Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Vancouver tapped as world's most 'livable' city

Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 9:49 AM EDT 23/08/07

Toronto ranks fifth in Economist magazine's survey of 132 cities around the globe ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Paul, Bytown, from Canada writes: Truly a beautiful city when looking on the horizon. Just don't look down.
  2. Job of the book from Canada writes: Now they just need to clear their garbage ;)
  3. al goguen from Victoria, B.C, Canada writes: You can't believe those surveys!. A few years ago Vancouver was number one - well most Victorians was chosen but we didn't want more people coming here, so we all us wrote and said how nasty it was to live in Victoria - it was much better to go to Vancouver. Obviously they listened to us and gave Vancouver first place. But suddenly it' has lost its place. Toronto must have paid them a lot of money to get first place. I still think Victoria is number one!
  4. B.C. Expat from Ottawa, NCR, Canada writes: Despite the jealousy often expressed by eastern Canadians, Vancouver continues to be not only an outstanding place to live and visit, but also underrated (particularly by its own self-deprecating residents). I am extremely proud to come from there, and kick myself routinely that circumstances haven't allowed me to go back.
  5. Andrew Pearson from Montreal, Canada writes: Does the fact that The Economist can't spell livable (liveable?) detract from their credibility?
  6. Mike........ Just Mike from Toronto, Canada writes: Congrats to Vancouver. Also Congrats to Toronto. Hey Guillaume you see that? But I digress I am sure this will become a Toronto hate-a-thon soon enough. Despite what many of you say our city really is pretty decent and safe....Look at the crime stats. We have one of the lowest in the country. Also take into account that Toronto(GTA) has more population then any other province save for Quebec and what you get is a realitivley safe place. Sure we have our problems but what city doesn't? Now if we could only get a Mayor who wasn't a cry baby we would be in even better shape. That being said Most cities I have been to in Canada are pretty awesome (some more then others of course) Victoria is a beautiful city. So is Montreal and Quebec City. I guess what I am saying is that Canada is a great country with great people.
  7. B.C. Expat from Ottawa, NCR, Canada writes: And Old Glory from NYC, there is no ferry system in Vancouver (unless you mean the SeaBus), which is only one municipality in the region, albeit the largest in population. The ferries you're thinking of leave from West Vancouver and Tsawwassen, two different cities. And moreover, BC Ferries was formerly a provincial Crown corporation, and is now privately held -- it has little to do with the city.
  8. Samir Akhavan from Canada writes: Mr. Pearson: It's you, sir, that can't spellllllllll.
  9. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver, Canada writes: “low crime rate...and a highly developed transport and communications infrastructure&8221;???
    The Economist Intelligence Unit must have visited a different Vancouver in some warped parallel universe. Public transit in this burg is a shambles, forcing residents to clog the beggar- and thug-filled streets with private automobiles.
  10. Yuan/Robert Wen/Gagnon from Vancouver, Canada writes: For this resident of a leafy area in Southeast Vancouver, I love this somewhat quieter partial suburb because there is little of the frantic construction going in other parts of the city.

    Many Vancouverites are giving up on driving their car to 'Downtown'. Too many tourists, too many road obstructions (even in Burnaby), too much traffic, too much air pollution from diesel powered trucks of every discription ad nauseam!

    How do you measure livability?
  11. King and Bay from Toronto, Canada writes: Only in Canada do we trash our own accomplishments. This is why most people live miserable lives; they cannot see the silver lining.

    If you've travelled the world, then you will see how Toronto and Vancouver rightfully deserve to be in the Top 5.

    Every city on earth is 'liveable' when you're wealthy; it's the standard and quality of living for the middle class that drives these indices.

    If you're middle class in the USA, you're #$%^&*.

    And there's no middle class outside North America; you're either 'rich,' 'poor' or 'unaccounted for.'

    Congrats Vancouver. I shall visit thee one day.
  12. M Clarke from Canada writes: I take it that the affordability of housing is not a factor considered by The Economist...
  13. Michael Jahonneson from Vancouver, Canada writes: polar camel from Canada: Sure, we have a few honour killings and gang slayings, but what city doesn't? Despite some of these shortcomings, Vancouver is quite a liveable city, if you stay away from the open drug use areas.
  14. t m from Canada writes: Greg Atkin, bad form dude, bad form
  15. Kevin Dooley from Canada writes: I don't know about Algiers being the least livable city. I suggest that whoever developed this list didn't visit Red Deer. Shudder.
  16. s k from Toronto, Canada writes: Vancouver - livable - yes, but affordable?
  17. Na Ni from Toronto, Canada writes: I have lived in Hong Kong, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto (and I have spent at least 6 years in each one of these cities) and I'm telling ya... Vancouver is hands down the most enjoyable to live in. You get the best of both worlds there with great scenery with the mountain and the sea, and a city life. Whistler is just an hour and a half away... the seafood is great. I love that city!

    One catch though, you have to go there WITH money, don't count on making any there.
  18. It is Me from Canada writes: From the Economist article;

    'There are five categories included in the index: Stability; Healthcare; Culture & Environment; Education; and Infrastructure.'

    Congrats Vancouver! And by extension, congrats to Canada!
  19. Andrew Pearson from Montreal, Canada writes: Samir Akhavan - get yourself a dictionary! The G & M spelling (livable) is correct but not The Economist!
  20. Tony . from Waterloo, Canada writes: M Clarke from Canada writes: 'I take it that the affordability of housing is not a factor considered by The Economist...'

    Have you tried purchasing a house in London, Paris, Tokyo or New York? I think you'll find that on the grand scheme of things, Vancouver housing is pretty affordable as compared to most other places in the world!

    I think we here in Canada must have become spoilt or something, because people here are doing nothing but whining and complaining about how rough we've got it. Travel the world people and you'll see that places like Vancouver and Toronto (along with Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa and a several other cities in Canada) are some of the best places in the world to live.
  21. E M from Vancouver, Canada writes: Boy are you guys ever depressing!
    Vancouver is by far the best city in the world. Sure other cities have great things too, but in terms of livability, its all Vancouver.

    Everytime I go on vacation, I compare the things those cities have to Vancouver, and none of them compare.

    Stop complaining and be happy you live in such a great place.
    Where would you rather live? Baghdad?
  22. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Andrew Pearson from Montreal: Both 'livable' and
    'liveable' are correct according to Merriam-Webster dictionary. In my opinion, Vancouver is great if one could afford the rent and get a decent paying job. I also rather have snow than rain in the winter. Anyway, it's great to see both Vancouver and Toronto in the top five.
  23. Ian Gunn from Minneapolis, United States writes: Congrats to Vancouver!! Nicely done!
  24. Michael Jahonneson from Vancouver, Canada writes: The median cost of a new home here in Vancouver is, I believe, somewhere between $700,00 and $800,000. It must be very difficult for new couples to buy their first home. That said, there aren't a whole lot of cities on the planet with a booming economy and decreasing median home costs. There are too many beggars on the streets and drug addicts stealing stuff around here though. (The climate and livability factor for some reason attracts drug addicts from across Canada.) :-) Surely, a livability index must factor in the opportunity to be free of these nuisances and threats to health. (For example, needles have been found in playgrounds.) Despite these drawbacks, I wouldn't live anywhere else in Canada. I would seriously consider moving to Australia though...
  25. France G from Ottawa, Canada writes: Andrew Pearson, BOTH spellings are accepted. I'm a linguist so trust me on this one.
  26. keith stringer from Cincinnati, United States writes: Polar from Canada writes his opinion that 'Vancouver's public transportation is pathetic, on par with the equally pathetic Toronto's public system' (end quote). What on Earth does this fellow want, free public taxi cabs on every corner at all times paid for by taxpayers? It is ridiculous to complain that Vancouver's and Toronto's public transportation systems 'pathetic'. They are actually both very good. Both have usefully located rail systems (skytrain, subway) and both have grid-systems of buses crisscrossing the city, getting you to within about 8 blocks of nearly any spot in the metropolitan area, all at a reasonable price. Laugh out loud, if anyone thinks those cities' systems are 'pathetic', that person clearly has never lived in a city where the system truly IS pathetic.
  27. Was Canadian from New York, United States writes: Congrats to Vancouver! I lived there 9 years, it is beautiful, and a really nice place to live.

    I left, in part, because it is not affordable. Na Ni is right - go there with money. I live in NY now, though expensive, it's far easier to make money.

    So I'm not completely sure about LIVEable, I would definitely say Vancouver is the most VISITABLE city!
  28. RD Lone from Vancouver, Canada writes: The middle class only exists in NA? Sure.. if you exclude Europe, Japan, Australia and every other industrialized nation. Middle class is growing in emerging markets too.

    Saying that I agree that Canada is pretty nice, but crime and transportation as the reasons? Public transit in Canada is a joke compared to say London or Paris and while safer than the US (generalization, sorry), I don’t think it&8217;s any different than many other developed countries. Do a web search for say, Toyko crime rate vs Vancouver or Toronto crime rate and see what pops up.

    Regarding the standard of living, I believe Vancouver has one of the highest mortgage/income ratio in the world (tried to find source, but no dice); yes, NY, London, etc are more expensive in $Cdn dollar terms, but you have to compare what people make there vs how much housing costs. How many billionaire Russian oligarchs do you have living in BC buying up $100 million penthouse suites? I thought so. Even compare it to Toronto, Vancouver is way more expensive.

    Sorry people from the center of the universe; your universe is apparently only 5 in the world.
  29. j adams is tanned, relaxed and ready from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Darn, I was sure Winnipeg was going be number one! ;-)
  30. Libertarian Capitalist from Calgary, Canada writes:

    I wish Toronto had tied in with Vancouver for the Top Honors but it is surely well deserved and it hopefuly encourages the City to deal with the East Hastings to stay in the top position even for more years to come!
  31. Buddy Canada from Toronto, Canada writes: Maybe for heroin addicts and the homeless.
  32. J P from Canada writes: first of all, congrats to Van and T.O., both cities I have lived in and find to be truly great. (I wonder where MTL stands int he survey though I'm not ready to pay $200 to order to full report from the Economists' website!)

    Secondly, for all of you who complain that Vancouver is expensive, have you tried to purchase property in some of the other cities that made it into the top 10, mainly Zurich, Vienna, Geneva or Copenhagen recently? It is SOOO much more expensive to purchase there than in Vancouver (even when comparing it to the wages people earn in these places), most people who move into houses have either inherited them or have saved up lots of money for years - house ownership is a dream and many people live in condo-like apartments their entire lives.
  33. keith stringer from Cincinnati, United States writes: Hey, didn't the editor pick the wrong caption for the photo of Vancouver? It says: 'The downtown core of Vancouver, British Columbia is seen in the background' (end quote). Downtown core? Isn't the photo really showing the West End, with its balcony-clad towers? Isn't the downtown core sort of really to the left and up from what is actually shown in the photo?
  34. Hans Lucas from Toronto, Canada writes: I grew up in Vancouver. I got out of there four years ago. The architecture is hideous. I can't stand to visit, because of all the bad construction. I would rather take a dry, cold winter in Toronto over a wet, wet, wet winter in Vancouver.
  35. Mr. Justice from Canada writes: What about Oakland, California ? It's a great place to be . . . if you're a bullet.
  36. Hugo Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: It kills me how any time a Canadian city is acknowledged in some way, people from across the country have to jump all over it and trash the place. Let's be honest: whenever these ranking systems by Mercer, Economist and others come out, there are always 4 or 5 Canadian cities near the top of the list. That is something to be proud of.

    Vancouver has consistently ranked at or near the top in various liveability rankings by a number of different publications. Considering that, perhaps there is some truth to the claim?
  37. Marcin Mokrzewski from Canada writes: I assume many of the nay-sayers do not get out much, least not of all, to major cities around the globe. While some may be repulsed at the thought of labelling Vancouver or Toronto as low-crime rate cities or with metropolitan centers with decent transport systems, don't forget that the Economist has actually put study and statistical effort into it's result, as opposed to judging via some knee jerk reaction based on a fictitious Shangri - La fantasy they have lodged in their heads.

    Wake up. Too many ingrates.
  38. My sentiments exactly from Canada writes: I'm with JP on this -- I'm not willing to plunk down $200 for the whole report. Does anyone have access to this for free and would be willing to let us know where Montreal and other Canadian cities rank?
  39. Edmund S from Canada writes: Other than the cost of living in Vancouver I don't think anyone who has lived there and elsewhere can really dispute these findings. I pine for the day I can return there, hopefully with a salary in the multiple six figures so I can afford to enjoy everything the city has to offer. The drug use is a sad blight on the city, but to suggest there are junkies on every corner is ludicrous. No, thanks to rampant gentrification, the prolific drug use is limited to a very small part of the downtown east side, which magnifies the problem, no doubt. As these unfortunate people are also residents of Vancouver more ought to be done to make the place more livable for them as well, including measures to help them break free from their addictions.

    I think it's quite an achievement to have two large Canadian cities in the top five. We really ought to bank on these livability ratings to attract international talent and investment instead of doing the typically Canadian thing and navel gazing as to why these ratings must be flawed.
  40. Henry Allen from Toronto, Canada writes: Congratulations to Vancouver! Period.
  41. m dooley from Canada writes: Toronto beat out Montreal? Obviously this poll is flawed.
  42. Michael Sharp from Victoria BC, Canada writes:

    I do love Vancouver, it is a lovely place.
    But Victoria?

    So much better.

    And no bridge for all those teeming Vancouverites to get here.
    Just the way I like it.

    Congrats Big Smoke.

    And Toronto comes in 5th!

    Not quite world-class but top five nonetheless.

    Smog Alert!!!

    Kidding.
  43. steve allan from Canada writes: These surveys are bogus. You can't plug numbers into a computer and come up with a proper description of anything, let alone a city. A great city has many intangibles that can't be quantified with a number.

    If you look at the list of top 10 cities they all have one thing in common - they are dreadfully boring and offer nothing exceptional to world culture. Paris, London and New York have nothing to fear from this lot.
  44. Old Glory from NYC, United States writes: take a walk in the downtown east side.......
    take a walk on robson, but watch out for aggressive panhandlers
    swim at kits beach...oh yea, cant do that the water is too dirty

    vancouver has potential to be better than it is, but its highjacked by loonies and unions.
  45. Bill NotGates from Canada writes: One of these surveys should be done for best, 'redneck city' and I will nominate Edmonton, Calgary, Fort Mac, and Red Deer for the top four places in the world. Followed closely by Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, ranking can change if enough quads and four by fours are purchased. The experts will not be fooled, you have to have evidence of mud, and beer spills on the vehicles. If you have a trailer, fifth wheel, camper and it has a carrier for your quads this is also good evidence of a redneck and should be considered in the rankings.
  46. G S from Good job, Canada writes: Someone quoted 700k - 800k for a new home in Vancouver....Do you think it's cheaper in other countries? Sad truth is that Canadian property values are still undervalued, yes even Toronto and Vancouver. Yippppeeee for inflation!

    Takes nothing away from this award, good on you Vancouver and even Toronto
  47. The Diplomat from Canada writes: Lived in Montreal for 28 years, am living in Toronto for past 14. Visited Vancouver many times. All great cities, but Vancouver is by far the nicest. Way to go Vancouver!
  48. Larry Robinson from white Rock, Canada writes: Vancouver real estate - because we are a global city our real estate market reflects those valuations. It is disconnected from the the Canadian market.

    Furthermore, the concept of a house on a piece of dirt for everybody simply is not feasible in a city hemmed in by mountains, border and ocean.
    The cheapest building lot here in the burbs is just under $400,000 and cost of medium construction is $200/sq. ft. Your 2000 sq. ft. home is therefore $800,000 plus taxes, site prep. and development costs. That's why condos and existing homes are such a hot commodity. conddeveehape
  49. Andrew Pearson from Montreal, Canada writes: joseph Cheng and France G - Thanks for the clarification. My Canadian English spell-checker rejects 'liveable' and to my eyes as an english person, it doesn't look right.
  50. can I vote again from around-Kingston, Canada writes: I love these surveys, keep convincing people that city dwelling is the way to go!
  51. Peter Simpson from Vancouver, Canada writes: King and Bay from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Only in Canada do we trash our own accomplishments. This is why most people live miserable lives; they cannot see the silver lining.'

    Very well said.
  52. J D from Calgary, Canada writes: Congrats to both Vancouver and Toronto for making Canada proud! In previous surveys Canadian cities have all done well in this ranking, including Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa and others being placed in the top 25.
    While there is not a single place that does not have issues and while we should always strive to improve our standard of living, it is nice to pause to reflect on the fact that we do actually live in a pretty nice country!
  53. Carmen Mattioli from Vancouver, Canada writes: They got to be kidding!!! Highly developed transportation infrastructure??? Does that mean ONE lousy highway with two lanes for the entire greater Vancouver. No crime rate!?!?! My car has been vandalized 4 times in 2 years, in my previous location, in the Westend, the building was robbed 3 times in 2 years, including excrement placed throughout. The downtown core is a forest of low-quality concrete condos, over populated and constantly filed with polluting cars everywhere. Wages are low, jobs hard to come buy, unless you work in construction of course. Buying a home? Well get ready to dish out $600.000 or more for a crippled bungalow. Have these guys been to Main and Hastings?!??! more than 2000 homeless people constantly loitering filthy streets!!! And then there is 5 months of gray rainy weather with the rest being cool showery weather!! I have lived here 6 years and I am getting out of dodge. These EIU people are Nuts!!
  54. Ed Li from GV, Canada writes: I have lived in and visited more than 50 countries in the world and I usually try to identify the positives of each place I visit. For example, Kathmandu is not exactly an admirable town/city but the Himalayas mountain range behind the valley is absolutely stunning. Can I live in that place? Yes, for a short time and only at the Hyatt. I'm from HK originally and I still go there every year. Can I live there? Yes definitey, but as an expatriate business executive like I once was. Otherwise, you need a very deep pocket to live well there. It's a bit unfair to say 'the best place to live' because your mind and soul have to be in balance in order to be happy where you are....so one must assess a lot more than what the Economist survey has taken into consideration. Mind you, one must start somewhere and this survey does give you some idea as far as comparison is concerned. Thus all the responses before me are true and correct. I lived in Montreal in the late seventies, Toronto for most of the early to mid eighties, and Greater Vancouver since 1996. I must say that I love all three cities and not one is always better than the other. Instead of compare, and cut each other up, why don't we learn from each other and enjoy what each of these wonderful cities has to offer? We are extremely lucky to be Canadians!!!!!
  55. Scott Walters from writes: I lived in Vancouver for two years and have to agree that is a wonderful city, but Na Ni is right, you have to be financially secure before you move there. Albertans joke that B.C. stands for 'Bring Cash'. As for low crime, the voters obviously didn't visit the lower east side. Unless prostitution and drug use aren't considered crimes any more.
  56. John Silverman from Canada writes: Congrats to both Vancouver and Toronto!! They are both truly deserving.

    The naysayers on here have obviously not travelled or lived in cities around the world. Whatever problems we have here are actually miniscule compared to the problems elsewhere. Sure we should always strive to do better, but never forget how great Canada and our cities truly are. We really are blessed to live in such a great country as Canada!!!
  57. asm oak bay from Canada writes: Victoria vastly exceeds Vancouver in terms of livability. As big west coast cities go, Seattle easily trumps Vancouver. Vancouver has been compared to a dumb blonde, and it is an apt comparison.
  58. Herbert Mitterboeck from Kitchener, Canada writes: I am still voting for Vienna
    I dont see to many open drug users & needles on the strets compared to Vancouver
  59. S M from Canada writes: Personally, I enjoy Vancouver much more (on visits) now that I don’t live there. I would be interested to see what the criteria for education in this survey was as one of the main reasons for moving away was the lack of choice (unless you had buckets of money). I also would assume friendliness was not a factor in this survey as Vancouver would have scored lower on that point than (gasp) Toronto and New York. I think these surveys are pretty silly too but for what it is worth, congrats to Vancouver and Toronto!
  60. evelyn robinson from Canada writes: Polar camel; those incidents and people generally come from Surrey not Vancouver.
    The report says comparable low crime rate not no crime rate.
    That said/ I can't wait to get outta this city.
    Carmen; where is all that rain you speak of? Only rain we have had in months falls at night; then it is sunny all day.
    Climate wise; I love Vancouver; seldom do we need to shovel snow.

    I just wish the city would get off its duff and settle our civic strike.
    Garbage removal should be deemed a necessity for health reasons.
  61. Cameron Reid from Canada writes: Wow, nice to see that the RoC doesn't ONLY trash the T-dot anymore.
  62. Sunil Singh from Toronto, Canada writes: Vancouver and Toronto rated two of the top 5 cities in the entire world to live in, and without actually reading any comments, I am confident that most of them are whining and negative.
  63. globefan EH from Canada writes: Well deserved, Vancouver is a beautiful city, green, progressive , multicultural, mountains and water.

    Now if only they could get local government to sit down and sort out the strike, it could only get better.

    Way to go Vancouver.
  64. J S from Edmonton, Canada writes: You don't know a pathetic transit system until you've lived in Edmonton.

    Vancouver is lovely, so is Victoria. If I ever get rich, I'd happily consider those two cities as places to live. As it is, I'm thinking of getting out to Montreal. Nice city, affordable property, and the kind of work that I happen to be interested in.
  65. Big Business from Montreal, Canada writes: Vancouver #1 is a no-brainer.
  66. Plain Jane from Toronto, Canada writes: Toronto coming in 5th on this list proves that it's bogus. I live in Toronto (for now - I'm getting out asap), and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone...or at least, not anyone I liked. Maybe the makers of this list are out to get us?
  67. Rick C from Canada writes: It is truly great to live in Vancouver. I wonder how much weather factored in to the equation. Weather may be what hurt TO. The four citys from OZ in the top 10 are great too, and their weather is allot better.
  68. axel enzo from the dark side of, Canada writes: I guess the homeless in Vancouver must be happy.
  69. Cameron Reid from Canada writes: Plain Jane- I've lived in Toronto much longer than you, and I can only put your comment down to typical small-town RoC Toronto-bashing. This is a great city to live in.
    Yeah it has its lumps and bumps, but show me a city of this size that doesn't.
  70. Rain SCM from Vancouver, Canada writes: Indeed, the cost of real estate is through the roof, for Canada. However, try looking for 'Canadian' house costs in places like Tokyo, London, Paris, Geneva, etc.

    As for those who complain about not 'making money' in Vancouver, pretty weak.
  71. Carl Hansen from Canada writes: Vancouver buses are excellent. Driving there is also reasonably good. East Hastings was a zoo. If you have some left-overs from a restaurant there are many homeless that will gladly accept it. The bums where I live want cash only.
  72. Andrew Pearson from Montreal, Canada writes: Somebody must have told them about the pot-holes in Montreal!
  73. Libertarian Capitalist from Calgary, Canada writes:
    Michael Sharp from Victoria BC, Canada writes:

    I do love Vancouver, it is a lovely place.
    But Victoria?

    So much better.

    And no bridge for all those teeming Vancouverites to get here.
    Just the way I like it.

    Congrats Big Smoke.

    And Toronto comes in 5th!

    Not quite world-class but top five nonetheless.

    Smog Alert!!!

    Kidding.

    ==========

    I agree with you about Victoria but it is to small to even enter the draw, right!

    Toronto should have tied in with Vancouver for the Tops! May be next year if these thing is done annually.
  74. Vasili Yeremenko from Canada writes: If you mean live in your car as you line up on the freeways, yeah great place.
  75. keith stringer from Cincinnati, United States writes: Well, for urban geography buffs, it looks as though the editor did mess up the caption about Vancouver (what is labeled 'Downtown Core' is not, it is actually the West End). You can see that what is shown on the Globe and Mail photo is actually in the West End by looking at a different website (below), fourth photo down: those buildings are located in the middle of the photo, which is the West End: The downtown core is over to the left and up from that.
    http://www.seegranvilleisland.com/fcintro/fcintro.htm
  76. Thumb Sucker from Toronto, Canada writes: From number #1, live in 5 for the $$$. Love both cities, not suprised they are so livable as they are both really expensive to live in - as are the rest of the top 10.

    Anyone got access to the whole list for free!?

    Moving back to 1 within the decade.

    Go Nucks
  77. Marley B from Vancouver, Canada writes: keith stringer from Cincinnati - yes that is part of the downtown core. The West End is in part of the shot too. The entire downtown peninsula is considered downtown and what you are referring to is the 'financial core' over by Pender and Dunsmuir streets (which shows in the shot too).

    I am not going to discount this honour and I am in full agreement. One caveat, please rate on what is correct. While my personal safety is never comprimised, everything of ANY value must be nailed, glued, stapled, bolted, hidden and locked down before an addict will whisk it off. This accounts for crime the last time I checked.
  78. Chris Noth from Toronto, Canada writes: I moved out to Ontario from BC and have lived in Montreal and Ottawa. I found Toronto a hard city to crack, mostly because there is just so much going on all the time that it's a bit overwhelming. Once you get into it, however, it really is a great city in which to live and work. Not as pretty as Vancouver, for sure, but it has its own substantial charms. If I moved back to Vancouver now, I know I would miss Toronto.
  79. Westcoastser from Delta from Canada writes: To all those people going on and on about Victoria - the Economist is rating cities, not villages. Wait for the village ranking. Victoria will probably be tops. I love Victoria but calling it a city is a bit of a stretch.

    And congrats to Van and TO (love both those CITIES). Montreal's got to be up there too! Great place!
  80. Vern MCPherson from Canada writes: polar camel from Canada writes: 'a highly developed transport and communications infrastructure'
    Can someone please dedine 'highly developed' in reference to Vancouver public transportation? It's pathetic, on par with the equally pathetic Toronto's public system.

    ----------------------

    Beg to differ. Toronto's public transport system is grossly underfunded yet moves close to 500 million people a year virtually crime free and safe. It is overused is what is the problem and in need of vast expansion not stupid tax cuts for transit riders.
  81. Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: People should really stop to think before they rant... two Canadian cities in the top 10... and that includes Toronto! Not bad. And please note, I live in a small (~20 000 pop) city and I like it that way... big cities make me cranky, but that is me. So a few things re the top 10: 1. Not one US city made the cut (not meant as anti-american but see no. 3 below); 2. Clearly Toronto is not the cesspool of violence and crime that some posters perpetually harp about as the basis for a 'law and order' crackdown; 3. Public infrastructrue (aka tax expenditures on public goods) is clearly an important element (i.e. the rest were from Australia and Europe where government investment is considered as important as private investment); 4. Maybe the crime-hype is just that (not to say that crime is a bad thing or something worth tackling but... see also the latest report on the 50% increase in violent crime in England over the last decade (CBC Radio this morning)); and 5. Living in a top 10 city is expensive. Upshot... we are doing pretty well in Canada, and that is in part because we have a liberal/social democratic system (i.e. government does have an important role in the health of the body politic). That being said there is more to be done (rural and aboriginal health and economices, urban spawl, aging infrastructure, the effects of public spending cuts, etc.) And yes, there is some hideous architecture in Vancouver (am from there), but show me a city that doesn't have some? Cheers from the North!
  82. D Lefebvre from Canada writes: I wonder if all the naysayers about this excellent news ever considered that other cities outside of Canada might have their own crime/drugs/housing/etc problems and thus Vancouver and TO rate much better.
    I guess it is all a matter of perspective but Canada is an incredible country and isn't drowning in crime as some would like us to believe.
    I lived on both coasts and come from central Canada (evil Ontario) and have to say that Vancouver is by far the best city - except for the endless yuppies in Yaletown (rather see the gang on Hastings than another overly done up couple walking thier pug to Starbucks).
    Not to say there isn't work to be done in Vancouver but where can you go that doesn't?
    Way to go Vancouver! (and TO)
  83. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: I have not met anyone who would not like to live in Vancouver, if they could afford it.

    Toronto could be a wonderful place to live IF THEY DID NOT ALLOW THE DEVELOPERS TO TAKE EVERY LITTLE BIT OF GREEN SPACE.

    Think of London, England, and its population. You only have to walk ten minutes to find a Square to sit and enjoy some flowers, peace, etc. In the West End, you have Hyde Park, St. James's Park, Green Park, Regent Park, etc. etc. all within walking distance of the tourist attractions of Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and the main shopping district.

    Toronto needs some good Planning Management to make it No.1 and it may be too late.
  84. Brian Piwek from United States writes: One has to wonder if Vancouver who get the same rating if all the crime was properly reported. There are many crimes that currently are ignored and therefore go unreported. Examples are, car and home break-ins also drug trades that go on continuously because as one officer told us ' it is currently politically incorrect' to deal with it as a crime. In Vancouver you have to pay a license fee to have a burglar alarm system BUT the City refuses to have officers respond to an alarm. One could conclude that they are supporting the wrong side but I won't go that far as I believe it is a question of economics
    Compared to New York or Toronto Vancouver, from a visible crime perspective, is way down the list in my opinion. I have lived in all three Cities and I believe that Vancouver is living and projecting to the world a very false image.
  85. Vern MCPherson from Canada writes: The Economist being British must be in favor of rain and lots of it. In Vancouver it rains ll the time. They must have felt that was close to home.
  86. asm oak bay from Canada writes: westcoaster from delta: no doubt you are awaiting the rankings of suburbs. bedroom communities. commuter havens.
  87. Jim Shepherd from Lima, Peru writes: The UN Quality of Life Surveys are also somewhat subjective, but placing anywhere in the top 10 is pretty impressive.

    Australia also captured 4 of the top spots, so we colonials must be doing something right after all.

    A list of where someone could comfortably retire on $2K per month would look a bit different though. Best Regards.
  88. keith stringer from Cincinnati, United States writes: Marley, I must disagree with you on this point of urban geography - no, that is not the downtown core - see photo in my 11:46 post and the strata building location maps of the West End at
    http://www.lestwarog.com/downtownmaps/map6print.jpg
    http://www.gayvan.com/images/WestendMap.jpg
    http://www.citytalks.ca/assets/westendmap.gif
    and the maps of the downtown core at
    http://www.vancouver.com/real    estate/relocationtips/neighbourhoodsand_maps/index.htm
    http://www.metrotown.info/img--site/canada-vancouver/Van-DT-creek8X6c.gif
  89. Snowed in in Barrie from Canada writes: Not a single US city made the top ten. Hee hee.
  90. gord winters from Canada writes: i worked in british politics for years. i came to be familiar with the ecnomist writers, and had inside information on many stories they covered.

    i've never seen any new organization capable of getting it exactly wrong.

    the economist is a terrible magazine. you would be better off reading a comic book.
  91. John Silverman from Canada writes: But Brian, surely there are unreported crimes in every city no?

    Not to mention that the crimes you mention are hardly serious compared to cities that have very high murder rates. I'd rather have my car broke into then be murdered.
  92. Rick C from Canada writes: Jim from Peru,...Your right with your comments, across the board. $2k per month wont go far in Vancouver,or the other top ten citys. There are allot of two income familys here(Vancouver)!
  93. asm oak bay from Canada writes: Snowed in in barrie: re absence of American cities. I too noticed that and thought it odd. West coast alone Seattle and San Diego far exceed what Vancouver has to offer in my opinion. Maybe there is an anti American bias at play.
  94. Libertarian Capitalist from Calgary, Canada writes:
    Vern MCPherson from Canada writes: The Economist being British must be in favor of rain and lots of it. In Vancouver it rains ll the time. They must have felt that was close to home.

    =======

    If one is a subscriber of The Economist Newspaper(and yes they often call themselves a newspaper) one quickly sees, though they are dead on objective in general, a very soft heart for Canada with a bit of derision such as calling us Provincial.

    It's OK, we will take it!
  95. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: Toronto is by far the largest city in the top 10 with a metropolitan population of 5.5 million, 1 million more than Sidney. Congrats to both Toronto and Vancouver.
  96. Emperor Joshua Norton from Toronto, Canada writes: Yvonne Wackernagel - there is a lot of green space in Toronto. Allen Park, the campus greens, the various parks along the Don Valley river, the Toronto Islands & Beachs. And that's the downtown core. The surburbs look like the suburbs of Calgary (or so various Albertans tell me).
  97. Rick C from Canada writes: asm, Seattle, San Diego and Victoria all are better than Vancouver!? What criteria are you using?
  98. D Lefebvre from Canada writes: Brian Piwek: Yeah live is soooo tough in Vancouver. Most people avoid the DTES anyway and having travelled there numerous times it isn't a very dangerous place even with the fairly open drug dealing that takes place (usually among other DTESers). Wonder if they can compare rates of violent crime of the DTES to Granville St after 2 am? Not the drug users that I am afraid of...
  99. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: asm oak bay from Canada writes: Snowed in in barrie: re absence of American cities. I too noticed that and thought it odd. West coast alone Seattle and San Diego far exceed what Vancouver has to offer in my opinion. Maybe there is an anti American bias at play.

    Yeah I'm sure there is a lot of 'anti American bias' from the magazine that outwardly supported the War in Iraq and still did so a year after the debacle. Good reasoning! Maybe the reason American cities aren't on there is due to lack of access to decent public facilities. Try to put a thinking cap on once in a while.
  100. Chris Yang from Toronto, Canada writes: It's nice to see two canadian cities in the top 5. Vancouver is a beautiful place... their roads are great for motorcycles =P The lack of snow doesn't hurt a lot either.
  101. asm oak bay from Canada writes: Rick C: I live in Victoria. I visit Seattle quite regularly and spend quite a bit of winter time in San Diego. Have in short spent a considerable amount of time in all 3 locales. I base my opinion on climate, city infrastructure, sports, ballet, opera, hospitals, ease of getting around, restaurants, (although Vancouver very good on that front) and architecture. Vancouver has to be one of the most ugly cities around architectually. A real shame there. It's natural beauty and deserves better. In years ahead all those cheaply constructed condo towers around False Creek and Coal Harbour will be nothing but an urban headache.
  102. John Hinkley