Viennamay have a painful past, but there’s nothing gloomy about its present. The city is home to a vibrant, growing kehillah — and it’s relatively affordable — making this one place that lives up to its slogan:Vienna is different!
It may not have the kedushah of Eretz Yisrael but neither does it have the pressures. It may not have the Jewish infrastructure of New York but neither does it have the pollution. It may not have as big a heimishe population as London but neither does it have the rainy weather. Wien ist anders (Vienna is different) runs the slogan of the city council. What’s true for the rest of the population is also true for Jewish Vienna.
In a global survey conducted by Mercers, an international outsourcing and human relations company, Vienna was awarded first place for “Quality of Living” for three consecutive years, from 2009-2011.
The easy-going, comfortable lifestyle is apparent even to the casual visitor. The streets are clean, the houses may be centuries old but their vibrant colors and beautiful facades add undertones of elegance. Most residents live in apartment buildings that are home to an average of 20 families per building. For the most part, the Jews find their non-Jewish neighbors to be cordial and encounter no problems living in mixed buildings. Since Austria is a predominantly Catholic country, all businesses and stores are closed on Sundays as well as public holidays.
Adding to the ease of daily life is Vienna’s well-planned transportation system. A recent study found that 96 percent of Viennese will find some sort of public transportation within a short walking distance of any given spot. Thanks to the extensive variety of underground trains, tramways, and buses, many find it unnecessary to use a car. Families with young children also appreciate the city’s many parks and playgrounds. One needn’t walk farther than five minutes from home to find a place for the children to run and play.
Create a free account to keep reading.
