Best place to live?

I just came across one of those "best place to live" surveys, this one by "International Living" magazine (never heard of it).

Anyway, first place for the 5th year running is France. Fair enough... it's not my choice but I can see how it could be first, depending on the criteria.

The USA was 7th place, a bit generous if you ask me because of crime rates and the living standard of the poor. But still, no big argument here.

But get this: the U.K. came in 25th place! That's behind Lithuania, Uruguay and Hungary!

I know Britain has problems but this is ridiculous. Spain came in 8 points ahead of it and even the weather in Spain hasn't been better than the U.K. this year. Spain's got the highest unemployment in Europe and a crime rate that's running out of control.

What kind of criteria could these people have used??? The description of France reads like a tourist board brochure with every possible cliche... "the French live life to the full... they savour it... the world's best wines... sensuous women, 3 hour lunches!"

While Britain suffered every negative stereotype... "dirty, overworked people, not enough holidays". If these were the criteria what's the USA doing in 7th place?

I know, you can't take this seriously, but I just had to have my rant over it!

I worked for a public relations company for a while, and I was stunned at the number of magazine articles that are nothing more than rewritten press releases.  I'm not saying International Living magazine is basing its list on the amount of ad revenue they're getting from various tourism boards, but you never know.

Hi,

The more reputable reviews and surveys are the ones you can take seriously! they're the ones which analyse and look at multiple facets to each country and place rankings based on a mixture of elements.

Look at the U.N reports and Forbes for instance, Check reputable economic type websites and their subsections - Financial Times etc.

It's the tier of reporting under that, which Comoscato points out is the more skewed findings and reports you'll read, one rates Canada as the best, but with a skewed to an extent viewpoint from 'British Expats' - well yes, Expats like that aren't exactly going to vote the UK very highly now are they!

the trick is to find as independent articles and research from as independent companies, reporting and analysts.

Fundamentally, there isn't a 'best place to live' as everyone is different - however when placed in those judging criteria, then it does help formulate an opinion for individuals to take on for themselves! for instance, for me, the 'best' place is Canada

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!