Uploaded on 2017-06-01 by Maria Moise

1.top 5 criteria that I think contribute the most to a city’s livability: economy, infrastructure, education, political stability, environment. 2.I live in Sheffield, UK. I moved here because: a.it is one of the greenest cities in the UK (and the Peak District national park is also at the outskirts of the town) b.the city is safe because there are two of the biggest universities in the UK here c.the university I studied at provides a high-rated course in sustainable architecture d.the city has a constant economic grow and due to it is expanding at quite a fast pace, creating more job opportunities and developing the infrastructure system (which is not so good at the moment) e.the housing prices are relatively low compared to the average income 3.My city fulfils my ideal livability criteria by around 70%. The infrastructure could have been better developed and the environment could be cleaner and more culturally diverse. A general livability score would be lower, around 60%, as a lot of people need a better transportation system and infrastructure connections to get to their workplace or their homes, as well as better access to the greener areas. 4.I would help the local food-growers to develop their business further as this is an aspect it is slightly ignored at the moment. The climate of the area allows people to grow plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as have easy access to water resources. A policy regarding the fish population in the two rivers has been implemented and the situation is stable whilst it is safe to go fishing around the town, but I consider that a further step should be taken. Plenty land areas could be rented for growing legumes, profiting both the local economy and society. 5.My top 3 cities that I would move to in case I decided to do so are: 1.Helsinki a.the city is quite green and it has plenty of parks and green spaces everywhere, the proximity to nature is top of the list for me. From this perspective Helsinki is rather authentic, due to its islands and bays (I even had the impression that the air smells good around the city) b.I find the Finnish culture and traditions to be extremely interesting and unique, especially regarding design, architecture & sustainability. c.the transportation systems are very well developed and managed, both in town and connecting the town with the other important cities, ports and airports in the country and not only (very good and varied transportation links to both Russia, Estonia and Sweden) d.in the light of the past few years events, it is politically stable and safe e.the cost of living (including housing prices) is affordable when compared to the average income 2.Vancouver a.it has such a beautiful setting, making it extremely enjoyable to go out and spend some time connecting with the nature (they also have limits to the urban growth so they won’t make the green & natural places around the city inaccessible in time); it is green (both in spaces and sustainable solutions for electricity and water) and clean b.due to its economic growth and political stability, it has an excellent international connectivity c.the international connectivity makes it rather unique when it comes to cultural aspects, because it has been attracting so many people from different culture and you’re able to enjoy different food markets, restaurants and even numerous multi-cultural and multi-ethnic activities (concerts, plays, traditional workshops etc) d.even though the city and the whole country are open to immigrants and benefit from their arrival, the political landscape is peaceful & safe (as safe as it can be for such a big city) e.excellent weather for each season, which makes outdoor activities really enjoyable 3.Amsterdam a.the city has little traffic and pollution compared to other major cities; the reduced number of cars also makes travelling around easier b.it is a very old city with distinct architectural qualities; despite this aspect, it has a young and fresh vibe. c.it is diverse culturally and ethnically d.it is well connected to major cities around the globe e.it is safe, socially, economically and politically.