Have you always dreamed of eating croissants in Paris or feeling the sea salt spray on your face along the Portuguese coast? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn German, or you’ve wondered what Sweden actually looks like. Good news: with the recent rise in remote work and the global spread of the Internet, it’s become easier than ever to move abroad, and Europe has never been more accessible.
There are over 50 countries in Europe. This means that plenty of people are left wondering: where in Europe should you move and why? Don’t worry: we’ve done our research. Keep reading to learn about our seven favorite European cities and why they should be on your list of places to move. Don’t forget to renew your passport – a new life in Europe awaits!
Madrid, Spain
With gorgeous, sunny weather and tons of gorgeous art and culture, Madrid is a capital city that’s positively buzzing with activity. It’s not an inexpensive place to live by any means. However, its cost of living is generally lower than those of other major European cities, and its crime rates are comfortably low. The schools are also top-notch, and their healthcare is extensive. This makes it perfect for anyone moving with children or a family. Overall, if you’re looking for a beautiful, sunny place in which to live, work, and brush up on your Spanish, you can’t do much better than Madrid.
London, United Kingdom
Are you looking for lively nightlife? A bustling theatre scene? A vibrant multicultural city where you can explore tons of different cultures? Then you might be interested in London. It’s a city where thousands of years of history are on display. It also feels incredibly modern. For most Americans, an added bonus is that there won’t be a language barrier when you arrive. Pro tip: use the UK’s robust transportation system to travel all around the UK and Europe. With dozens of trains leaving daily, London is a perfect place to live if you’re interested in seeing all of Europe during your time abroad.
Lisbon, Portugal
Plenty of digital nomads and expats love Lisbon, and it’s not hard to see why. For one thing, there’s the weather, as Lisbon enjoys an average of 300 sunny days per year; what’s more, it’s also more affordable than some of Europe’s biggest cities. Lisbon is also home to tons of art, culture, and nightlife opportunities. Spend your time off work strolling along the coast or admiring the famous ceramic tiles at the National Azulejo Museum. When you live and work in Lisbon, there’s so much to explore that you’ll never feel bored.
Hamburg, Germany
Berlin may be the German choice of city for many fun-loving young people. However, Hamburg is an equally appealing option for older people, retirees, or anyone who simply wants a slightly more relaxed vibe. But Hamburg isn’t just a second-place option: it impressively boasts a low crime rate, high quality of life, and a high employment rate. It’s only an hour away from the sea and is home to many attractions. You can visit its many famous canals and its world-renowned art museum, the Kunsthalle Hamburg. If you’re looking for a place to settle down in Europe, Hamburg may just be the perfect choice for you.
Paris, France
No, it’s not the cheapest option on this list. But Paris is filled with magic – the same magic that inspired its many famed inhabitants, from Hemingway to van Gogh, and still inspires its visitors and residents today. Add to that its strong work-life balance, vast selection of beautiful art museums, and devotion to eating well during every meal of the day, and you have a city in which living is a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, its more than 400 parks make it ideal for anyone who needs a little greenery in their city. The takeaway? It’s Paris: it’s a classic for a reason.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is clean, well-functioning, and safe, making it the perfect place for American expats to adjust to Europe. The winters in Stockholm are long and cold. However, many Swedish companies provide plenty of vacation time to allow employees to take time off to travel. There’s also plenty to see in Stockholm – from exploring the Swedish archipelago to enjoying a traditional sauna, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, Stockholm features a great work-life balance, with work stopping right on time every day to enjoy ‘fika’ (afternoon tea). At once a historic city and a modern hub, Stockholm is as beautiful as it is exciting.
Athens, Greece
If you’ve seen Athens in pictures or in a movie, you instantly understand its main appeal. There’s nothing quite as beautiful as seeing the sun beating down on brilliant white architecture, perhaps while tasting fresh wine, olive oil, or seafood. With a population that predominantly speaks English, moving to Greece isn’t hugely challenging. Expats may need some time to become used to the slow change of pace that is so common in Athens. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Athens is home to a lively nightlife scene and a low crime rate, making it as fun to go out dancing as it is to go sightseeing in ancient ruins. As the intersection of ancient beauty and modern-day fun, Athens is truly a special place to live.
Trust Weidel Real Estate
Thinking of moving to Athens or Paris? You can trust Weidel Real Estate to make your move painless and easy. For over 100 years, we’ve helped people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with all of their real estate needs.
As a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, we at Weidel Real Estate are ready and willing to help you find your dream home – whether it’s in America, Europe, or anywhere else on Earth. No matter what your dream home looks like – whether it’s a tropical retreat or an apartment surrounded by Old World glamour – we’re here to help you find your perfect property. Don’t hesitate to contact Weidel Real Estate today to learn more!