Endless sunshine & beaches but..

[OakLeaf]

I think "promote" is part of the equation itself. What makes a city good for tourists isn't usually what makes it good for residents. What makes it good for relocating businesses has a complicated relationship to the benefit of residents.

That said, what makes a city livable to me - in fact, the whole point of living in a city or town rather than in the country - are the cultural opportunities. What's the music scene like (both classical and popular)? How many art shows and galleries? Is there a year-round farmer's market (and is it required to offer only locally produced goods)? Are there good ethnic restaurants, and other opportunities to be exposed to non-dominant cultures? Is there a diverse racial make-up to the population? Is public transit efficient and clean? What about pro sports?

If I had to choose one thing to improve in each of my towns, it would definitely be public transit. I'd know whom to contact, but I'd also know that it was futile, since it's a matter of constant debate. Outside of the major cities (and not even all of those), most American jurisdictions invest very grudgingly in infrastructure, public transit in particular.

[shootingstar]

I think "promote" is part of the equation itself. What makes a city good for tourists isn't usually what makes it good for residents. What makes it good for relocating businesses has a complicated relationship to the benefit of residents.

That said, what makes a city livable to me - in fact, the whole point of living in a city or town rather than in the country - are the cultural opportunities. What's the music scene like (both classical and popular)? How many art shows and galleries? Is there a year-round farmer's market (and is it required to offer only locally produced goods)? Are there good ethnic restaurants, and other opportunities to be exposed to non-dominant cultures? Is there a diverse racial make-up to the population? Is public transit efficient and clean? What about pro sports?

If I had to choose one thing to improve in each of my towns, it would definitely be public transit. I'd know whom to contact, but I'd also know that it was futile, since it's a matter of constant debate. Outside of the major cities (and not even all of those), most American jurisdictions invest very grudgingly in infrastructure, public transit in particular.

Good points about livable city, Oak.
For myself most of what you mentioned, plus if the city itself had or was within 1-2 hr. drive from a college or university. Important particularily if the local population was more homogeneous in racial/ethnic make-up. At least a college or university provides a semi-magnet to bring in people (even if temporarily) from other parts of the country/other countries and also the institution helps foster educational/more opportunities to think/learn outside of local perspectives. We can't just rely on the Internet, tv. Locals sometimes need to meet/confront new things/ideas/people..in their face.

CC- What I do tend to "sell" to other people wanting to visit or about visit Vancouver, is how PARTS of the city is situated to provide many free, outdoor activities.if a person wants to partake in it --hiking, cycling, walking, jogging and kayaking with beautiful vistas in the city.

I don't know about others here, but when one becomes a regular cyclist and also cycles alot when visiting other places, one becomes much more acutely aware how well or poorly designed a certain city is for livability. Vancouver's suburbs to me, is just as annoyingly sprawled out as Toronto's suburbs. When one does a long touring ride, it takes too long to cycle through the suburbs to get into the downtown core. Meaning cycling over 1 hr. just in the suburbs BEFORE reaching/leaving the downtown area and large chunks on major aerterial busy roads. (unless you cycle early in morning or late at night).

When I am in a much smaller city and doing loaded touring, if it requires another 40 kms. from edge of city to get to centre of city that's a population of 75,000 or less, there's something kind of wrong here unless the the natural topography forces a city to grow along a river bank or within a narrow long valley.

General statement: The worst thing of all are some more modern cities where there is no identifiable downtown core at all. Nothing to signify the city's unique history/culture, etc. City hall is located somewhere near a shopping mall on the fringe... I recall awhile ago, we visited Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, located along the coast. Not far from the author's home for Anne of Green Gables. We asked where the downtown area was. Locals pointed out the strip of tacky tourist shops by the ocean ..."There it is".