SOUTH BOHEMIA NAMED THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

20. 6. 2025

South Bohemia has been officially named the best place to live in the Czech Republic, according to the annual “Place for Living” ranking compiled by the research agency Datank. Now in its fifteenth iteration, the survey compares the well‑being of residents across all 14 Czech regions, weighing both objective statistics and subjective satisfaction. The announcement, made in Prague this year, marks a key shift in regional development trends: South Bohemia has overtaken Prague, which had dominated the top spot for two consecutive years. Hradec Králové and Zlín secured the second and third positions, respectively.

A Thorough and Detailed Analysis
Datank’s ranking is built on an impressive framework of 88 indicators spread over eight vital categories: safety, leisure & tourism, civil society & tolerance, education & childcare, infrastructure, labor, health & social services, and environmental sustainability. The agency gathered its data in March 2025 from 23 official sources and also surveyed 1,600 residents from across the country. According to research director David Pavlát, Datank aims to “highlight regions making real progress in improving quality of life,” by measuring both measurable outcomes like crime rates and school availability—and residents’ overall satisfaction.

The Strengths of South Bohemia
South Bohemia’s ascent to the top spot isn’t accidental. The region boasts excellent road safety records, a high number of social care beds, strong housing construction figures, and ample grammar school availability. Beyond these metrics, the region’s geographical and economic character contributes significantly to its appeal: with a low population density of just 65 people per km² and a diverse landscape that includes the Bohemian Forest, Šumava National Park, the famed Lipno Reservoir, and thousands of historic fishponds. It also features a mixed economy ranging from agriculture (notably fish farming) to a growing tourism sector, bolstered by its scenic beauty and historical towns like Český Krumlov. Governor Martin Kuba emphasized the long-term strategy: “We want South Bohemia to be a region where young people see their future.” Investing in infrastructure, housing, education, and youth opportunities has clearly paid off.

Rising Stars and Struggling Regions
Hradec Králové captured second place, largely thanks to its wide availability of pharmacies, low student-to-teacher ratios, strong healthcare infrastructure, and reduced municipal waste. Zlín, in third, also shone in waste management, class sizes, and primary arts education availability. The contrast could not be starker with the lagging regions: Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary, which occupy the bottom two positions, reflecting a persistent disparity in service provision, economic opportunity, environmental health, and social investment across the Czech Republic.

The Decline of the Capital City, Prague
Prague’s dramatic drop to seventh place shocked many observers. Though still an economic powerhouse and cultural hub, the city fell short in crucial areas: It now records the highest crime rate and the most traffic accidents in the country, along with the widest gender wage gap, poor environmental ratings, and unaffordable housing . Ironically, while local residents report relatively high satisfaction, these stark metrics suggest systemic weaknesses beneath the city’s prosperity—and the issues are serious enough to prompt urgent action from municipal authorities.

Toward a More Balanced Future
More than just a leaderboard, the “Place for Living” ranking serves as a strategic roadmap. It highlights not only where each region excels, but also where attention is needed. For example, South Bohemia’s success is rooted in its balanced approach: focusing not only on safety and education, but also on environmental stewardship and public services. Meanwhile, the tool calls for action in Prague, where wealth is not translating into equitable well-being. Lower-ranking regions face similar challenges and should take this ranking as a call to improve services in healthcare, infrastructure, education, and environmental protection. In the broader Czech context—with a national population of around 10.8 million, median age ~43, and nearly universal healthcare coverage this index reaffirms the importance of balanced, inclusive, long-term regional development.

2025 Czech Regional Quality of Life Ranking