In a recent article, Forbes highlights that from the wealthiest urban hubs to the happiest nations and the smartest, most innovative cities, the world offers a wide range of destinations for those looking to make a fresh start.
Germany, for instance, ranks 22nd for happiness, with Berlin securing the 5th position as a smart city and ranking in the top ten for work-life balance. In Europe, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands consistently place in the top ten for work-life balance and among the top five for happiness in the UN's Happiness Report. Cities like Oslo and Copenhagen also rank in the top ten for Smart Cities.
New Zealand shines in self-reported happiness, landing 12th, and ranks first for work-life balance. The country has introduced a long-term working visa program and relaxed its golden passport rules, making it easier for Americans to relocate.
According to Henley&Partners' World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2025, New York ranks first, home to nearly 400,000 millionaires and 66 billionaires. Other cities in the top five include the Bay Area, Tokyo, Singapore, and Los Angeles. London ranks 6th, with 215,700 millionaires and 33 billionaires. Hong Kong, Sydney, and Chicago round out the top ten.
For those seeking a mix of wealth and intelligence, the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025 evaluates 183 cities across nine key areas, including economic performance, technology, environment, and governance. London tops the index for human capital, while New York leads in the economy but faces challenges in social cohesion and environmental sustainability.
For those prioritizing work-life balance, the 2024 Global Work-Life Balance Index from HR-tech company Remote lists Wellington, New Zealand, at the top, followed by Dublin, Brussels, Copenhagen, and Ottawa.
In terms of happiness, Finland remains the world’s happiest country, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and the Netherlands. The US and UK rank 23rd and 24th, respectively, with the US experiencing a decline in happiness since 2012.
When choosing your next destination, it’s essential to consider more than just wealth. Cities like Berlin, Oslo, and Copenhagen offer high quality of life, while countries like New Zealand and Finland balance economic opportunity, social well-being, and work-life policies. Many destinations combine prosperity, innovation, and kindness, making them ideal for relocation.
By Naila Huseynova
Source: caliber.az
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