Uploaded on 2017-05-30 by claudia van der heijden

My top 5 criteria are; Environment Safety Transportation Infrastructure Recreation possibilities I chose this criteria as most important because, firstly, nowadays, environment is by far the most important criteria in the livability of a city. I do not want to live in a city whose air is polluted, and where no green spaces exist, it is unhealthy and unsustainable. Secondly, I chose safety because in order to live well we need to feel safe, for us and our families. Thirdly I mention transportation because it is closely linked to the environment, since a city that has a wide public transport network (preferably trams, trollyes, electric trains, pedestrian ways and bycicle paths) discourages the use of private cars and reduces carbon emmissions, thus achieving a much better air quality, as well as noise reduction and traffic accidents. Then comes infrastructure, needed in order to support basic sustainable services of the city like sewage, recycling, garbage treatment, energy production, housing with energy saving facilities, etc. And lastly recreation facilities and mostly outdoors areas for sporting, to encourage and support a healthy lifestyle. I did not include climate because for me it is almost irrelevant. Although I lived in Portugal where the weather is said to be wonderfull, sunny, warm and temperate, I live much better in the Netherlands, thanks to the meeting of all the criteria I mentioned above. Climate is not good in the Netherlands, and yet dutch cities are extremely livable because they are green, integrated in the environment, safe, excellent public transport and very good infrastructure and facilites. If we crave good weather, we go on vacation elsewhere.