Housing - Expat Magazine

Leonard, a writer, an educationist, a history-lover, and an avid reader and traveler, has found everything he needs to lead a fulfilled life in Turkey — where two opposite cultures meet and thrive together. He established his new home in Turkey in 2008 by some quirk of fate, and today, ten years later, he knows that his future is tied with Turkey. To find out more about his expat life in this magical country, follow us as we unfold Leonard's story.

Sarah is originally from Maine but spent five years in New York City, where she met her Colombian husband. They decided to move together to Bogotá pending his green card approval. Fascinated by the Colombian culture, especially the music and dance as well as the hiking opportunities, Sarah talks to Expat.com about her everyday life enjoying a pleasant family-oriented lifestyle and unique cuisine.

Jutismita moved from the fast-paced Delhi to Helsinki as a trailing spouse. With her move to Europe, Jutismita discovered not only a different lifestyle and landscapes but also a whole new self. She talks to Expat.com about her new habits, big loves (spoiler alert: travelling included), and the challenges of expatriation to northern Europe.

The dream of leaving our country behind in search of exciting adventures abroad can seem unachievable, especially among the younger crowds who are finding themselves with a newly acquired degree, little to no work experience, and a limited budget. Expat.com is here to tell you that it is still possible to move to another country no matter what your circumstances are.

Jenny spent most of her life in Quebec before she started feeling the need to explore other parts of the world. It was only after giving birth to her second child that her and her husband decided to move to California. Being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean she's bored. With an online boutique, a blog, and lots of family activities, she is kept busy. Now that she has obtained her Green Card, she's reminiscing about her journey with Expat.com.

You wish to make a home away from home, but what you should consider when choosing your house abroad? Many criteria such as the city's or town's cost of living, quality of housing, rent prices, neighbourhoods, etc. have to be taken into account – whether you're moving alone or with your family. Here are some useful tips to help you make the right housing choice.

Alexandra from Russia, first moved to Italy to study the language and to join her many Italian friends. Ever since she has been living in Verona with her Italian husband, and has been enjoying a balanced life that allows space for big gatherings, good food, yoga, and cycling.

Anne-Sophie comes from Ardennes, but she spent a few years in Paris before moving to Norway. Three years went by since she's living the dream with her companion in the beautiful town of Tønsberg. Looking back at her journey with mixed feelings – with sheer enthusiasm and nostalgia – here is what she has to say about Norway.

Kristin (also known as the Solar Super Mama) is an American expat in Belize — a country that she fell in love with at first sight, back in her college days. Kristin speaks to Expat.com about expat life with four kids in the picturesque Belize village of Monkey River and her wide range of passions — from nature and food to entrepreneurship, alternative ways of educating your children, and positive attitude towards life!

Diane's never-ending passion for new cultures brought her abroad years ago. Originally from Paris, Diane spent a few years in England before moving to Russia in 2013. For her, Russia is a land of opportunities – both at personal and professional levels. She shares her loving feelings for Russia with Expat.com.

The latest edition of the HSBC Expat Explorer survey has arrived, and with it comes some insight into expats and their finances. We have a look at the results to find out some of the places to move to if you want to boost your finances, or where the most expats are property owners.

Lisa originally comes from Charente Maritime, France. In her quest for new horizons, she moved to New Zealand where she spent six months before moving back to France. A few months later, she decided to move to the USA for her studies and better career prospects. Passionate about cinematography, she is now living her dream in Los Angeles and shares her enthusiasm with Expat.com.

Cyril Anne met her husband on a work trip to Germany, where she then moved to continue their life together. She has developed a love for all things German, from the cuisine to warm and friendly people, and she tells Expat.com about some of her favourite things about living in Frankfurt.

International companies are keen on hiring employees to work abroad on long-term contracts or specific projects, and the response they receive from the candidates is rather engaging. But what are multi-national businesses looking to achieve with this practice? And why are people willing to go through the inconvenience of relocation for work? AXA, a global insurance company with 107 million customers all over the world, has asked these and more questions to senior directors in charge of global mobility at 250 multi-national companies in eight countries and to 372 people in 11 countries who are working on international assignments. Expat.com discusses the findings of this survey on global mobility.

Originally from Romania, Alina moved to Denmark to pursue her education and eventually settled down there. However, she moved to Tallinn, Estonia to be with her (now) husband and give life there a try. Since moving there nine months ago, she has fallen for the country as well, and she tells Expat.com just what it is that makes Estonia so appealing.