Monocle Writes Off American Cities, Again
I’m a sucker for best-of lists, so I always look forward to Monocle’s annual ranking of the world’s top 25 most livable cities—and I’m always amused by how poorly American burgs fare in the editors’ estimation. Granted, Monocle’s target reader appears to be the sort of wealthy European jet-setter who favors Aspesi outerwear and has strong opinions on the virtues of Gstaad versus St. Moritz—in other words, not someone likely to be lured by the discreet charms of Des Moines. Still, the magazine seems to take special pride in ignoring the States. Last year was an exception—for the first time, three American cities made the cut: Honolulu (number 12), Minneapolis (19), and Portland, Oregon (25). This year, however, only Honolulu hangs in there, moving up one spot to number 11. Why Honolulu? It satisfies several of Monocle’s key criteria for livability: good public transit, plentiful annual sunshine, a balmy average temperature, bars open until the wee hours, and relatively few chain stores (only 16 Starbucks and zero Zara outlets!) It’s worth noting, however, that the editors care nothing of affordability—thus Hawaii’s “paradise tax,” which matches one of the highest costs of living in the country with middling wages, is a non-issue here.
For your kvetching pleasure, here’s the full list:
1. Zürich
2. Copenhagen
3. Tokyo
4. Munich
5. Helsinki
6. Stockholm
7. Vienna
8. Paris
9. Melbourne
10. Berlin
11. Honolulu
12. Madrid
13. Sydney
14. Vancouver
15. Barcelona
16. Fukuoka
17. Oslo
18. Singapore
19. Montreal
20. Auckland
21. Amsterdam
22. Kyoto
23. Hamburg
24. Geneva
25. Lisbon
Blog feed
Newsletter
Twitter
BACK TO TOP
Des Moines IS quite charming - and has an enormous farmers market that feels more like a Saturday morning block party covering a good portion of downtown. Monocle doesn’t know what they’re missing.
Comment by Kevin Flatowicz-Farmer — July 1, 2009, @ 4:14 pm
Firstly, I am secretly thrilled London is nowhere near this list. And secondly, they are obviously not taking the actual PEOPLE who live on these plots of land into account. Honolulu is filled with lotus-eaters who intellectually function at the level of 2 year olds. Paradise is bliss — but a continued existence there turns you into a turnip.
I’m just sayin’…
Comment by Livvy — July 2, 2009, @ 10:37 am
I’m a Monocle subscriber and while admire the aesthetic and urbanist edge, the fast lan lifestyle is going out of style. If Monocle wants to exapnd beyond its base in this post-melt-down modernity where self-absorption is less and less “trendy” then finding coolness in places other than Copenhagen is a must.
Comment by David Panagore — July 3, 2009, @ 9:42 am
After living in Honolulu for eight years and visiting many of the 25 listed cities, I am comfortable saying that Hawaii may have a “Paradise Tax” but it seems quite a bit cheaper and better living than say Copenhagen - with its’ ten dollar Cokes and fifteen dollar beers. At least in Honolulu, you can live year round with your windows open! But I do like the living in Tokyo and Paris as well…
Comment by Jay C — July 12, 2009, @ 6:09 pm
Before America(ns) ruined the U$, life in non-American cities was quite affordable for US earners. (Ah, for the Good Old Days.)
Now, the horrible healthcare and lousy food (farmer’s markets notwithstanding) is undoubtedly what makes US cities so unattractive to the Monocle.
Comment by da — July 14, 2009, @ 9:06 am