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Five Top Cities to Move to in 2019

For many people, the New Year means a new start – and that often means moving abroad, whether it is to enjoy a better work-life balance, more space, a sunnier climate or just to experience a new culture.

Hamiltons organise competitively-priced, high quality international removals to Europe and around the world. Here we look at five cities which are likely to prove popular places to move to during 2019.

Vienna

The Austrian capital has always been one of the most popular destinations for Europeans moving abroad. Expats are attracted by excellent job prospects, high-quality public transport and one of the best healthcare systems on the continent.

New residents can enjoy some of the most stunning architecture in Europe, with the Hofburg and Schonbrunn Palaces well worth a visit. And don’t forget the city’s theatre, opera and classical music scenes, which are famous all over the world. Add to this the low levels of pollution and crime, and it should come as little surprise that Vienna topped the latest Mercers Quality of Living survey as the most desirable city to live in.

Vancouver

Canada boasts clean cities, stunning landscapes and friendly locals – and the western city of Vancouver is one of the jewels in its crown, attracting people from all over the world. It also ranks well in the latest Mercers survey.

Move here and you can enjoy all manner of winter sports, with skiing, snowboarding and ice hockey among the most popular activities. But you don’t need to worry too much about the cold, because the city enjoys quite mild winters. Vancouver also has a thriving cultural scene, with more than 50 professional theatre companies based in the city.

Munich

This German city is likely to be a popular place to move to in 2019. It ranked highly in the latest Mercers survey, coming in the top three, due largely to its strong economy. The European Digital City Index has highlighted the increasing number of hi-tech businesses which are being set up here.

Munich is also a vibrant, multicultural city. One in four of its inhabitants are of foreign origin, so anyone thinking about removals to Munich should have no problem fitting in. And there are plenty of places to chill out and relax, as a fifth of the city is made up of green spaces or parks.

Zurich

Many people consider moving to Zurich because of the job opportunities. The city is the home of the country’s world-renowned financial industry, employing four-fifths of the city’s workforce.

It is ideal for anyone who enjoys the outdoor life, as you can sail, swim or sunbathe at Lake Zurich, and skiers can take advantage of one of the many Alpine resorts nearby.  However, if you are thinking about an overseas move to Zurich, one downside is that the city is a very expensive place to live.

Amsterdam

This city is a popular destination for expats, perhaps because it doesn’t really feel like a major city. It’s far smaller than other European capitals such as London or Paris, and much quieter too – many people get around by bike rather than by car.

The Dutch capital is also one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has more than 1,000 protected national monuments and, thanks to its network of picturesque canals, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also one of the best high-tech cities to work in, thanks to a combination of fast broadband speeds and high salaries. 

Moving Abroad with Hamiltons Removals

If you are thinking of international removals to Europe, East Anglia removals company Hamiltons are the people to call. We organise commercial and domestic moves to cities in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany, including Amsterdam, Zurich and Munich.

And our international removals department can help you move house to countries across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Follow the link above to learn more about our services.


A Guide to Top Christmas Markets in Germany, Switzerland and Austria

Removals germany, christmas markets

There is no better way of getting into the festive spirit than going to a Christmas market. These traditional events, usually held in town squares, have been popular in Europe for centuries and, as they coincide with Advent, mark the beginning of the festive season.

The markets, which typically operate from the end of November until Christmas Eve, offer a real taste of local culture. Many of the stalls sell regional specialities, particularly food and drink. They offer much more than somewhere to do your Christmas shopping as the communities often lay on plenty of musical and dance events, plus a nativity play.

Hamiltons Removals organises removals to Germany, Switzerland and a host of other European destinations. Here are six of the most famous Christmas markets on the continent.

Dresden

This is one of the oldest markets, not just in Germany but the whole of Europe, and dates back to 1434. The main event is known as Striezelmarket after the so-called ‘Dresden Christmas cake’ which was originally called ‘striezel’. It is held in the town’s old market square, and the focal point is a 14 metre high Christmas pyramid.

There are also lots of separate, themed markets in other neighbouring streets. Arts and crafts items are among the most popular purchases, and you can watch woodcarvers and glassblowers in action at some stalls. Festive concerts are also held in various venues throughout the city.

Berlin

The German capital has more than 60 different markets, catering for every conceivable taste. The Gendarmemarket features jugglers, fire-eaters and acrobats, while the market in front of the Red Town Hall is aimed more at children, with pony and sleigh rides, street artists and storytellers.

For the environmentally conscious there is also a Green market, with lots of ethically-sourced goods, and even Santa is dressed in green. The largest and most traditional market is held in Spandau, a western district of the city, where up to 400 stall-holders sell their wares.

Stuttgart

More than 250 wooden chalets fill the Market Square and neighbouring Schillerplatz for this lively Christmas market. Family entertainment includes a miniature steam railway, and an outdoor ice skating rink for the sporting types.

As well as a full range of local culinary specialities, the event includes an antiques market held on Karlsplatz which offers rare books, jewellery, porcelain and other collectibles. Christmas concerts take place in the courtyard of the Old Castle.

Berne

For those people interested in removals to Switzerland, the country has embraced the traditions of Christmas markets, with Berne hosting two events, each with its own character.

At Munsterplatz you will find plenty of locally-made arts and crafts, including pottery, hand-painted silk scarves, glassware and textiles. Waisenhausplatz offers more traditional Christmas market fare, including food and drink plus clothes and children’s toys.

Basel

One of the largest in Switzerland, Basel Christmas market is split between two main sites, on Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz. The former has plenty of tempting culinary treats, including gluhwein, grilled sausages and gingerbread. Munsterplatz, as well as plenty of stalls, is also home to a fairy-tale forest, where children can make and decorate candles and gingerbread and enjoy train rides.

Vienna

The Austrian capital has had a Christmas market since 1298, when it was called a December market. The principal venue is in front of the City Hall, although there are around 20 other markets running throughout the capital. The hall’s windows are made up to look like an Advent calendar, while inside the building children can learn how to make candles and cookies. For the musically minded, international choirs sing carols at free concerts from Fridays to Sundays while the markets are running.

Hamiltons Removals organises commercial and domestic removals to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. You can find a full list of countries we offer removals to in Europe by following the link above. We pride ourselves on our friendly, professional service and will be happy to advise you on all aspects of your move, and can provide a packing service for all your possessions, including bulky items like motorbikes and pianos.