Essen - Belgium

Essen: A Charming Belgian Town with Exceptional Quality of Life Nestled in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, Essen is a picturesque town that offers an exceptional blend of serene living and vibrant community spirit. With a population of 19,029 residents as of September 2022, Essen boasts a total score of B+ on the quality of life index, making it a sought-after destination for those in pursuit of urban livability. ### Urban Planning and Amenities Essen's amenities score stands at a respectable B-, indicating that the town provides its residents with an adequate range of services and facilities. The town’s sustainable urban planning is evident in its commitment to balancing residential needs with commercial opportunities, ensuring access to essential services without compromising on community values. Despite the moderate commute score of C+, which suggests room for improvement in transport accessibility, Essen offers a reliable network of public transit services. The presence of several tram stops and local transport connections facilitates easy travel to neighboring towns and cities, supporting both daily commutes and leisure excursions. ### Health and Community Well-being With a health score of C+, Essen ensures that its residents have access to quality medical care, contributing significantly to the town's high health-related quality of life. The availability of excellent healthcare facilities underscores the community’s commitment to maintaining robust public health standards, an essential component of overall urban livability. ### Cultural Vibrancy and Education Essen shines in culture and entertainment, scoring a B-. This reflects its rich cultural scene, which includes numerous events and activities that cater to diverse interests throughout the year. Families are particularly drawn to Essen for its childcare and education score of B-, highlighting the town’s dedication to offering high-quality educational institutions and childcare services. ### Urban Development and Livability A standout feature of Essen is its impressive NIMBY score of A-, demonstrating successful sustainable urban development that aligns with residents' expectations. Effective land use policies and thoughtful zoning have ensured harmonious growth, enhancing both housing options and community satisfaction. Furthermore, the town’s noise score of A- reveals a commitment to preserving tranquility, contributing significantly to Essen's overall livability. ### Conclusion In summary, Essen exemplifies an ideal balance between modern urban living and maintaining its charming, small-town character. While there is potential for enhancing public transit options, the town's strengths in healthcare, culture, education, and sustainable urban development far outweigh these challenges. Essen’s strategic efforts in sustainable urban planning and community engagement position it as a city with considerable potential to ascend higher in global livability rankings. For those seeking a better life index, Essen offers an inviting blend of tranquility, accessibility, and vibrant community life, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Essen

Country: Belgium

Population: 19162

Area: 47.57 square kilometre

Web: http://www.essen.be/

Overall score

Total

B+

Amenities

B-

Childcare & Education

B-

Commute

C+

Culture & Entertainment

B-

Health

C+

NIMBY

A-

Noise

A-