Despite its breathtaking coastline vibrant dining scene and natural beauty, Sydney often faces criticism regarding its “liveability.” The city’s property market is notoriously expensive—second most costly globally, according to recent data—and the housing crisis has had a more significant impact here than in any other Australian city, even contributing to a declining birth rate. However, new research by global consulting firm Resonance paints a more optimistic picture: Sydney is still one of the best cities in the world to live, work, and visit.
Resonance’s comprehensive study didn’t just focus on one aspect, such as livability, tourism appeal, or work opportunities; it combined all three. Initially, the firm identified the top 100 cities worldwide based on their appeal to tourists, quality of life, and job opportunities. While Sydney recently ranked as the tenth most desirable city for professionals seeking relocation, its overall position on the list of the best cities to live, work, and visit in 2024 was 35th. This ranking places it slightly behind Melbourne, which secured the 31st spot.
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The study involved an analysis of over 270 cities with populations exceeding one million, utilizing 24 subcategories ranging from walkability to educational attainment. These factors were grouped under three main pillars: prosperity, livability, and lovability. London topped the list, recognized as the best city in the world for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Paris and New York. Melbourne emerged as the highest-ranked Australian city, while Sydney followed four spots behind.
Sydney currently sits at number 35, but there’s plenty of room for growth, particularly when considering the subcategories that influenced the rankings. The “livability” pillar, for example, considers aspects like biking routes and airport connectivity. Sydney is on the cusp of significant improvements in these areas, with a new international airport and plans for a fast rail network in the works. Additionally, under the “lovability” pillar, nightlife plays a crucial role. Sydney’s nightlife scene is undergoing positive changes post-lockout laws, with substantial reforms underway that promise a more vibrant city experience.
As the city continues to develop these facets, there’s hope for a higher ranking in future assessments. For now, Sydney remains a standout destination for both residents and visitors, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and growing urban amenities.
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The Top 50 Best Cities to Live, Work, and Visit in 2024
- London, England
- Paris, France
- New York City, USA
- Tokyo, Japan
- Singapore
- Dubai, UAE
- San Francisco, USA
- Barcelona, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Seoul, South Korea
- Rome, Italy
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Madrid, Spain
- Berlin, Germany
- Los Angeles, USA
- Chicago, USA
- Washington, D.C., USA
- Beijing, China
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Dublin, Ireland
- Vienna, Austria
- Milan, Italy
- Toronto, Canada
- Boston, USA
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Budapest, Hungary
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Munich, Germany
- Melbourne, Australia
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Seattle, USA
- Sydney, Australia
- Doha, Qatar
- Brussels, Belgium
- San Jose, USA
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Warsaw, Poland
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Austin, USA
- Oslo, Norway
- Osaka, Japan
- Hong Kong, China
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Athens, Greece
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Vancouver, Canada
FAQs
What does livability mean?
Livability refers to the quality of life in a particular area, encompassing factors like safety, accessibility, amenities, and overall well-being.
What is the livability in Australia?
Australia is known for high livability, with cities often ranking highly in global quality of life indexes due to factors like safety, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
How do you spell liveability in Australia?
In Australia, “liveability” is spelled with an “e,” as in “liveability.”
What are the 5 factors of livability?
The five key factors of livability are:
- Safety and Security
- Healthcare Access
- Education Quality
- Economic Stability
- Environmental Quality and Infrastructure
As Sydney continues to evolve, its potential to climb higher in global rankings remains strong, particularly as infrastructure and lifestyle enhancements come into play. For now, the city stands as a vibrant, multifaceted destination that continues to attract people from around the globe.
