If you are looking for a great, new, safe city to live in, Skopje may be at the top of your list.
It is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do, and even though many do not know this, Skopje is actually home to many ex-pats (including myself).
However, before you decide to move here, it is important to consider the pros and cons of moving to Skopje.
Is Skopje a good city for expats?
Let’s find out…
In this quick write-up, I will share with you the 10 most important factors that you need to think about before making your decision.
5 Quick Facts You Need To Know About Skopje:
– The city is located in the north of the country and is its capital.
– Skopje has been rebuilt since 1963 due to an earthquake that hit the city.
– Skopje is home to over half a million people.
– The official language spoken in Skopje is Macedonian, however, many people also speak English.
– The currency used in Skopje is the Macedonian denar (MKD).
Now that we have covered some of the basics, let’s dive into the pros and cons of living in Skopje as an expat.
What Are The Pros For Expats in Skopje?
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to move to Skopje as an expat.
Here are just a few of the pros that I have experienced since moving here:
The cost of living in Skopje is very affordable:
If you are moving to Skopje from a Western country, you will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable the city is.
You can easily find a one-bedroom apartment for under $300, and a meal for two people will only cost you around $20.
There is no language barrier as many people speak English:
Although the official language is Macedonian, you will find that many people in Skopje also speak English.
This is great news for those who do not speak Macedonian as it will make your transition to living in Skopje much easier.
The city is very safe and has a low crime rate:
Skopje is a very safe city and has a low crime rate.
This is one of the reasons why many expats choose to move to Skopje as it is a great city to raise a family in.
Skopje is a beautiful city with plenty of parks and green spaces:
If you are looking for a city that is both beautiful and has plenty of green spaces, Skopje is the perfect place for you.
There are many parks and gardens located throughout the city, so you will never be too far from nature.
There are many things to do in Skopje:
If you are looking for a city that has plenty to keep you busy, Skopje is the place for you.
There are many museums, galleries, and theaters located throughout the city, so you will always have something to do in Skopje.
It’s close to everywhere in Europe:
Skopje is located in the heart of Europe, which makes it a great city to live in if you want to travel.
Wizz Air offers great routes to and from Skopje from many major European airports.
It is easy and affordable to get around:
Getting around Skopje is very easy and affordable.
There are many public transportation options available, and you can also find taxis relatively easily.
The locals are very friendly:
One of the best things about living in Skopje is the locals.
They are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet and are always willing to help out.
Reliable internet access is available everywhere:
If you are moving to Skopje, you will be happy to know that reliable internet access is available everywhere.
This is great news for those who need to stay connected for work or other purposes.
What Are The Cons For Explats in Skopje?
Of course, there are also some downsides to living in Skopje as an expat.
Here are a few of the cons that you should consider before making your decision:
The city can be quite polluted:
One of the downsides of living in Skopje is that the city can be quite polluted.
This is due to the high number of cars and factories located throughout the city.
The winters can be very cold:
Another downside of living in Skopje is that the winters can be very cold.
If you are not a fan of the cold, you may want to consider moving to Skopje during the summer months.
The city can be quite noisy:
One of the downsides of living in Skopje is that the city can be quite noisy.
This is due to the high number of cars and motorcycles on the roads.
It can be difficult to find a job:
If you are looking for work, you may find it difficult to find a job in Skopje. This is because the unemployment rate is quite high.
The healthcare system is not the best:
One of the downsides of living in Skopje is that the healthcare system is not the best.
This is something you should keep in mind if you have any health concerns.
There is a bit of a culture shock:
North Macedonia is a quite conservative country, so you may experience a bit of a culture shock when moving to Skopje.
This is something that you should be prepared for before making the move.
So, Is Skopje a Good City for Expats?
Now that you know the pros and cons of living in Skopje, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the city is right for you.
If you are looking for a safe, beautiful, and affordable city to live in, Skopje may be the perfect place for you. However, if you are not a fan of the cold or pollution, you may want to consider another city.
Ultimately, only you can decide if Skopje is the right place for you to live.
You can learn more about Skopje from the eyes of an expat by seeing my previously published articles on Skopje here.