Toulon - France

### Toulon: A Mediterranean Gem with a Strategic Edge Nestled on the vibrant French Riviera, Toulon is a city that effortlessly blends maritime heritage with modern urban living. As the prefecture of the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, this bustling metropolis boasts a population of 176,198 as of 2018, making it France's 13th-largest city. Toulon is not just known for its historical significance—most notably the 1793 siege—but also for being a pivotal naval hub with a major port on the Mediterranean coast. #### Strengths: A City That Lives Up to Its Scores Toulon shines in several key areas, underscoring its appeal as a livable city. The urban center is celebrated for its outstanding amenities score of 'A', which reflects robust public services and facilities that enhance residents' quality of life. This includes access to healthcare, contributing to the city's high health score, also an 'A'. These scores indicate Toulon’s commitment to ensuring a health-related quality of life that is enviable in many urban settings. When it comes to daily commutes, Toulon boasts a highly efficient public transport system. The city's commute score of 'A' highlights the effectiveness and convenience of its local transport network, which includes tram stops and comprehensive sustainable urban planning measures. Residents and visitors alike benefit from seamless connectivity, making navigating the city both easy and eco-friendly. Culturally, Toulon offers a rich tapestry of entertainment options, earning it a culture and entertainment score of 'B'. While this is slightly lower than some of its other scores, the city's vibrant cultural scene remains strong. Festivals celebrating French Riviera traditions, art exhibitions in local museums, and live performances at various venues keep Toulon lively and engaging. In terms of education, Toulon’s childcare and education score of 'B+' reflects a solid foundation for family living. The city provides diverse educational opportunities that cater to both young children and adults seeking further learning or professional development. #### Challenges: Addressing Urban Growth While Toulon excels in many areas, it faces challenges typical of growing urban centers. One notable area is noise pollution, as indicated by its noise score of 'C-'. Efforts are ongoing to manage this through sustainable urban development initiatives that aim to mitigate sound disturbances without sacrificing the city's dynamic lifestyle. Another challenge lies with the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) sentiment reflected in Toulon’s NIMBY score of 'D-'. This often arises from resistance to new developments or changes within neighborhoods. Addressing this involves engaging communities in transparent dialogues and ensuring that urban redevelopment projects are sensitive to residents' needs, thus fostering a sense of inclusivity. #### Urban Development: Enhancing Quality of Life Toulon's commitment to enhancing its quality of life is evident through strategic urban planning and land use policies. The city's efforts toward sustainable urban development aim not only to preserve its natural beauty but also to improve living conditions for all residents. This includes the promotion of green spaces, efficient land zoning, and housing projects that cater to a diverse population. The military port in Toulon stands as a testament to the city’s strategic importance on France's Mediterranean coast. Home to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, this naval center is integral not only for defense but also for economic stability and growth. #### Conclusion: A City with Potential Toulon offers a unique blend of historical richness, modern amenities, and strategic significance. With its strengths in public services, healthcare access, and transport efficiency, the city presents itself as an attractive location for both residents and visitors. While challenges remain, ongoing efforts in sustainable urban development and community engagement indicate a positive trajectory toward enhancing overall livability. As Toulon continues to grow and adapt, its potential to rise in global liveability rankings remains promising. The city’s strategic initiatives ensure that it not only maintains but also enhances the quality of life for those who call it home. With continued focus on balancing growth with community needs, Toulon is well-positioned to become an even more desirable urban destination.

Toulon

Country: France

Population: 180834

Elevation: 1.0 metre

Area: 42.84 square kilometre

Web: https://toulon.fr/

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors & Scrape4U

Overall score

Total

Amenities

Childcare & Education

B+

Commute

Culture & Entertainment

Health

NIMBY

D-

Noise

C-

-4.67

Score scale

3.10

The Street Score represents the overall quality of a street or location based on several factors, providing a comprehensive evaluation of its livability.

Here's how it is calculated:
Positive Contributions:

Amenities Score: Measures access to shops, restaurants, banks, and other daily services.
Commute Score: Reflects the availability of transportation options such as bus stops, train stations, and petrol stations.
Health Score: Evaluates access to healthcare facilities like clinics, pharmacies, gyms, and sports venues.
Culture & Entertainment Score: Assesses the presence of cultural venues such as cinemas, libraries, museums, and community centers.
Childcare & Education Score: Accounts for access to childcare centers, schools, and educational institutions.

Negative Contributions:

Noise Score (-0.05 factor): Reduces the overall score if the area is affected by high noise levels, such as from traffic or industrial sources.
NIMBY Score (-0.1 factor): Deduces points based on proximity to undesirable facilities like landfills or industrial plants, which could negatively impact the area.

The sum of these factors provides an overall score, helping users understand the balance between convenience, livability, and potential downsides like noise or undesirable developments.