Melbourne has once again been named the best city in the world to live, according to the latest Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Survey.
This is the third consecutive year that the Victorian capital has been at the top of the influential index, since taking the title from Vancouver after a run of almost a decade. Before this, Melbourne had consistently been in the top three positions of the 140 cities listed, a statement said.
The EIU's Liveability Ranking, part of the Worldwide Cost of Living Survey, assesses living conditions in 140 cities around the world by assigning a rating across five broad categories of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
Melbourne scores highly in all of the EIU's criteria and achieves perfect scores in the areas of healthcare, education and infrastructure. On-going investment in Melbourne's world-class infrastructure was highlighted in the report for keeping Melbourne at the top of the index, a statement issued by the Victorian Government Business Office in India said.
This comes just weeks after the Monocle magazine named Melbourne's quality of life the second best in the world - rising from fifth place in 2012.
Melbourne's constant reinvention of itself with new innovative buildings rising as quickly as new food trucks and restaurants appear is referenced by the report. The magazine comments that "the intelligent charm of Melbourne is being matched by clever city-wise ideas" as it commends the significant investment in infrastructure and cycle-ways.
Melbourne is well-known for its high quality of life, with its vibrant multicultural community, renowned arts scene and world famous food and wine, as well as Australia's best shopping and leisure opportunities. Adding to this vibrant lifestyle, Melbourne is home to some of the world's most prestigious cultural and sporting events - consistently being ranked as one of the world's 'Ultimate Sporting cities' in the biennial SportBusiness awards, the statement said.
"Melbourne's global ranking among the top three for the third year running when combined with Victoria's triple-A-rated economy and track record is attracting Indian majors making it the ideal location for Indian investors," Victorian Commissioner to India Wayne Lewis said.
As the world's most liveable city, Melbourne attracts people from all over the world ensuring a steady supply of highly talented workers. Its enviable lifestyle, skilled and innovative workforce and competitive business environment all combine to make Melbourne one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
