Austria: A Great Place To Live?

Austria is a great place to live, with one of the highest qualities of life in the world. The country boasts high levels of safety, low crime rates, and excellent public services. It also offers a rich history and culture, a thriving economy, and a wide range of natural attractions.

Austria's capital, Vienna, is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world for quality of living. The city combines a vibrant historical legacy with modern conveniences, offering residents a unique blend of old and new.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of living in Austria, including its safe and happy environment, convenient central location, and thriving arts and culture scene. We will also provide practical information on the cost of living, transportation, and the process of relocating to this beautiful country.

High quality of life

Austria has one of the highest qualities of life in the world, with its capital, Vienna, consistently rated as one of the most livable cities. The country boasts low crime rates, high levels of social welfare, a thriving economy, and a wide range of cultural and historical offerings.

Austria's quality of life is reflected in the satisfaction of its residents. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Austria rates higher than any other member country in terms of life satisfaction. 82% of Austrians reported feeling more positive experiences in a day than negative ones, compared to the 76% average of other OECD members.

The country's safe and clean environment contributes to this high quality of life. Austria has strict recycling laws, and its lakes and rivers are maintained at drinking water quality. The country's efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and a metro in Vienna, makes getting around convenient and comfortable.

Austria's central location in Europe also adds to its appeal. It is easily accessible from neighbouring countries, and its capital, Vienna, serves as a hub for international organizations, expats, and digital nomads.

The country offers a perpetual resort lifestyle with its changing seasons and diverse opportunities. From skiing and snowboarding in the Alps to swimming and water sports in its lakes, Austria caters to a range of interests and activities throughout the year.

The health and well-being of Austrians are also a priority. The country has an excellent health service, and social security covers approximately 45% of total healthcare costs. Additionally, Austria has a free public education system, with around 90% of Austrian children attending these schools.

Austria's rich cultural heritage and diverse natural scenery further enhance its quality of life. The country is known for its musical legacy, with Vienna earning the title of "The World's Music Capital." The country's stunning Alpine scenery and picturesque villages offer a unique blend of modern conveniences and historical charm.

Overall, Austria's high quality of life is characterized by its safe and clean environment, efficient transportation, central location, diverse activities, excellent health and education systems, and rich cultural offerings. It is no surprise that Austria consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live.

Central location

Austria's central location in Europe makes it a great base for exploring the continent. The country is landlocked and surrounded by several other European countries, including Italy, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. This means that a range of famous landmarks and cities are within easy reach, including Prague, Geneva, and Rome.

Austria's transport links make it easy to travel to these nearby locations. The country is crisscrossed with high-speed railways, and there are several airports, including those in Salzburg, Linz, Graz, Klagenfurt, Innsbruck, and Vienna, which is served by international airlines.

Austria's central location also means that it benefits from a range of cultural influences. The country is rich in culture, with famous musicians such as Mozart, Lehár, and Strauss hailing from the country.

Resort lifestyle

Austria is a great place for a resort lifestyle, with its stunning scenery, excellent public transport, and abundance of activities all year round. The country offers a perpetual resort lifestyle with its changing seasons and diverse opportunities.

Summer Activities

In the summer, you can enjoy hot days with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C, punctuated by refreshing thunderstorms. The meadows are filled with wildflowers, including fields of orchids and scented cyclamen. You can go walking, swimming, sailing, tobogganing, cycling, scuba diving, hang gliding, climbing, golf, paragliding, water skiing, rafting, and more.

Winter Activities

In the winter, Austria transforms into a wonderland of ice and snow, with skiing, skating, curling, and other winter sports taking center stage. The country is well-known for its laid-back and chill skiing scene, with easily accessible slopes and scenic beauty.

Resorts

Austria is home to numerous luxury resorts that offer world-class amenities and exclusive experiences. These resorts provide access to indoor and outdoor activities, spa treatments, fine dining, and breathtaking views. Some notable resorts include:

• Das Ronacher - Therme & Spa Resort
• Hotel Ebner's Waldhof am See
• Gradonna Mountain Resort Chalets & Hotel
• Mooshaus Winterresort
• LaPosch - Dein Bergaway
• Hotel MOHR life resort
• A-Rosa Kitzbühel
• Ferienhof Neusacher Moser
• Travel Charme Bergresort Werfenweng
• Q! Resort Kitzbühel

Real Estate

Austria offers high-quality real estate options, with stable investments and lower prices compared to other European countries. You can find luxury chalets, apartments, and houses in scenic locations, such as mountain towns like Zell am See.

High-quality real estate

Austria is known for its high-quality real estate, offering luxury and quality at a much lower price than its competitors. The country's central European location and stable investment opportunities make it an attractive prospect for those looking to invest in property.

There is a notable price divide between the west and east of the country when it comes to condominiums. For example, an apartment in Vorarlberg is, on average, more than twice as expensive as a similar property in Burgenland. Prices also vary depending on the location within federal states, with popular tourist areas and lake regions being the most expensive for rural living.

If you're looking to buy a house, you're more likely to find one in rural regions or on the outskirts of large cities, as houses in cities are rare and expensive. The further away from the city centre, the cheaper and more spacious the houses become.

For those interested in temporary housing, apartments in Austria are typically fully equipped and furnished. Luxury real estate can be found in Vienna's first district, Innere Stadt, which is the most exclusive and expensive residential area in the city. Here, prices rise with the number of square meters, and the average price per square meter for an apartment with over 130 square meters of living space is one-third higher than for a property with less than 80 square meters.

Overall, Austria offers a range of high-quality real estate options, from luxury chalets in the mountains to elegant villas and modern architect-designed houses. Whether you're looking for a permanent residence or a temporary holiday home, Austria has something to offer for those seeking high-quality living.

Safe banking

Austria is known for its safe banking system, which is modelled after the Swiss template. The country has a highly developed banking sector, with nearly 600 banks and 3,600 branches, making it the highest bank density in Europe. The Austrian banking system is universal, allowing synergy between different banks and offering a high degree of risk mitigation and flexibility. The Financial Market Authority (FMA) and the Austrian National Bank (OeNB) jointly regulate and supervise the sector.

The country's banks encourage customers to use self-service options, and online banking and banking apps are widely used. Austrians also prefer cards over cash, with 90% of residents over 14 using debit or credit cards. The most common cards are debit cards, which are used for smaller payments, and credit cards, which are more common for larger payments. However, credit cards are not very popular among locals. The use of mobile payments is also on the rise, with platforms like George and Apple Pay gaining traction.

Austria's banking system offers a wide range of services, including current accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment opportunities. Opening a bank account as an expat is straightforward but requires specific documents, such as a passport or government ID, proof of residence, and employment details. It is also important to note that Austria is not an offshore banking jurisdiction and does not offer offshore accounts.

The country's banks operate with a high level of ethics and sustainability due to strict regulations. Security measures such as SSL encryption, secure PINs, and one-time passwords are commonly used to protect against fraud and scams. Overall, Austria's banking system is known for its safety, convenience, and range of services, making it a reliable choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Frequently asked questions