Photo: Looking Glass/Flickr
Thinking of maybe a move? Having a bit of change at heart? Well the results are in. We have taken a closer look at the world’s top 10 liveable cities (according to the Economist Intelligence Units) and have justified their liveability according to their gayboorhoods. We mean, it can only be really liveable if the gays are already there right?
Skip the jump to see who made this year's top 10 most liveable cities.
Photo: Looking Glass/Flickr
Thinking of maybe a move? Having a bit of change at heart? Well the results are in. We have taken a closer look at the world’s top 10 liveable cities (according to the Economist Intelligence Units) and have justified their liveability according to their gayboorhoods. We mean, it can only be really liveable if the gays are already there right?
Skip the jump to see who made this year's top 10 most liveable cities.
10. Auckland, New Zealand
We are all a sucker for gorgeous scenery, a bay just a wee while away and boys with cute accents. Auckland is where you can get it. Along with hot gay nightclubs including Family and Urge, a cruise club called Lateshift and a number of gay social and sports clubs Auckland gets our tick of approval.
8. A TIE – Adelaide and Perth, Australia
Each with access to the beach and to the wine country, we can see why they are top contenders. Adelaide is more laid back, with a touch of British colonial to it, while Perth is making a come back, with new real estate and a younger feel. Gay scenes are popular in both cities with Perth hosting a Pride Festival in mid January. But who can compete with Adelaide’s Don Dunstan, one of Australia’s first Out politicians who used to wear hot pink short shorts to parliament.
7. Sydney, Australia
The surf, the sun, the shopping, the scene and Australia’s largest Pride event – Mardi Gras – can all be found in Sydney. It’s like they get in on default for being a gayfriendly liveable city. Seriously.
6. Helsinki, Finland
The winters may be a little chilly, but when the sun comes out in summer, it stays out and so do the people. Dubbed to be the next Design Capital of the world, which of course we love, the gay scene also works for us too. Not excluding the great shopping, because the city is only small it is the quality not the quantity that counts. And its quality is way beyond expectations.
5. Calgary, Canada
Canada just flares with Pride. And Calgary, well, the LGBT directory is extensive. Many of the world’s top luxury brands are in Calgary, so you know the shopping is good, the food, well take your pick from the choices and the nightlife, Calgary hosts “the largest gay club west of Montreal” – Twisted Element.
4. Toronto, Canada
Affordable luxury, gorgeous architecture and being a front-runner in gay-friendly destinations Toronto already has a tick. But to re-confirm – the city has the Gay Village, harbour islands and shiny new buildings they always like to show off. And if you want nightlife, then Toronto has every single kind you can possibly imagine.
3. Vancouver, Canada
When 2003 brought same-sex marriage to the province of British Columbia (now legal throughout Canada), Vancouver became an LGBT favorite. It's a cool, chilled out town with the largest gay community in western Canada. It has the relaxed day scene, great night scene and even Whistler puts on a Gay & Lesbian Ski Week.
2. Vienna, Austria
Even though Austria as a whole is slowly becoming more open-minded concerning the LGBT community, Vienna quickened up the thinking and developed its own LGBT community. With the city too being design forward, fashion friendly, and full of history there is always a place for everyone.
1. Melbourne, Australia
Going to the beach, or out to the vineyards? Or sitting on the banks of the river in the middle of a city. Art, fashion, music, café, socialites and of course the gay’s. The number one most liveable city – Melbourne. A popular city among Aussie’s if you want to be seen, you want to be seen in Melbourne. Or if you are at the retirement age - Australia’s first LGBT retirement village is being built just an hour away.
