Livable Cities – Sydney

According to The Economist, Sydney is one of the most livable cities (7th in regards to stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure) in the world—and I can see why.

Sydney is a clean city with friendly, helpful people, and for me, the climate is perfectly warm. The city has many parks and trees within between the building which filling the air with the fragrance of blooming flowers. The transit is slow, taking the pace out of life so that you don’t have to be scared of your live while crossing the road. Same with cars patiently at crossroads where they are always waiting (which in Germany isn’t always the case). Traveling is easy because you can tap in and out each station by train, light train or ferry e.g. with a credit card.

Looking at the education I had a good impression, too. I attended a conference at Western Sydney University, and the educational infrastructure there was remarkable. The university features modern architecture, plenty of spaces for sitting and studying, and extensive electronic equipment in rooms designed for group work or presentations. These are resources I wish I had access to during my own studies—or even now, as I give lectures in Germany.

I was also impressed that, before each keynote, the presenters took a moment to pay their respects to the land and its traditional custodians.

All in all, Sydney gives a sense of a stress-free life compared to central Europe, largely thanks to the people, who bring an easygoing and relaxed vibe to everything they do.

Let’s see if this vibe is the same in the rural areas outside Sydney.