Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city for a sixth consecutive year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
The EIU index scores 140 of the world’s major cities in healthcare, education, stability, culture, environment and infrastructure.
Melbourne scored 97.5 out of 100, one basis point more than Austria’s Vienna.
Canada’s Vancouver and Toronto ranked third and fourth respectively.
Adelaide was rated equal fifth most liveable city, tied with Calgary, Canada.
Perth ranked seventh, while Sydney — ranked seventh last year — dropped out of the top 10 due to a “heightened perceived threat of terrorism,” according to the report’s summary.
‘Best decision I’ve ever made’
While Melbourne is well known for its coffee, restaurants, night-life and love of sport, locals and tourists agree that the city has other charms.
Terry Georgiou, who lives in Mentone in Melbourne’s south-east, moved from the UK with his family about 13 years ago.
“I came over with a wife, two boys — who were one and three — a stroller, 162 kilograms of luggage, no job, no house, no family and no friends,” he said.
“Now, I view it as the best decision I’ve ever made.
“My family is very, very settled. The kids are very happy, the wife’s happy.”
PHOTO Terry Georgiou said moving to Melbourne was the best decision he’d made.
Doctors Adam Ellerby and Gisselle Hull, who are visiting from Newcastle in NSW, said Melbourne had a unique character.
“I think, especially within Australia, it’s much more inclusive. That stands out when you visit,” Ms Hull said.
“It just exceeds all expectations — the art, the diversity of people, the nightlife. It’s got it all. It’s fantastic,” Mr Ellerby said.
PHOTO Adam Ellerby and Gisselle Hull were impressed by Melbourne’s diversity — and coffee.
Retiree Zelda Petherick, from Leongatha in Victora’s south-east, said the city was lively and diverse.
“There’s lots of good art in Melbourne. There’s lots of good places to eat in Melbourne — they’re very reasonable too,” she said.
“There’s lots of action. We’re drawn to the city,” her friend Cheryl Roberts said.
We don’t take this for granted: mayor
Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the title was something all Melburnians should be proud of.
“We do not take this title for granted and are constantly planning and implementing policies that will continue to improve our quality of life,” he said.
Syria’s capital Damascus, with a ranking of 30.2, was ranked the world’s least liveable city, followed by Libya’s Tripoli and Nigeria’s Lagos.
Iran’s capital Tehran is the most improved city over five years, followed by Dubai and Harare in Zimbabwe.
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