There’s a lot to be said for the saying “the grass is always greener”, especially when we’re all being confined to our current home countries. Perhaps it is the thought of a land where temperatures below twenty degrees is (rightly) only felt in the chilliest of winters. Maybe it’s a city where you can wear Louboutin heels without a double-take from old Martin next door? Or perhaps it’s simply a place where you no longer have to justify the price of a daily coffee to yourself. The idea of packing up and settling somewhere new has never been so appealing. So, why not be prepared for the time that will inevitably come when this idea is finally attainable?
Purely Diamonds have conducted a study to help you decide on your new future home, particularly if you are a newly-wed.
For the Foodies
Are you one half of a pair that knows what to do with the burning hot green lump that accompanies a plate of sushi? In other words- a foodie couple? If a spot that provides endless options for wine and dines, brunches and exploring new cuisines comes to mind when thinking about settling down with your new partner, Seoul in South Korea may be the location for you. With 83,239 restaurants to choose from, spoilt for choice is an understatement. Seoul offers traditional South Korean cuisine, plus a diverse food scene to rival any Asian capital city.
For couples that are a fan of high-end restaurants, Tokyo tops the list of cities with the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Two-thirds of these restaurants serve Japanese cuisine, while the others serve a variety of foods including French, Spanish, Chinese and Italian.
For Those who Dabble in Culture and Outdoors
Purely Diamonds also ranked the top cities based on the number of museums, theatres and cinemas to give an overall culture score, in which Tokyo came first place for culture-loving newlyweds. New York City and Istanbul take second and third positions, respectively. However, for those who prefer to eat Japanese food with a knife and fork, or maybe find themselves putting pineapple on a pizza, cuisine and culture may not be a deciding factor in your move. Perhaps instead, you’re more focussed on pursuing the outdoorsy life. Green spaces can enhance the health and wellbeing of people living and working in any city. Think Sunday walks, cycling through a park and taking deep breaths of unpolluted air. If this appeals to you and your new partner, Prague topped the list as the city with the most green spaces. In comparison to Tokyo, it has 139 more outside spaces for physical activity and recreation.
For the Career-Driven
Perhaps one of the most influential (and sensible) factors of choosing a completely new home for the foreseeable future, is the potential job prospects available in that location. If you’re planning on moving to a city, you might want to know how easy it will be to get a job, if you can pursue your dream career and how much you will earn. Purely Diamonds’ study scored the top cities based on the average monthly salary, job listings on Indeed, and the average working week hours. With over 757,000 jobs listed on Indeed, plus the highest average salary, Tokyo tops the list for earning potential, followed by Shanghai and Guangzhou.
In Tokyo, you’ll be expected to work over 42 hours on average each week, and in Shanghai, over 46 hours a week. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! On the other end of the spectrum, if flexible hours and working from home is important to both of you, then you should take a look at Berlin, Dubai, and Amsterdam. All three of these cities scored high based on the number of job vacancies offering flexible or remote working options.
Making the move is never an easy decision, particularly if you’re a newly wed. Deciphering your intention for moving is important, but you should also probably factor in the desires of the other person that’s going to move their life there, with you. You’re not just thinking for yourself, but finding a middle ground where both of you can envision your lives together. Whether that is career, lifestyle, or culture driven, these hot-spots have any newly-wed couple with an itch to relocate, covered.
