credits: @pop.porto
We often think that to “change life” is necessary to go “to the other side of the world”. We forget that European cities are among the most wanted destinations by youngster from all over the world. It’s a matter of (very high) quality of life. Well, if you’re under 40 and want to experience a new culture, learn a language, open yourself up to new opportunities, why not consider doing it in one of Europe’s most youthful cities? These are the seven best, suggested by The Times, where you could move to give your life a breakthrough.
Having the youngest population in the Netherlands, Groningen is also the Dutch bicycle capital, with 145 kilometers of bike lanes and Europe’s largest covered park for two-wheelers. From leafy districts of Schilderswijk and Zeeheldenbuurt, with their 19th-century architecture and gardens, to wild nightlife around the Grote Markt, where the clubs never close, Groningen is a younger, more livable and cheaper alternative to Amsterdam.
Average apartment price: £ 229,000
Average monthly rent: £458
Emerging district: Grote Markt
The second largest and most important city in Denmark, claims to be the home of the Hygge, a Danish term used to define the feeling of comfort, relaxation and serenity feeling proper of an intimate and private situation.
In 2017 European Capital of Culture, has literally changed its look in the last decade thanks to significant urban projects. The renovation of the port area, allover, including the construction of iconic “Iceberg” apartment compound.
The old central Latinerkvarteret (Latin District), with cobblestone paved streets and typical houses, is the most popular among tourists. But it is Trojborg, near the university in the north of the city, the real exciting spot, the one most loved by the young people.
Average apartment price: £ 4,788 per m²
Average monthly rent: £ 867 (for a one bedroom apartment in the city center)
Emerging district: Trojborg
Cyprus’s capital and economic center, Nicosia is also the last city in the world still divided in two by a border. The Green Light separates the Turkish (northern) part, from the Greek one, southward. Five universities, real estate prices that have dropped by 21% in the last ten years, the proximity to Turkey, Greece, Lebanon and Syria, turn Nicosia a city with strong Middle Eastern features and full of charm especially for students and digital nomads. Moving here is also not as difficult as once, since the golden visa regime – which offered both residency and citizenship in return for ownership of property – ended in November 2020.
Among the most animated areas of the city, we suggest the district of Chrysaliniotissa, close between the end of the Old Town and the Green Line. A place perfect for shopping and nightlife addicted, thanks to the many stores, art galleries and different types of restaurants.
Average apartment price: £ 120.000
Average monthly rent: £ 513
Emerging district: Chrysaliniotissa
This lovely city, in northwest Germany, has been voted the most livable worldwide. Münster is the bike-friendly top spot in Germany, too. Not far from the border with the Netherlands, Munster is known as Little-Amsterdam, due to bikes and the presence of several cultural centers. The city hosts the first-in-Germany Picasso gallery, and over thirty museums, from art to science, from technology to history. Actually, is one of the main cultural hubs in the whole area.
The Hansaviertel and Hafen districts, around the Dortmund-Ems canal port, are known for bar and restaurant, rendering the scene busting; while nearby Hawerkamp, a former cement manufacturing, hosts lots of nightclubs and the yearly Vainstream Rockfest. On the other side of town, you can find the university – one of Germany’s largest – and a key part of the city’s youthful, cosmopolitan and easy-going nature.
Average apartment price: £ 3.730 per m²
Average monthly rent: £ 9.35 per m²
Emerging district: Hansaviertel
Toulouse – la ville rose, for the pink color of its terracotta brick buildings – is the fourth largest city in France. Its university, one of the oldest in Europe, hosts more than 100,000 students. The city also ranks first in the country for economic growth, population trends, employment opportunities and investment in research and development. Airbus, the European giant aircraft manufacturer – Boeing’s main competitor – is among its largest corporates, having here its headquarters and one of its manufacturing site.
Average house price: £ 3,206 per m²
Average monthly rent: £ 595
Emerging district: Carmes
Balanced between medieval and futuristic architecture, Malmo has highly grown up since Oresund bridge opening. Thanks to this, many people have decided to live here while working in the Copenhagen, on the bridge’s other bank.
The Old Town contains squares rich in clubs and restaurants with outdoor tables, as well as historic buildings from the medieval era. The modern city, instead, offers amazing attractions such as the skyscraper that twists 90 degrees from base to top or a beautiful library with a glass front. The high number of international workers makes out of Malmo a dynamic, multi-cultural place to live. English is the common language, down there, and everything is within 15 minutes’ reach.
Average house price: £ 365,000
Average monthly rent: £ 700
Emerging district: Mollevangen
Portugal’s second largest city is a thriving seaside town in the northwest of the country. Tourists and real estate investors are drawn here from all over the world. Lying on the banks of the Douro, Porto has a warm winter and a summer never too hot. A very well developed public transportation network, too, and a really high quality of life.
Youngster animate the Bairro das Artes, which with its stores, arts workshop and co-working spaces, represents the hype, young and creative concept. Another interesting area is the Bonfim district and nearby Campanha, where the Matadouro slaughterhouse is being transformed into a huge cultural hub. The real estate sector is growing at an impressive speed. As a result, house prices and the cost of living are increasing, but still below those of other similar European cities.
Average house price: £ 284,327
Average monthly rent: £ 832
Emerging district: Bairro das Artes
What’s your favorite European city? Let us know with a comment below
LAURA LIONTI
(Original article by Laura Costantin)
