By Andreas Karamitas
A recent survey by the European Commission reveals that Nicosia residents are overwhelmingly satisfied with their quality of life, with 86% expressing contentment.
The survey, covering various European cities, delves into intriguing aspects such as safety, cleanliness, and air quality.
Among the key findings, Nicosia claims the 17th spot out of 36 cities in overall life quality. The city shines in housing satisfaction, securing the 5th position in the ranking. Public spaces also fare well, with 59% expressing satisfaction.
Moreover, an impressive 88% of Nicosia residents report general life satisfaction, surpassing the European capitals' average of 81%. Job accessibility, however, stands at 33%, lower than other capitals, while 74% believe in receiving material assistance if needed.
The survey also sheds light on transportation habits, with cars being the preferred mode for 50% of citizens. Public transport, particularly buses, lags behind at 36%, though satisfaction levels are high at 73%.
In terms of environmental satisfaction, 64% of residents appreciate Nicosia's healthy ecosystem, although noise pollution is minimal, as over half claim the city is quiet.
The survey's broader perspective reveals a trend favoring Northern European cities in life quality rankings. Additionally, citizens' satisfaction across various demographics shows a slight decline since 2019, potentially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A unique aspect explored in the survey is housing affordability. Notably, Nicosia faces challenges in finding affordable housing, mirroring a broader trend in European cities. The top three cities for reasonable housing prices in 2023 are Albork (Denmark), Ullu (Finland), and Palermo (Italy).
The study also delves into social inclusion, revealing positive sentiments toward migrants, LGBTQI individuals, the elderly, and families with children. Smaller cities emerge as more inclusive and friendly environments.
While overall satisfaction with city life slightly decreased since 2019, citizens continue to express high levels of contentment in 2023. The study suggests that smaller cities are perceived as friendlier for older residents and raising children, with a notable sense of safety for individuals walking alone at night.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
