Wellington Most Liveable City Second Year Running

The city shocked many when it was ranked the most liveable city in the world last year, but it won’t surprise Wellingtonians to learn it has kept that number one spot in 2018, mayor Justin Lester told the New Zealand Herald.

For the second year running, Wellington has topped Deutsche Bank’s list of 50 cities with the best quality of life, beating Zurich, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Vienna.

The rankings look at purchasing power, safety, health care, cost of living, property price to income ratios, traffic commutes, pollution and climate.

“If quality of life is your only concern, then Wellington continues to be the best place of our 50 cities to live in,” Deutsche Bank report authors said.

Wellington was ranked as the least polluted of the cities and was ranked fourth best for property to income ratio and commuting, and fifth for its climate – overall earning the top spot.

“Wellington is in good company with the cities on that list, but to top it is a seriously sweet feeling,” Lester said.

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency chief executive Lance Walker said the list vindicates what residents already know.

“Wellington’s a city that is easy to live in. It’s compact, connected and innovative with a lifestyle that’s making the world sit up and take notice. But the best thing about Wellington is Wellingtonians, who can be rightfully proud of their city,” Walker said.

Original article by The New Zealand Herald, South China Morning Post, May 25, 2018.