If you happen to be in search of a new place to call home outside the US, take into account some of the best cities to live in Europe. And if you’re ready to embark on an international adventure, try to imagine places where red wine is flowing from fountains or spectacular countries with more than 900 castles in a single municipality. As a matter of fact, those things really exist.
However, there is a catch – you must choose the most suitable European place to live in. Among all the beauty, this might be a challenging and tedious process. To do this properly, you should become familiar with criteria that are crucial for your decision.
Admittedly, picking the right place is not easy, but with our list, you have a chance for better insight into all the amenities of the most attractive European centers.
What Factors Determine the Quality of Living?
Maybe you feel attracted to some European cities, but before you schedule the moving and packing services, there are several factors to consider. According to Mercer’s Quality of Living Report, satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the quality of life is determined by:
- Housing
- Economic environment
- Consumer goods availability
- Recreation
- Public Services and Transport
- Natural environment
- Socio-cultural factors
- School and education
- Medical and health considerations
- Political and social environment
After weighing out the pros and cons, make sure to choose the place with more pleasant things than the less alluring ones. Keep in mind that your fresh start depends on your needs, ambitions, and personal attitude – so roll up your sleeves, do your research, and find a suitable place for you and your family.
The World Number One – Vienna
Have you ever given some thought to the capital of Austria? If so, this place might be the cat’s whiskers, since Vienna has been at the top of the rankings for a decade. This metropolis is the most livable on the planet overall. The City of Dreams achieved this status according to several criteria:
- Stability
- Infrastructure
- Education
- Healthcare
Also called the City of Music, Vienna is an excellent place for music fans and all those inclined toward arts. Beautiful architecture, tasty food, and hand-made cakes are the mecca for people all over the globe.
Meet Austria’s Mountain Villages and Baroque Architecture
If you’re looking for the best European country to live in, Austria might be your best bet. Besides the long tradition of classical music and art in general, this country is the home of many mountains and beautiful lakes. If you prefer living in smaller towns with a rural lifestyle, then you should take into consideration the mountain places, such as Salzburg, Feldkirch, or Innsbruck.
Lisbon – the Place to Tie Up Loose Ends
As one of the most affordable cities in Europe, Lisbon is a great option for permanent residence. This place has almost everything—beautiful beaches, delicious food, cultural and historical heritage, and, above all, a vibrant and luxurious lifestyle. Just keep in mind that its health system is not ranked very well, so if you find this criterion crucial, maybe you should consider another place to live.
Portugal – One of the Oldest Countries in the Continent
If you’ve been feeling down, maybe you should spend some time in an environment brimming with adventures and the unpredictable. Portugal might be your wonderland – especially if you like surfing and spicy food. Its name first appears in 868, and it’s believed to be older than Rome. However, don’t forget about fatalism as the dominant spice in Portugal’s culture and art.
Warsaw – Meet the Phoenix City
This town, also called Phoenix City, might be an unusual choice when it comes to relocating from the USA to the Old Continent. Warsaw has plenty of churches and monuments, one of the best-known chocolate confectioneries, vast green areas, and is a significant center of film production. It is full of various amenities – seemingly incompatible at first. However, this capital seems suitable for everyone – do not hesitate and book the first flight to check all these facts.
Poland – the Country Where Everyone Cooks
If you are a gourmand, consider Krakow as the place where you can try traditional Polish meals. Home cooking is trendy in Poland, and homemade cuisine is served in many restaurants. In case your favorite foods are meat, potatoes, and cabbage, Poland is the right place for you.
Prague – One of the Best Cities to Live in Europe
Besides breathtaking architecture and cobbled streets, there are numerous castles in Prague. In case you are looking for more than culture and heritage, you can find many amenities in the capital of Czechia – low crime rate, high living standard, top-notch schooling system.
Overall, Prague is one of the best cities for education in Europe. So, if you have kids, Prague is the right place to choose some of the excellent schools: International School, International Montessori Preschool, and The English College.
Try Craft Beers in the Czech Republic and Visit Romantic Castles
If you are not fond of beer, maybe life in Czechia is not for you, because you know what they say – The best Czech wine is… beer. Czechs are the champions when it comes to drinking beer per capita in the world. In case this is a no-no for you, perhaps you can organize your free time by exploring castles such as Hluboká, Karlštejn, Lednice Chateau, Sychrov Castle, etc.
Frankfurt – EU’s Financial Capital
As the top-notch place for living with the biggest airport in Germany and a well-known yearly book fair, Frankfurt is the place where modernity and natural beauties pervade. Its city forest – the Stadtwald is one of the most extensive urban forests in the world. On the other hand, most of the tallest skyscrapers are located here. If you prefer an active lifestyle with many possibilities for relaxation, pick this amazing center and feel like a part of some of the most vibrant world’s cities.
Germany – Well Known for Its Bread and Sausages
As one of the most politically and economically powerful countries, Germany will provide you with a high-quality living standard. Thanks to its rich history, culture, and extraordinary humanity, Germany is ranked as a people-friendly country, especially for those looking for a new beginning.
After the Czechs, Germans are the second largest beer consumers in Europe. The perfect time to move to this beautiful country might just be the Oktoberfest festival, which celebrates this drink. Combining a mug full of black beer with Wurst sausages can be what it takes to choose this place for your future home.
Sofia – One of Europe’s Most Affordable Capitals
In case you are looking for an area where prices are affordable, and the job market is full of opportunities, then consider the capital of Bulgaria as your primary choice. In Sofia, there is a plethora of monuments and impressive architecture, but you can also find amazing spots for walking, climbing, and hiking. The food is worth trying, and you will enjoy every bite for sure. You should try Bulgarian yogurt – locals call it the elixir of youth.
Bulgaria – the Land of Roses
Is your favorite flower a rose? If so, living in Bulgaria will be filled with the scent of a rare rose type – Rosa Damascena. Maybe you didn’t know, but Bulgaria is the global number one producer of this rose oil. In case this sounds like a great start to meet this charming country, book your flight – the Valley of Roses is waiting just for you!
The Gem of Spain – Madrid
Madrid, also called Gatos, has many amenities to offer. It is a place brimming with students, the capital of European culture, a center with a favorable climate, and home to the oldest restaurant in the world – Sobrino de Botin. And one of the best football teams on the planet, Real Madrid, is logically, also from here.
Spain – the Tooth Fairy Doesn’t Exist Here, But…
When one thinks of Spain, things like flamenco and bullfighting cross their minds. However, Spain is a unique place with plenty of interesting facts – for example, it has the second-highest life expectancy only after Japan. Also, this country produces over half of all the olive oil in the world. If you relocate here, when your child loses a tooth, don’t speak about the tooth fairy. In Spain, they believe in a small mouse called Ratoncito Perez that collects teeth and leaves a gift under the pillow instead.
Paris – a City with a Great Collection of Artwork
The City of Love is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. It’s not just because of its sights, language, and food specialties – the artistic mood is one of the primary culprits. Museums occupy every corner of the capital, and artists and musicians consider Parisian streets to be their eternal home. This laid-back city greatly affects everyone who visits it, and if you choose this destination, you will surely enjoy every moment.
France – the Country of Cheese and Snails
France is the biggest country in the EU and the most popular tourist destination. This fact is not a surprise because it has high standards and exceptional living conditions. One of the significant enticements is definitely French food and wine. Besides goat cheese, the French eat around 30,000 tonnes of snails a year. In case you don’t like even the thought of eating this specialty, you might change your mind after tasting this delicious meal.
Budapest – the Tale of Two Cities
The Pearl of the Danube, which actually consisted of two cities merged together, has so many amenities to offer. This city possesses more thermal springs than any other capital, not only on the continent but globally as well.
There are plenty of theatres and museums, and Budapest’s Opera House is considered to be one of the best opera houses in the world. If you have children, they will be thrilled with Budapest’s Zoo, which is one of the oldest on the planet—it opened its doors in 1856.
Hungary – the Place Where Two Museums Are Dedicated to Paprika
Yes, the Hungarian cuisine is specific, but that doesn’t mean it is not edible. More than that, it is extraordinary. Today more than 1,000 tons of paprika spice is produced annually right here – in Hungary. This red condiment is considered to be almost holy, and this status is confirmed by the existence of two paprika museums – Szeged and Molnar. Hungary is a sport country too – water polo is a national sport, and it has the world’s greatest chess champion.
Hire an International Moving Company When Relocating to One of the Top European Cities
Relocating to one of Europe’s premier cities can be an exciting journey, filled with the promise of new experiences and opportunities. Hiring an international moving company can significantly enhance this experience in several ways.
Firstly, international movers are well-versed in the logistics of moving across borders. This includes handling complex paperwork and customs regulations that can vary significantly between European countries. Their expertise helps avoid delays and potential legal issues, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and legally.
Secondly, international moving companies offer comprehensive services that cover everything from professional packing and safe transportation to unpacking and setting up in your new European home. This is particularly beneficial because cities in Europe may have unique housing structures and narrow streets that require special handling and equipment to move large items.
Choose Schmidt International Relocations for Your Move to Europe
Embark on your European adventure with ease and confidence by choosing Schmidt International Relocations. As experts in international moving, we understand the complexities of relocating to a new country. From navigating local customs regulations to handling your belongings with utmost care, we ensure a seamless transition to your new European home.
With Schmidt International Relocations, you gain access to a network of local experts across Europe, ready to assist you with every aspect of your move, including settling into the vibrant lifestyle and community. Our comprehensive international services are designed to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, letting you focus on what matters most—enjoying your new European city.
Contact us today to start your hassle-free move to some of the best cities in Europe!
