Lyla Lindsey
Austria is a beautiful country with a high quality of life, incredible cleanliness, and mouth-watering food. It has a stable political environment, a strong economy, and low unemployment. The country consistently ranks among the top in quality of life surveys, thanks to its excellent healthcare, education, and public transportation systems. The capital, Vienna, is a common favourite among tourists and is often ranked as the city with the highest quality of life. However, there are many other cities and towns across Austria that are great places to live.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best cities for singles | Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz |
| Best cities for families | Vienna and Salzburg |
| Best cities for retirees | Vienna |
| Best cities for nature lovers | Innsbruck |
| Best small cities | Klagenfurt |
| Best student cities | Graz |
| Best cities for job opportunities | Vienna |
| Best cities for expats | Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz |
| Best cities for affordable housing | Suburbs or smaller towns |
| Safest cities | Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe |
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What You'll Learn
Vienna: a hub for history, culture, and art
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a sprawling city steeped in history, culture, and art. Under the Habsburg rule, Vienna became a hub of political and cultural power, attracting several influential artists, musicians, and philosophers. The Habsburgs were patrons of the arts and supported the development of music, theatre, and opera. The dynasty also established many cultural institutions in the city, including museums, theatres, and galleries, creating a vibrant cultural scene.
Vienna has a wide variety of museums and historic houses. Some of the notable museums include the Albertina, with its collection of graphic arts; the Kunsthistorisches Museum, with the largest Bruegel collection outside the Netherlands; the Academy of Fine Arts, housing the Habsburg collection of Old Masters; and the Imperial Treasury, with the imperial crown and regalia of the Holy Roman emperors. The Roman excavations in the Hoher Market, the catacombs of St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Imperial Vault in the Church of the Capuchins offer a historical dimension to the city's art treasures.
The city is also known for its beautiful architecture, with buildings such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the imperial Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Secession building, and the Karl-Marx-Hof, the longest residential building in the world. The baroque style is prominent in Vienna, with churches such as St. Charles's Church and palaces such as Schönbrunn and Belvedere built in this era. The city also has many grand palaces and public buildings, such as the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna State Opera, which showcase the wealth and power of the Habsburg dynasty.
Vienna is a very safe city, offering a high quality of life to its residents. It is also a centre for international diplomacy, with organizations such as the United Nations Office and the International Atomic Energy Agency headquartered there. The city has a strong infrastructure, with excellent public transport, making it a walkable city. Vienna is also known for its traditional coffeehouse culture, where residents can enjoy a beverage, consume pastries, and socialize.
With its combination of history, culture, and art, Vienna is a desirable place to live, attracting expats, students, and digital nomads alike. The city offers a range of neighbourhoods and properties to suit different lifestyles and requirements, from the hipster Neubau to the refined Josefstadt. Vienna truly embodies the best of Austria's rich history and cultural offerings.
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Graz: a buzzing, historic city with great food
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is a buzzing, historic city with great food. Located at the foot of the Austrian Alps, Graz is surrounded by lush countryside where farmers have been producing food for centuries. The city is known as Austria's "City of Culinary Delights", with its food being both local and regional, fresh and tasty.
The city centre of Graz, with its leafy hill and red roofs, is a UNESCO-protected site. The city has stunning architecture, both traditional and design-led, and a rich cultural history. The Franziskanerviertel (Franciscans' district) is one of the most beautiful and popular places in Graz, with small, historic shops nestled along the outer walls of the Gothic Franciscan Church, contributing to the square's romantic atmosphere. The river Mur cuts through Graz, separating the charming old town from the edgier bohemian district of Lend. The design-led Murinsel island and countless bridges connect one side of the city to the other.
Graz has many great restaurants, including Der Steirer, which offers a fun mix of modern riffs on classic fare, such as Styrian tapas with traditional Austrian dishes. Aiola Upstairs, located at the top of the Schlossberg in Graz, offers panoramic views of the city, along with regional and international dishes made with the best ingredients. For dessert, there's Hofbackerei Edegger-Tax, a historic Graz landmark that is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
For expats moving to Graz, there are several neighbourhoods to consider. The Innere Stadt is a great option for single expats, while families may prefer the city outskirts, such as Straßgang, Liebenau, and Puntigam, which offer quieter areas with access to supermarkets, schools, and detached houses. Mariatrost and Ries are also popular as they are classical middle to high-class neighbourhoods with beautiful villas.
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Salzburg: a green city with stunning Baroque architecture
Salzburg is a city in Austria that is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and green spaces. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is filled with beautiful Baroque churches and castles. The Old Town, in particular, boasts gorgeous old buildings and a rich history. With a population of around 150,000 to 152,000 people, Salzburg strikes a balance between a bustling city and a tranquil retreat. The presence of three large universities brings a youthful vibe, with students flocking to the city's parks and cultural events.
Salzburg is an excellent choice for those seeking a combination of natural beauty and urban convenience. The city offers breathtaking landscapes, with its location on the border with Germany providing a picturesque backdrop. The city is also known for its eco-friendliness, with renewable energy sources accounting for 70% of the country's total energy consumption. The public transport network is largely powered by renewable electricity, making it one of the most sustainable ways to get around.
The city has a strong cultural identity as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of 'The Sound of Music'. Musicians and artists have been drawn to Salzburg for centuries, contributing to its vibrant artistic scene. The city hosts around 4000 cultural events annually, including the renowned Salzburg Festival. From open-air music festivals to art galleries and museums, there is always something to do and see in Salzburg.
For those seeking a place to call home, Salzburg offers a range of desirable neighbourhoods. Mülln and Nonntal provide a peaceful atmosphere while still allowing easy access to the city centre. The district of Gneis is known for its beautiful 19th-century villas, offering a blend of historic charm and residential comfort. Taxham, a family-friendly area, combines rural charm with proximity to the city's amenities.
Overall, Salzburg is a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and stunning Baroque architecture. With its green initiatives, vibrant student population, and abundance of artistic offerings, it is a wonderful place to consider when deciding where to live in Austria.
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Linz: a picturesque, walkable city with a riverside setting
Linz is a picturesque city nestled along the banks of the Danube River in Upper Austria. It is the country's third-largest urban area, with a population of 203,000 people, yet it maintains a charming and walkable city centre. The city's efficient public transport system, including trams and buses, also makes getting around a breeze.
Linz is a place where modern creativity meets historic charm. The city boasts beautiful Baroque architecture, including the Holy Trinity column on the Hauptplatz, one of the largest enclosed squares in Austria. The Old Town, with its quaint cobblestone streets, is a delightful area to explore on foot, with plenty of shops, cafes, and bars to discover.
For those seeking cultural experiences, Linz delivers with its innovative art scene and technological advancements. The Ars Electronica Centre, a museum exploring the intersection of art, technology, and society, is a must-visit. The Lentos Kunstmuseum, a reflective art gallery and museum, offers a modern art collection and stunning river views. The city also hosts the Pöstlingbergbahn, an iconic mountain tram that offers panoramic views of Linz and the surrounding region.
The Danube River provides a picturesque backdrop to Linz, with the riverfront promenade ideal for relaxing walks or bike rides. Green spaces, docked boats, and independent enterprises line the river, creating a vibrant social culture. The city is also known for its culinary delights, including the famous Linzer Torte, a spiced almond cake with a lattice top, reputed to be the world's oldest cake recipe.
Linz is an excellent choice for solo travellers, with its compact size, friendly atmosphere, and abundance of cultural experiences. The city's top attractions are within walking distance, and the locals are welcoming, always ready to share their love for their hometown. Whether you're seeking nature, culture, or a blend of both, Linz has something for everyone.
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Innsbruck: a beautiful, outdoorsy city in the Alps
Innsbruck is a beautiful city nestled in the Alps in western Austria. It is the capital of the state of Tirol and is known for its stunning natural surroundings and rich history. The city is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the Nordkette range, with its craggy granite cliffs, and the snow-capped peaks of the Tyrolean Alps. The city's name, meaning "bridge over the Inn", refers to its location on the River Inn, which flows through the Inn Valley.
Innsbruck has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor activities and attractions. The city has a well-developed network of cycle paths, totalling 90 km, allowing residents and visitors to explore the surrounding areas. The Innsbruck Card provides access to various attractions, including museums, cable cars, and public transport, making it easy to get around and enjoy the sights. The city also boasts the Bergisel Ski Jump, a modern structure that combines sporting history with breathtaking views over Innsbruck and the Alps.
Innsbruck has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the early Stone Age. The city has been an important centre of European politics and culture, with Emperor Maximilian I residing there in the 15th century. The Imperial Palace (the Hofburg) is a jewel of the city, known for its lavish interiors and frescoes. The Hofkirche, with its funeral monument to Maximilian, is another notable historical site. The city also has a rich architectural heritage, with intricate Baroque and Gothic buildings adorning its streets.
Innsbruck is an internationally renowned winter sports centre, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976, as well as the Winter Paralympics in 1984 and 1988. The city's alpine location makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Innsbruck Alpine Zoo, located 750 m above sea level, is one of the highest zoos in Europe. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife, with university nightlife, craft beer bars, and diverse culinary experiences.
Innsbruck is a small and walkable city, with the old town just a short stroll from the train station. The city has a unique charm, with colourful buildings and a vibrant atmosphere. The river houses, nestled below the treeline and above the Inn River, are a famous sight, offering a picturesque view. Innsbruck tends to be more pricey than other Austrian cities due to its popularity with international visitors, but it is undoubtedly a stunning and desirable place to live.
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Frequently asked questions
Vienna has many neighbourhoods that are popular with families, such as Währing and Döbling, which are near the city's international schools and have plenty of parks. Outside of the capital, families might like to consider Graz, where the outskirts offer quieter areas with access to supermarkets, schools, and detached houses.
With six top-quality universities, Graz has a high international student population. Student districts include Geidorf, St. Leonhard, and Eggenberg. Salzburg is another good option for students, as it is home to three large universities and has plenty of parks.
Young professionals might like to consider Salzburg, which is known as Austria's arts and cultural hub, as well as being the birthplace of Mozart. The city hosts around 4,000 cultural events yearly, including the world-class Salzburg Festival.
Vienna is gaining popularity as a place for digital nomads, being ranked in the top 100 on NomadList. This is due to the abundance of high-speed internet, great safety levels, ease of getting around, cultural plurality, and overall lifestyle. Graz is another good option, thanks to its affordability, friendly locals, diverse cultural offerings, and abundance of coworking spaces.
Innsbruck is a beautiful city situated high up in the Alps in the western state of Tyrol, with numerous city parks and gardens. Villach is another good option, nestled in the heart of Carinthia and known for its stunning alpine scenery and proximity to crystal-clear lakes.
