15 Reasons why You should live and work in Prague
These days, millions of people all over the world have been on the move, settling down and living in foreign countries and cities.
If you are one of those who enjoy moving about you owe it to yourself to give Prague a look-over with these excellent 15 Reasons that make Prague perfect as your next expat destination.
If you fancy living in a beautiful, safe and highly entertaining metropolis boasting incredible cultural heritage as well as a busy nightlife, world class beer, wide choice of sport activities etc., Prague is definitely a great option.
So, will this wonderful city be your next home? Keep reading to find out.
1. Strong Economy
The Czech Republic is a developed country with a high functioning economy. About ? of the country's GDP is accounted for by Prague's economy.
With a growth rate that is 172% of the European Union average, Prague is the 5th highest-performing European region. Expats make up 18% of Prague's workforce.
Unemployment is historically low and wages are above global averages.
2. Good life
The Czech Republic is ranked among the best places to live in.
The World Economic Forum recently ranked the Czech Republic #15 in its Quality of Life index, ahead of the USA, UK, France, and other countries.
Consumer goods in the Czech Republic were just recently found to be among the least expensive in Europe.
Rent prices in Prague are about 62% of Berlin, 55% of Brussels and just 42% of Amsterdam.
3. Safe and sound
In the latest 2018 Global Peace Index (GPI), the Czech Republic was rated the 7th-safest country in the world, trailing only Iceland, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Denmark, and Canada.
While pick-pocketing might be an issue in the most-touristy areas, violent crimes are very rare in the city.
Moreover, there are hundreds of policemen patrolling throughout Prague 24/7.
4. Efficient Public Transport
Because of the city's strong economy, Prague boasts excellent transport network.
Local public transport infrastructure consists of a heavily-used and highly reliable integrated transport system of metro, trams, buses, funiculars and ferries.
So getting from one place to another one is never a big deal in Prague.
Public transportation is widely used, with more than 1.2 billion passengers in total every year.
Prague's Metro has 3 lines - A, B, and C - and the length is more than 60 kms. The Prague Tram System is still popularly used and is one of the largest in the world.
5. Good education
Municipal Library
Home to 12 universities and a number of colleges and schools, Prague is one of the major educational centers in Europe.
The famous Charles University (founded in 1348) is the oldest university in Central Europe. It consists of 17 faculties and ranks in the upper 1.5 percent of the world’s best universities.
Studies in Czech language are tuition-free. However American and British schools have strong presence and a large variety of programs in English.
6. Work-life balance
Surveying expats on what they like best about living in the Czech Republic, work-life balance typically came up among the top responses.
Employees aren’t often asked to work the excessive hours and the focus on what matters most is even reflected in the country’s laws.
Maternity leave in the Czech Republic – which can last up to four years – is often cited as the most progressive in the world.
7. Climate and Nature
Stromovka Park
The city of Prague has a very diverse climate marked by different weather patterns typical for each part of the year.
Summers usually bring plentiful sunshine and hot temperatures, but winters are often snowy.
The temperate nature of the climate is easy to adjust to for most expats.
Prague is beautiful to be around regardless on the time of year as all four seasons have their specific charm here.
The city was recently named one of the world’s greenest urban space.
Expansive parks like Stromovka and Divoká ?árka, the Prokop Valley and the Kunratice Forrest offer everything from deep woods to picturesque lakes, streams and rocky cliffs.
Prague gives its citizens numerous options for experiencing nature without leaving the metropolis.
8. Great history and architecture
Since its foundation by the Roman empire, Prague has been an important city.
A political and cultural mecca, Prague has witnessed the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras - which is mirrored in the city’s multi-styled architecture.
The city was the capital of the Bohemian kingdom and the residence of several Roman monarchs.
Prague was actively involved in the Bohemian and Protestant Reformation and the two world wars. It has also been an active ground for the communist regime.
Some of the common historical attractions include the astronomical clock at Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, Vy?ehrad and Pet?ín hill.
Owing to its cultural significance, UNESCO declared Prague a world heritage site in 1992.
9. Castles
Prague Castle is the largest in Europe with more than 700 hundred rooms.
Known as the castle capital of the world, the republic has over 2000 castles and keeps for visitors to tour and enjoy.
The St. Vitrus Cathedral at Prague Castle is home of the Czech crown jewels and the burial place of Czech kings.
10.Exciting life
Prague is traditionally one of the cultural centers of Europe, hosting many cultural events.
Prague Spring International Music Festival, the Prague International Jazz Festival, the Febiofest Film festival, the One World Film Festival as well as the hundreds of art exhibitions, concerts, fashion shows and much more are held here.
Prague is lined with numerous museums, concert halls, cinemas, galleries and music clubs. It is home to great poets, authors, artists and musicians.
There are lots of fun activities for expats living in Prague with family.
Many of them you can visit for free. Local markets are open every weekend. In winter you can stroll around the Prague Christmas markets, in summer you can go and see bands playing on Naplavka.
There are free family and kid’s festivals, free tasting events and other historical and cultural attractions each and every weekend.
11. Beauty
Prague has been known as the “handsomest city of Europe” since the 18th century.
Known for its beauty, Prague offers breathtaking views throughout the year. Nicknamed "the city of a hundred spires", Prague is actually home to thousands of beautiful towers and spires.
The observation deck at Old Town Hall offers a brilliant view of the ancient city's rooftops.
Atop Vtikov Hill stands a majestic statue of Jan ?i?ka, a former military leader, with the panorama of the entire Prague Castle visible in the early evenings.
Prague also boasts of over two hundred historic gardens and parks. With the oldest of them built in the Middle Ages, these parks offer picturesque oases in the city.
The Palace Gardens below Prague Castle, Wallenstein Gardens and the Pet?ín Hill gardens are must-visits for expats travelling to Prague.
12. Beer and cuisine
Czech Republic is known as the “Beer Nation”. That makes Prague “Beer Capital”.
Czech Republic has by far the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Premium quality beer of all types can be bought all over the country – including Prague – and the prices will make your wallet smiling.
If you avoid the overpriced touristy areas, you can have a great tap beer for just 1 dollar (or 1 Euro).
Honestly, Czech cuisine is not the healthiest one but it definitely is among the most delicious.
In Czech cuisine, thick soups and many kinds of sauces, both based on stewed or cooked vegetables and meats, often with cream, as well as baked meats with natural sauces, are popular dishes.
With hundreds of cozy cafes and bakery shops Prague is definitely a great place for coffee-lovers and those who have a sweet tooth.
13. Location
Prague lies right in the heart of Europe, which makes it a major international hub for all types of transport.
Flights from Prague throughout Europe can be incredibly cheap – making spur-of-the-moment holidays to seaside locations in Italy and Croatia an affordable reality.
Prague is also connected with major European cities through its vast railway network.
It takes 27 hrs to reach Moscow and 4.5 hours to reach Berlin via Prague's railway network.
14. Sport
Prague provides a wide range of sport activities for everybody
From well-equipped sport centers and super-modern gyms to numerous outdoor pitches, tennis courts, climbing walls, golf courses and playgrounds.
The city is bike and scooter-friendly.
Prague is definitely a good place for active sportsmen.
15. Metropolis for all
As Prague is a multicultural metropolis, local people are used to meeting foreigners on daily basis and they are usually very friendly towards them.
Prague is also home to many non-profit organizations and expat communities.
Non-profit non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) help newcomers to adapt and to integrate into the Czech society, to learn Czech language.
NGO’s host numerous cultural events, workshops, lectures and seminars. Provide legal counseling, interpreting services, special programs for children and women etc. This assistance is free-of-charge.
The beauty and grandeur of Prague along with the amazing quality of life that it offers makes the Golden city a great destination for expatriates.
Why not to come to Prague to check for yourself?
Useful links:
1. The official tourist website for Prague https://www.prague.eu/en
2. Czech Republic Land of stories https://www.czechtourism.com/home/
Prague, I love you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V82JW0aNpi8