Uploaded on 2016-07-25 by David Dove

Most Liveable Cities 1. Sydney 2. Singapore 3. New York 4. London 5. Los Angeles Key Criteria 1. Quality work environment with educated professionals 2. Quality and diversity of food and dining 3. Quality Urban Environment 4. Economic Potential 5. Diverse Cultural Influences The city in which I currently live in (Sydney) is at the top of the list, although I have spent extensive time in each of the other cities on my list. I have also lived, worked and visited over 100 other cities for comparison. I recognise that the list I have compiled is based on my socio-economic position, and I could see how these cities would not rank the same for other people dependant on their situation. Sydney provides a very comfortable and safe locale, with a very high quality natural and man-made natural environment. The people are generally well educated and informed, and there is a high degree of equality compared to many other places in the world. When working in Sydney there is a feeling of confidence and competence with a majority of people with which you interact. There is also a feeling that the legal and authority systems support rational activities (at least more so than many of other places that I have worked). There is the ability for an improved “Economic Potential” in Sydney, being that it is relatively easy to find work, and in many cases those work skills are transportable and valued. Many places around the world that I have worked has been with others who have originated in Sydney in some manner. It is a good place to gain quality skills and experience. From a lifestyle, Sydney has a fantastic diversity, driven by a very diverse community. This means that there is a great range of food and dining opportunities. While maybe not as diverse as somewhere like New York, or with the same level of quality for Asian food as Singapore, it has a blend of quality and choice that is very difficult to match elsewhere. There is also a good level of equality and acceptance of other cultural backgrounds. It is by no means perfect, but I believe it is better compared to many other locations in the world. A limiting factor in Sydney becoming more sustainable, is the legislative and cultural restrictions on progressive development, driven by what is termed here as NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), which makes implementing new ideas and technology difficult, compared to cities or locations where there is a more dictatorial approach (such as the Middle East where I have worked extensively) or more egalitarian societies such as northern Europe (thinking about new energy systems).