shown, wealth follows the pink crowd – I’m paraphrasing, but the point is basically that.
For the most part be courteous – I would take a stroller with a child or my 8 month pregnant wife around the city and see if anyone offers her/us a seat.
Solid public transport – I want to be able to get to work, entertainment and the airport all without needing a car or a cab, easily.
Other people – I love knowing that the city has produced great thinkers, great artists, and attracts other people with big ideas. Being attractive to other migrants and having a history of big thinkers is important to me.
Traveling to other places – I want to live in a city where adventure is a short hop away. Whether it’s in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin or North America, knowing that I can experience different cultures within a couple of hours (max 4).
Think six criteria is enough of a start, the list will probably change when we have kids, but for right now that’s my list. There’s other important stuff as well, like can family travel there easily, can we travel back to our family easily, but these are deal breakers. What are your criteria for where you live or want to live?
