11.San Jose, Costa Rica | Happiness Index
San Jose is one of the best cities in Latin America to settle in. Having a ‘Pura Vida’ or ‘pure life’ motto, the city ranks #11 on the Happiness index.
Social
San José is a relatively walkable city, and you can get about simply on foot. The city’s complete bus system is quite affordable and user-friendly.
Cultural
The city is easy to navigate on foot while exploring the hole-in-the-wall eateries, local street vendors, and the city’s finest markets. It is also an eco-friendly destination, and hence environmentalism is a part of the culture.
Environmental
Due to the city’s mountainous terrain and proximity to mountains, people often see sights of verdant peaks in the background.
12. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital may only have 123,000 residents, but what it lacks in population, it makes up for in culture and excitement.
Social
Reykjavik is one of the most business-friendly cities in the world. It is a great city to live in, with excellent safety standards, healthcare, and environmental quality.
Cultural
Reykjavik offers a thriving cultural and design sector, with an abundance of adventure trips, dynamic nightlife, contemporary museums, along with world-class restaurants, galleries, boutiques, pubs, and clubs.
Environmental
The city exhibits some of the island’s most magnificent natural marvels, including the famed Blue Lagoon geothermal resort, the Northern Lights, and the Golden Circle, with spouting geysers, waterfalls, and rift valleys.
13. Toronto Metro, Canada | Happiness Index
Despite transit issues and high property prices, Canada‘s largest city makes it to the Happiness Index.
Social
Along with technology, the city’s economy is diverse, including culinary services and environmental innovation. Toronto is famous for its skyscrapers, notably the CN Tower. Residents of the nation also enjoy free healthcare and inexpensive education costs!
Cultural
Toronto is a global hub for business, economics, arts, and culture and one of the world’s most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities, with immigrants from more than 200 ethnic origins.
Environmental
With community involvement and innovative policies and programs, Toronto aims to be one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It implements Community Energy Planning (CEP) for integrating local energy solutions at the building or community size.
14. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is declared one of the best cities in the world. (Time Out City Rankings)
Social | Happiness Index
Melbourne has a robust economy, all public transit within the central business district is free, and Melbournians exercise more than residents of any other city on the planet, all of which contribute to the city’s high ranking on the Happiness Index.
Cultural
In Time Out’s list of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne is praised for its street arts and vibrant live music. People agree “there’s always something to do or see,” a reflection of the city’s dynamic arts, entertainment, and sports culture.
Environmental
The city’s many parks and open public spaces provide ample opportunities for the residents to relax.
15. Perth, Australia | Happiness Index
Perth, last in the top 15 of the Happiness Index, is one of the most isolated cities in the world.
Social
Perth is exceptionally clean (trains are spotless), green, and boasts an untouched riverfront setting. Accessibility is easy as everything around the city is a 20-minute drive away.
Cultural
Amongst the steel skyscrapers are some true gems, like the stunning Tudor, and Victorian-style structures that provide this city its touch.
Environmental | Happiness Index
The beaches spanning across the enormous coastline, parks with a range of flora, fauna, and hiking trails define the tranquil environment in the city.
References:
Worldhappiness.report. 2021. Cities and Happiness: A Global Ranking and Analysis. [online] Available at: <https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2020/cities-and-happiness-a-global-ranking-and-analysis/> [Accessed 3 December 2021].
