What Makes Melbourne Australia’s Most Liveable City?

The judges at The Economist have recognized Melbourne as Australia’s most livable city, and it tied for 10th place with Japan’s Osaka.

Adelaide who took the boasting title last year in 2021 has dropped back to position 30 due to being slower to lift restrictions due to a lower vaccination than other states coming out of Covid19 lockdown. While Australia’s largest city by population, Sydney occupies spot 13 on the list.

The Global Liveability Index 2022 report which measures, which locations around the globe provide the best and worst living conditions. Scores are then given across five major categories including stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure and ranked from highest to lowest. For Melbourne to be ranked 10^th out of 172 participating entrants, cements that Melbourne is officially Australia’s most liveable city in 2022 again. With the ease of lockdowns and reopening of state borders, migration demand to Melbourne is on the cards again and is the reason that many Melbourne removalists companies are again busy helping many Australians call this much loved and vibrant coastal city home again.

While looking across the Tasman to Australia’s neighbor New Zealand. Auckland and Wellington briefly maintained 1st and 4th spots globally as the most liveable cities in the 2021 report. When the entire world was locked down from the spread of Covid19 and envious of New Zealander’s freedom. The benefit of a closed border helped protect the country from the Covid19 virus and keep the domestic economy thriving. Moving to Auckland was high on everyone’s list in 2021 but as the virus crept in and borders provided little resistance, Wellington and Auckland has faltered back to position 50 and 34 respectively in the 2022 Global Liveability Index report.

So, what makes Melbourne, Australia’s most liveable city? According to the report, the reason points to Melbourne’s Education and Infrastructure ranking highest in these categories.  However, there are many other reasons, including Melbourne’s love of food and drink. Graffiti-lined laneways to a vibrant arts and culture scene, the city offers something for everyone. Its diverse population, streetscapes, and cosmopolitan feel all contribute to the city’s liveability. Let’s take a closer look at the city’s most compelling reasons.

Diversity of its Population

As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Melbourne has long been regarded as the best place to live. A multicultural society helps people from different cultures understand each other and break stereotypes. Taking part in events that involve multiple communities allows people to learn about each other and how to help each other. This diversity often manifests itself in the arts. There is a wide range of music and theatre that is popular throughout the city. Moreover, it is a culturally diverse city, which means that residents from many different countries come to the city for work and pleasure.

Quality of its Healthcare

Melbourne is a city that has everything you need to lead an active lifestyle. Whether it’s public healthcare or private wellbeing programs, there are world-class services available for any individual looking forward in their wellness journey. The people of Melbourne have access not only top-quality medical care but also highly personalized treatment plans tailored specifically towards them which ensures they never go without necessary attention when required. The high ranking in this category is based on five factors, including healthcare quality and availability, access to healthcare, and culture & environment. The EIU also measures the availability and accessibility of over-the-counter medications, which have improved over the years. Overall, the health of Melbournians is extremely high, with some of the world’s best hospitals. Despite its density, the city also has an exceptional healthcare system and an excellent reputation for healthcare.

Streetscapes

The city has many distinct areas and distinct characteristics, including its inner suburbs and the CBD. The inner neighborhood are rich in international cuisine, accommodation, standout cafes, and parks. The city strategically positions beautiful architecture that are eye captivating pieces such as Manchester Unity Building, an iconic gothic building, the entry is inviting with a plentiful marble and mosaic and elevated with elevator doors that are copper plated. The inner graffiti laneways are responsible for drawing in Melbourne’s people, frequently dining in unique cafes and browsing in boutique stores. Melbourne is home to numerous independent art galleries and the government run National Gallery of Victoria. The rich urban environment has contributed to Melbourne’s ranking in the world’s most liveable cities.

Atmosphere

The combination of natural beauty and culture in Melbourne offers an experience and vibe unlike any other. Melbourne is home to many festivals throughout the year. From Moomba Waterfest and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, to Latin Music festival or Indian Diwali celebrations.

Melbourne is also home to some of the best theatres in Australia, including The Australian Ballet and Symphony Orchestra. For those who prefer their performances on a more intimate scale there’s also local companies like Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) which performs throughout town at various locations such as La Mama arts house or event spaces like Crown Powerscourt Golf – there’s always something happening in this great city.

Parks

Melbourne’s growing appreciation for urban design and parks reflects a trend across the world. Cities once designed for cars are now living spaces that draw people in. The city’s bikeways, parks, and other public spaces help the city to achieve this goal. Despite this, many suburbs still rely on cars for transportation but councils are rapidly changing the city roads to ensure it is bike-friendly, with many new bike lanes and pathways. These trails weave through city parks and edge past hidden cafes.

The changes in governance of Melbourne’s city government have influenced the city’s liveability. The city government had a limited role in planning before, but subsequently began working closely with the state government and other key stakeholders to improve the city’s quality of life. The new governance arrangements involve collaboration, negotiation, and compromise among city and state governments, and significant non-government organisations. The city’s policy makers continue to take liveability into account, and these changes have contributed to the city’s recent emergence as not only Australia’s most liveable city but one of the world’s most liveable cities.