Top ten cities to live in Albania for 2014

Dita daily newspaper has published a ranking of the top ten cities to live in Albania for 2014. This initiative was undertaken by a group of students of the Faculty of Philology at the University of Tirana in collaboration with the National Agency of Tourism and the «campusALBANIA» social club. For some months they have been analyzing the standards of living for citizens in various cities, based on the main criteria of a good living, such as criminality, the price of food and buildings, social life, urban infrastructure, etc.

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1-Korça

This city deserves to be ranked in the first place as the heartland of the southeast of Albania. Korca is a city full of parks, with rare architecture, a mixture of ottoman architecture with special elements of Greek, Italian or French architecture. The excellent traditions in culinary, hospitality, arts, and music make this city attractive to live in. With improving infrastructure and being located at the junction of Greece and Macedonia, Korca is considered to be the best city to live in for 2014, away from the noise and dust. Its population is estimated to be 90.000 inhabitants and is an important administrative center. Korca is a city that offers enjoyable opportunities for education, investments, and employment.

2-Permeti

This city can offer everything you need except the sea. Permeti still remains a good solution to live in. Situated along Vjosa river, with a population of about 12 thousand inhabitants, the city is covered in the green grass of parks and gardens. The air is fresh and clean and has a low level of pollution and the environment is well preserved. In the last years, the price of buildings has increased but it is worth investing in this city not only for the warm and friendly welcoming of locals but even for the tranquility and security. With the fantastic prices that make it different from other cities, it’s worth living in the beautiful city of Permet.

3-Bajram Curri

This city is situated in the Albania part of Gjakova Highland, near to the breathtaking Albanian Alps. Criminality almost doesn’t exist and locals are very generous and welcoming. Here you can live well and not spend too much. The road connection with Gjakova city has helped in improving the city’s economy. If you choose to travel to Bajram Curri by train ferry through Komani lake, you will be impressed by the beauty of nature. Private investments in Valbona Valley have increased dramatically in the last years and are helping in attracting many Albanian and foreign visitors. Valbona Valley it’s a protected National Park and is considered to be one of the most unspoiled touristic areas of Albania.

4-Vlora

Vlora has become over the years one of the most cosmopolite cities of Albania. There are a lot of investments in the real estate sector and having an apartment in Vlora is a trend. As a tourist city, Vlora is more clean and quiet than Durresi, cheaper than Saranda, and has a lot to offer in the employment sector, in education (since this city has its own public university), and entertainment. The city is becoming the main center of the Albanian Riviera. The finalization of the Levan-Vlore highway will shorten the distances of Vlora with other urban centers and will help in the further development of the local economy.

5-Pogradeci

Pampered by nature, this city is blessed. It has a harsh winter with low temperatures and a shiny summer along the lake. Situated near Korca city, Pogradeci has unique traditions, especially in culinary. In the last years, the city has been well managed by the local government in preventing the construction of illegal buildings and in the improvement of infrastructure. In general, Pogradeci is a quiet and picturesque city during the whole year. The city remains a lovely nest for all lovers and those who like to spend their holidays in cities like Pogradeci.

6-Corovoda
We choose this city as one of the cheapest to live in. With a virgin nature, healthy food, traditional drinks, and fresh air, we suggest Corovoda as the place where the third age persons can enjoy the quiet and peaceful days that this city can offer to them. The locals are distinguished for their respect for foreigners and their joyful social life. The road infrastructure still remains a concern while investments in the garment industry have increased the number of people employed by increasing at the same time their incomes.

7-Rresheni

The city of Rreshen is the main center of Mirdita with about nine thousand inhabitants. It is well known as one of the centers of Albanian Catholicism. The locals are characterized by hospitality and generosity and there you can visit one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Albania. Rresheni is a clean city, quiet as well and with low prices of food and houses. The power never goes off and the water is clean but the traditional food must contain more oriental-Mediterranean culinary elements.

8-Orikum

Once it was a farm and a naval base with hardworking people that didn’t know how to manage the natural resources and gifts given by nature. Nowadays is one of the most prominent coastal areas of the Ionian sea. The improvement of road infrastructure and the awareness of locals have transformed the city into the preferred destination of family tourism. It’s a competitive and attractive small coastal city during all seasons. No matter if you go on vacations, to invest, or to live in it, Orikumi remains one of the most relaxing and charming small cities in southern Albania.

9-Peshkopia

Situated between the Drin river and the legendary mountain of Korabi, the city of Peshkopi has been and remains one of the most traditional cities, with its cleanliness and social welfare. The city of Peshkopi is a crossroad between Albanian and Macedonian trade roads and has its own university branch. The local and central powers have made a lot of investments in this city. It has the profile of a quiet city where you can live well without spending too much. The construction of Arbri Road would give this historic region the proper authority.

10-Shengjini

The beach city is characterized by cleanliness and it’s one of the cheapest along the Adriatic coastline. For the last 8 years, Shengjini has been able to attract tourists and also new inhabitants. Numerous investments in construction, tourism, transport, and other sectors make this small city a very nice place to live in.

*This article was published under the “My fantastic Albania” category. “My fantastic Albania” is a project of the National Agency of Tourism, which aims to introduce to the Albanian reader every week different tourists destinations which are worth visiting during 2014.