What's it like to live in Austria?

The feeling of living in Austria depends largely on who you are, where you are and what you do.

Although Austria is small, different people have different lives there.

This country also has deceptive classless characteristics. I say this is a lie, because even if everyone seems to live the same and good lifestyle, the society itself is actually highly hierarchical, and we hope to maintain this level, because this is what establishes the Austrian identity.

The class differentiation of Austrian society is a high differentiation between the elite and the blue-collar class, which is roughly like this:

Elite: The elite of Austrian society is reserved for people with titles. Whether they are aristocrats, scholars, or both, if you are Dr. Hovrat von Blabla-FenKrstan, you are the best. Of course, this means an ancient family, ancient wealth, long-term relationship and network, and it is likely to have an ancient and beautiful home, a Mercedes-Benz G-model, a doctor's office and the position of honorary professor in Vienna, Graz or Salzburg. Such people will have a good life, high salary, enough paid holidays and often travel abroad.

At the top are entrepreneurs: as rich as they are, even richer, but without titles and attractions, you will see very rich local entrepreneurs who usually live a long life. Plumbers, restaurateurs and grocers, who have taken over the business from their parents and grandparents, enjoy all the benefits brought by deep-rooted reputation, ancient money and ancient network. They will live as well as the people above, but they are not elegant at all. They are very down-to-earth people, who may speak local dialects and have a strong connection with traditional frameworks such as the Catholic church, the community where they grew up and the scenery.

Middle-level, elite background: descendants of elite parents may not be able to follow in their footsteps. You will find that many people obviously come from a beautiful family, but they just can't become stars like their parents. They often live in rented houses in big cities and try to look as tall and professional as possible, but they just can't. They will stick to their own culture, always secretly struggle with the humble reality that they have to fight, and strive to make themselves look more successful than they really are. Many white-collar service industries have such a background. Compared with international people, they will still live a very comfortable life, usually people with health awareness and culture, and enthusiastic users of Austria's excellent leisure choices.

Middle-class, blue-collar background: The same lifestyle will be lived by people with non-academic background and non-aristocratic background. There are waiters, technicians, cashiers and so on. They are more satisfied with their fate and more practical. I want to say that they are probably the most relaxed Austrians. If you like their diet, including a lot of alcohol and pork, it is easy and beneficial to make friends with them as an outsider. I have friends and relatives from all walks of life in Austria, but actually I like to deal with this man because he is never nervous or embarrassed. If you speak German well, you will also appreciate their colorful language, which is much more vivid than German and full of pleasant words that you can't find outside Austria.

Others. That is, people who live in Austria but are not Austrian. This can also be divided into two categories: a) people of Slavic or Latin descent, who blend together like a charm. I have a Peruvian relative who has lived in Vienna for forty years. She is a real Viennese. B) Yes. Even if you are German, you will never be a real Austrian. If you come from farther away, my god. Might as well have tentacles and flying saucers. These people usually live anywhere, from exploited illegal immigrants who do menial work under the arrangement of semi-mafia to respected scholars or media stars. But they will never be locals.

On the whole, life in Austria is wonderful. Austria is a very safe, clean and beautiful place. There are lovely restaurants and cafes everywhere, and the scenery there is like the cover of a fantasy book.

I will compare it with life in Norway or Sweden, but you will get an extra advantage because you are in the center of Europe and can easily reach Italy, Germany, the East and Switzerland.