Braga: A Top European City for Living, According to the European Commission

The 2023 Quality of Life Survey, now in its 6th edition, was designed to assess the living conditions across various European cities. This comprehensive survey encompassed capital cities and other major urban areas within the EU, EFTA, UK, Turkey, and the Western Balkans. A total of 83 cities were included in the study, with 70,000 interviews conducted to gather a wealth of data.

The survey evaluated the quality of life in each city based on seven key criteria:

1. Level of satisfaction with life in the city;
2. Safety and social cohesion within the city;
3. Employment opportunities, housing availability, and cost of living;
4. Ease of transportation and mobility within the city;
5. Availability and quality of cultural amenities, public spaces, parks, and healthcare services;
6. Health and wellbeing initiatives within the city;
7. Efficiency and effectiveness of local public administration.

These criteria provided a holistic view of what it’s like to live in these cities, offering valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement.

Within each criterion, a series of questions were questioned to understand the city’s trends and to examine each aspect of the main point individually. Comparisons were made with previous surveys, and questions about the past were included to ascertain whether people’s perceptions of their own city’s quality of life had increased or decreased. Overall, the results were positive, indicating an improvement in the quality of life across Europe over the past five years.

In response to the question, “Is my city a good place to live for people in general?” Braga received a resounding affirmation with 98% positive responses, tying in first place with Rostock, a city in Germany. On the first criterion, Braga garnered 80% positive responses, placing it among the top cities in Europe.

One of the standout features of Braga in this survey was the comparison with data from five years ago. The majority of Braga’s residents reported that the city has improved, indicating that the city’s efforts to enhance its services, health and cultural offerings have been successful. This strategy not only retains current residents but also attracts new ones. The provision of material assistance in times of need was another aspect highly appreciated by the residents of Braga.

In terms of health factors, specifically air quality, Braga boasts a satisfaction range of 71%-78%. This is a strong indicator of the quality of life and ranks among the best levels observed in Southern European cities.

With respect to inclusiveness and safety, the majority of Braga’s residents report feeling fairly and equally treated. In the context of LGBTIQ inclusiveness, the city achieves a commendable inclusiveness range of 75%-85%. In terms of general safety, Braga’s rating exceeds 80%.

As for cultural facilities and access to them, satisfaction among Braga’s residents ranges from 72% to 84%.

The survey concluded that smaller, non-capital cities, such as Braga, generally offer a better quality of life, particularly in terms of public spaces and healthcare. Migrants and families with young children reported feeling safer in these smaller cities.

Braga also excels in being an age-friendly city, thanks to its high-quality health services, clean air, and the overall sense of safety that residents feel. Furthermore, Portugal’s considerate immigration policies are exemplified by the D7 Visa. This visa, specifically designed for individuals with a consistent passive income such as a pension, simplifies the process of making Portugal their residence.

Braga, situated in the north of Portugal, is a city where centuries of history intersect with the modernity of the 21st century. Braga, with its vibrant shopping avenues, noble baroque residences, and expansive squares, provides a living testament of history for those who seek to immerse themselves in it.

If you’re interested in learning more about Portugal and considering a move to this wonderful country to enjoy its many wonders, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be delighted to assist you with our expertise.