Angra do Heroísmo - Portugal

Nestled on the picturesque Terceira Island in Portugal's Azores archipelago lies Angra do Heroísmo—a city steeped in history and renowned for its rich cultural tapestry. As one of the three capital cities of the Azores and a World Heritage site, Angra boasts a vibrant population of 35,402 inhabitants spread over an area of 239 square kilometers. Founded in 1478, this historic city has been a focal point for governance and culture, once even serving as Portugal's capital during the Liberal Wars. Angra do Heroísmo is celebrated for its commendable quality of life index, reflected by an overall Total Score of B+. This score underlines its strengths across various domains while acknowledging areas ripe for enhancement. The city’s urban livability analysis reveals a balanced blend of historical charm and modern conveniences that make it a compelling place to live. Strengths One of Angra's standout features is its robust amenities score, earning a solid B rating. The city offers a variety of dining options, shopping centers, and recreational facilities that cater to both residents and visitors alike. These amenities contribute significantly to the living quality index in Angra, making daily life enjoyable and convenient. Culturally, Angra shines with a Culture & Entertainment Score of B-. This is no surprise given its UNESCO World Heritage status and numerous historical landmarks like the Sé Catedral (Cathedral Church) and the Fortaleza de São João Baptista. These sites not only attract tourists but also provide locals with venues for cultural engagement, festivals, and community events. The city's commitment to maintaining its historic architecture while promoting vibrant local arts scenes enhances its urban livability analysis. When it comes to commute, Angra earns a B- score, indicative of reliable and efficient public transit services. Although the network may not be as extensive as in larger cities, the existing infrastructure—including accessible tram stops and transport passes—provides residents with sustainable urban planning solutions that help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact. Challenges Despite its strengths, Angra faces challenges reflected by a few lower scores. The city's Noise Score of B suggests occasional noise disturbances, which could be attributed to both tourism activities and everyday urban life. Addressing this through sustainable urban development initiatives can further improve residents' quality of life. The NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) score stands at C-, indicating some resistance to new developments or changes in land use policies. Angra is actively working towards balancing historical preservation with the need for modern housing and urban redevelopment, striving to ensure that growth enhances rather than detracts from its unique character. Analysis and Context The city’s Health Score of B indicates good access to healthcare services, contributing positively to health-related quality of life. Residents benefit from a range of medical facilities ensuring timely care and treatment, reinforcing the importance of health in enhancing urban livability. In terms of Childcare & Education, Angra scores a B-, reflecting opportunities for improvement. Efforts are ongoing to bolster educational infrastructure and childcare services, crucial elements that directly impact the better life index for families. Transportation is another area where sustainable urban planning plays a pivotal role. While public transport may still be expanding, local initiatives focus on enhancing connectivity within the city and beyond, improving both commute scores and overall access. Conclusion Angra do Heroísmo’s blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and strategic urban planning creates a compelling narrative for its residents and visitors alike. With strengths in amenities, culture, and health, coupled with ongoing efforts to address challenges like noise and NIMBY attitudes, Angra is well-positioned to ascend in both the city livability ranking and global liveability index. As it continues to embrace sustainable urban development and enhance public transit services, Angra do Heroísmo remains a testament to how tradition and progress can coexist harmoniously. The city's commitment to improving living standards through thoughtful land zoning and urban redevelopment projects ensures that its quality of life will only continue to rise in the years ahead.

Angra do Heroísmo

Country: Portugal

Population: 35402

Elevation: 26.0 metre

Area: 237.52 square kilometre

Web: https://angradoheroismo.pt/

Area code: 292

Overall score

Total

B+

Amenities

Childcare & Education

B-

Commute

B-

Culture & Entertainment

B-

Health

NIMBY

C-

Noise