After a long day or trip, you deserve to come home to a comfortable and inviting space. But let’s face it, the quality of our living environment isn’t just about the four walls of our home. It’s also about the natural surroundings, access to necessary amenities, job opportunities, and the community in which we live. That’s why I’ve scoured the country to bring you the ultimate guide to the best places to live in Poland.
Where is The Best Place to Live in Poland?
I’ve taken a comprehensive approach to evaluating the best places to live in Poland, considering factors such as social development, environmental quality, economic stability, scenic beauty, and infrastructure. I’ve put all these factors together to rank the cities and bring you the top contenders for the title of „best place to live in Poland”.Get ready to discover the cities that truly have it all.
Warszawa
If you’re looking for a city that checks every box, Warsaw is the place to be. This capital city stands out in terms of social development, economic stability, and environmental initiatives. You probably do not know it, but the city has also joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Green Cities program, demonstrating its commitment to improving the environment.
Warsaw is not only attractive if you are seeking permanent residence and a family-friendly environment. It’s also a great choice if you are looking to advance their careers. The city is well-connected, safe, and clean. The needs and ideas of its residents are taken into account. It’s no surprise that Warsaw is one of the few Polish cities with positive population growth, demonstrating its residents’ high standard of living. So if you’re looking for a diverse city with a strong sense of community, Warsaw is the place for you.
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Toruń
The picturesque city of Torun comes in a close second. Considered one of the most beautiful places in Poland, it’s no wonder. The city excels in all areas, from its social development and economic stability to its initiatives to protect the environment. The authorities take a well-rounded approach, ensuring that all aspects of the city thrive.
Torun’s efforts to improve air quality and educate the public on the importance of pro-environmental measures demonstrate the city’s commitment to the environment. At the same time, there is a focus on the city’s growth and the maintenance of economic stability. This harmonious balance is what sets Torun apart and makes it a top choice for those seeking a well-rounded and fulfilling place to live.
Zielona Góra
Zielona Gora comes in third place. This is largely due to its excellent location. The city is located near the most important road infrastructure connecting the northern and southern parts of the continent and linking the two capitals, Warsaw and Berlin. This makes Zielona Gora an economic hub.
In addition to its strong economy, Zielona Góra boasts a lush and green environment, which has a positive impact on the air quality and health of its residents. You may be surprised when I tell you that more than 50% of the city’s area is covered by forests, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and improve yout well-being. The scenic beauty of the city, cultural events, and promotion of eco-friendly activities are additional factors that make Zielona Gora an attractive place to live.
Best Cities To Live in Terms of Development
I found a ready ranking on the web, and here are the results. Based on the criteria listed in the Polish Sustainable Cities ranking (made by the Arcadis company), it’s clear that the best cities in terms of development have taken into account a number of important factors to ensure the quality of life for residents. These cities have made efforts to create a well-rounded, thriving community, from access to healthcare and educational facilities to the wealth of the population and its demographics.
Other factors taken into account to determine which Polish cities offer the best quality of life include community activity and the safety index. By taking these elements into account, the ranking provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of life in these cities, as well as their future development prospects.
Warszawa
When it comes to social development, Warsaw is the top choice among the cities surveyed. The average salary is the highest in the country, and the city’s extensive domestic and international business network and cosmopolitan flair mean that there’s no shortage of opportunities to offer.
The capital is constantly changing – new apartments are being built, and families with children have a wide choice of educational institutions, from kindergartens to specialist schools, as well as several prestigious universities for future students. In addition, Warsaw has a wide range of attractions, such as the Royal Lazienki Park, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, and the Copernicus Science Center, as well as cultural activities to keep you entertained.
Kraków i Poznań
Where is the best place to live in Poland if you’re looking for a great socio-cultural experience? Krakow and Poznan are highly recommended – right after Warsaw. Krakow offers romantic promenades in its picturesque areas or on its main square, unique monuments in its center and surrounding areas (Kazimierz Dolny, Podgórze, Zablocie), the oldest university in the country, and an abundance of cultural events.
Poznan, on the other hand, is known for its international trade fairs, local specialties, numerous shopping centers, a wide range of sports facilities, and many bike trails and bike rentals.
Cities in Poland To Live Close To The Nature
Are you concerned about the environment? If you are, the best city for you to live in will be a city with lots of green space, clean air, a varied climate, good access to infrastructure, minimal use of natural resources, effective waste management, and lots of space.
By the way, please check my other article from which you can learn more about Poland’s oldest cities.
Koszalin
Koszalin is famous for its excellent air quality, numerous parks and forests, and the absence of polluting plants. This makes Koszalin one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Poland. Approximately 40% of the city’s area consists of green spaces, such as the Royal Princes’ Park, full of natural monuments and plants, and the Chelmska Forest, which offers many trails, an observation tower, and a ropes course.
Grudziądz i Gdynia
Kalisz is not the only green city worth visiting. Grudziądz and Gdynia are also great destinations. The people of Grudziądz are aware of the need for energy and water conservation, which is why the city has large sewage treatment plants and networks.
Gdynia is a very special city. Thanks to its location by the sea and the abundance of green areas, it offers a wonderful environment for enjoying outdoor activities and relaxing in nature. It’s no wonder that Gdynia is considered one of the most beautiful places to live in Poland – it’s a true paradise for those who are active and love nature.
Cities That Delight With Their Charm
Are you looking for a breathtaking place to live in Poland? If so, you should definitely consider Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan and Wroclaw – some of the most picturesque cities in the country. Other places of note include Olsztyn, Bydgoszcz and Lublin – all of which offer a range of breathtaking views.
Olsztyn
Olsztyn, located in Warmia and Masuria, is famous for its many lakes (sixteen in total, which earned it the nickname „City of Sixteen Lakes”). You will also find there lush green spaces, hills, and the Lyna River, where kayak tours take place. You can enjoy strolling through the picturesque streets, admiring the Gothic architecture. In addition to its beauty, the city also boasts environmental initiatives and a high level of social progress.
Bydgoszcz
I am sure you don’t know this, but Bydgoszcz is called the Polish Amsterdam and the water capital of Poland. It is located by the Vistula and Brda Rivers. It is full of canals and is famous for its beautiful Gothic church, one of the most attractive in Europe, and the Museum of Soap and Dirt. When visiting Bydgoszcz, you can take a leisurely stroll through the city, admire its townhouses and historic buildings, and visit the Mill Island, a tranquil green space in the city that offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Cities of The Future – Poland 2050
In late 2021, the Saint-Gobain Group and the Polish Society for Future Studies conducted a study to assess the potential of Polish cities. As a result of their work, they published the first list of „Polish Cities of the Future 2050”.
The list highlights those agglomerations that, based on their current rate of development, are most likely to come out on top when it comes to overcoming future hurdles and becoming the most modern and pleasant cities in Poland by 2050. The authors of the list took into consideration such aspects as
- The local labor market
- Urban housing options;
- Leisure and recreation;
- City infrastructure;
- Transportation networks.
The survey identified seven Polish cities that are likely to become cities of the future in the near future. Here’s the ranking of these cities in order of their positions:
- Warszawa – Experts agree that Warsaw is the top-ranked city in Poland, except for housing, which is ranked higher by Gdansk.
- Wrocław – This city achieved second place as a result of our ongoing commitment to sustainable growth.
- Katowice – The high position in the ranking was provided by the city’s business potential, intensive development of the housing market and the recreational sector.
- Poznań and Gdańsk – Poznań was ranked fourth because of its remarkable transport policy. Gdańsk was ranked similarly because of its success in implementing its housing policy.
- Łódź – It has stable average positions in all subcategories.
- Kraków – Krakow is the second largest city in Poland. However, its position is the lowest because it has a thriving real estate sector, but it is the least prepared for the coming traffic problems.
What Do Statistics and People Say?
According to a report entitled 'Happy Home. A city good for living’, prepared by real estate website Otodom and industry consultancy ThinkCo, residents of Gdynia, Gdańsk and Zielona Góra are the most satisfied with their cities. Częstochowa, Kalisz, and Ruda Śląska, on the other hand, were near the bottom of the list.
The survey was designed to find out what factors bring contentment and satisfaction to people living in cities and their surroundings, and was conducted between September 2021 and February 2022 with the participation of nearly 36,000 people. It was found that 29% of the respondents felt that the proximity of shops and the ease with which they could shop were of the utmost importance. Other important factors included access to nature (21.7%), good transport links (23.9%), plenty of entertainment and recreation (21.1%) and safety (21.7%).
Bibliography
- https://regiony.rp.pl/jakosc-zycia/art36691811-nowy-ranking-najlepszych-polskich-miast-do-zycia-sa-zaskoczenia
- https://www.ukrainianinpoland.pl/what-are-the-best-cities-to-live-in-poland-pl/
- https://polskazachwyca.pl/top-10/najlepsze-miasta-do-zycia-w-polsce-top-10/
- https://businessinsider.com.pl/finanse/miasta-najlepsze-do-zycia-warszawa-torun-zielona-gora/gpetrqv
