City I'd Most Like to Live In: top of the list
#1 City I'd Most Like to Live In: Melbourne
Melbourne doesn't have the "exotic" appeal of the Latin cities BA or Sao Paulo, following in the tradition of the UK and US culturally-speaking. But it fits like your favorite pair of jeans - maybe they're not the most physically attractive, but they're comfortable, versatile, something you wouldn't mind wearing every day.
Food: You can find anything here, and it's good stuff too. I spent about 50% of my meal times on Victoria Road in Richmond which offers all of the banh mi, pho, and even Thai and Chinese that you could want.
Art & Design Culture: The whole spectrum of art is represented and thriving here, from establishment-y contemporary art museums to small galleries to open studios. Here's a great gallery guide in my favorite neighborhoods.
Public Transport: Excellent. You can get everywhere by train and tram. And walking. I didn't even have to take a bus anywhere.
Overall Energy: Not buzzing like Sao Paulo, and not quite as 24/7 as Buenos Aires, Melbourne
Safety: Except for the recent violence against Asian students, I felt like Melbourne was a fairly safe city.
Shopping: Awesome on Brunswick St in Fitzroy. Not just Australia-based designers, the street hosts Melbourne-based designers who have just one or a few stores open in the country. Plus really personable and knowledgeable service. By comparison, I thought the stores south of the river were more generic and pretentious, so I recommend staying in the Fitzroy area.
