Plzeň or Turnov? Where is the best place to live in Czechia?

A new ranking of Czechia’s micro-regions has revealed an unexpected winner when it comes to quality of life. According to a study by Česká spořitelna and the data platform Europe in data, the small town of Turnov, in the Liberec region, has come out on top, and well ahead of Prague.

Plzeň|Photo: Klára Stejskalová, Radio Prague International

Plzeň, in western Bohemia, recently made headlines as the highest-ranked Czech city on the Numbeo quality of life index, surpassing Prague and even international destinations like Oslo, Madrid, Dubai, and Berlin.

But the latest ranking suggests that the best living conditions in Czechia are actually in Turnov, a small town northwest of Prague. Known as the gateway to the picturesque Czech Paradise region, Turnov is perhaps most famous for its Bohemian garnet jewellery.

The index, published earlier this month, assessed 206 Czech micro-regions across seven key areas, including the economy, demography, education, healthcare, and civic amenities. It took into account factors such as public transport access, the availability of shops and vending machines, and internet coverage.

Turnov|Photo: Jaroslav Hoření, Czech Radio

Turnov, home to over 14,000 people, performed exceptionally well in almost every category, with healthcare being its only weak spot. It also outshone larger towns in leisure and community facilities. Tomáš Hocke, the town’s independent mayor, takes particular pride in its strong public transport links and cultural infrastructure:

Tomáš Hocke|Photo: STAN

"Even though we're a small town, we have three libraries, and a fourth is currently under construction. As for transport, our advantage is that major cities like Prague, Liberec, or Mladá Boleslav are easily accessible from Turnov. The downside is that the town is a major crossroads: it is intersected by several busy roads, and those leading to the town of Semily and the Giant Mountains cross the central square."

Hrubý Rohozec|Photo: Šárka Škapiková, Czech Radio

Turnov dates back to the 13th century, with its first written record from 1272. Its standout landmark is the Neo-Gothic tower of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. The town is also home to the District Museum of the Bohemian Paradise. Just outside Turnov stands Hrubý Rohozec, a grand Empire-style castle worth a visit. Further along the Jizera River lies Dlask Farm, a beautifully preserved timbered folk house from the early 1700s.

Be careful not to confuse Turnov with Trutnov, a mix-up that even many Czechs make. Trutnov, located further north at the foot of the Giant Mountains, is famous for its rock music festival, which was once attended by former President Václav Havel, who had a second home in the area.

Photo: Jaroslav Hoření, Czech Radio

Following Turnov in the Europe in data ranking are the Moravian spa town of Luhačovice and Nové Město na Moravě in the Vysočina region. At the other end of the spectrum, Podbořany in the Ústí nad Labem region ranks among the towns with the lowest quality of life, followed by Bílina, also in northwest Bohemia, and Karviná in Moravia-Silesia.

Prague, despite leading in several categories, only placed 23rd. The capital struggles with high crime, limited school access, and soaring housing costs, which are driving young people away.