It has been three and a half years since moving from Russia to Serbia. This time has flown by, and the last year and a half have been the most eventful and powerful of my entire life. It became a period when childhood dreams of what adult life should be like began to come true.
The first and most important advantage of living in Serbia is its people. Serbs come across as very kind and responsive people, with whom it is comfortable to be around and live side by side.
This line of thought began with an unpleasant comment that used the word 'pauper.' It prompted a reflection on the common belief that moving to the Balkans is a step down in quality of life. A journey that started in Krasnodar continued in Montenegro in 2021 and led to Serbia in 2023. This entire experience has served as a basis for analysis: has the standard of living really declined?
The story of trying to buy a house in Serbia began with the decision not to choose a property before selling our apartment. There was a fear of finding a dream home only to lose it while our old place was being sold, which could lead to psychological trauma. Therefore, the decision was made to get the money first and then start the search.
Serbia is a small Balkan country where Russians are treated well and the language is similar. However, the information you can find online often differs greatly from real life in the country. That's why it's important to rely on the personal experiences of those who have already moved to Serbia.
The Main Advice for Newcomers: Don't Rush For those who are just planning to move or have recently arrived in Subotica, there are several key insights based on many years of experience. The very first and most important one is not to do anything in a hurry.
Almost two and a half years have passed since emigration. This period allows for drawing some conclusions and sharing impressions. The goal of leaving had been maturing for a long time, and the main reason was a rejection of the social order in the country of origin.
Initially, it was assumed that the cost of heating a house in Serbia would be insignificant, around 2,000-3,000 rubles per month. This confidence was based on the fact that Serbian winters are much milder than Russian ones, with temperatures rarely dropping far below zero. The average winter temperatures range from -2 to +5 degrees Celsius.
After a year of living in Belgrade, the city map takes on new meanings. Special marks appear on it—so-called 'Russian spots.' These are establishments with Russian roots: from coffee shops and bars to beauty salons and barbershops, of which there turned out to be a surprising number in the city.