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.
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.
The decision to move from Georgia was not spontaneous, as this country was never considered a final destination for long-term emigration. There were always plans to move on, which is why an active search for a new place to live began.
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.
The story of buying a house in Serbia often begins with browsing online listings. This is how an attractive option was found in the city of Zrenjanin: a U-shaped, Mexican-style house with an enclosed courtyard, which looked almost perfect in the photos. The price of €25,000 seemed more than tempting.
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.
Budget planning is the first step when moving to Serbia. The cost of living here is considered moderate by European standards, however, the main expenses are concentrated in the capital, Belgrade. Housing rent is the most significant expense, especially in the central districts of the city.