How to decide on where to live: Things for expats to consider

Current neighbourhood

Where do you live now? Is it urban, suburban or rural? And how important is this to you? Don’t forget to consult anyone who may be moving with you. For some people an expat role is an opportunity to live in a completely different environment to what they are used to. For others, replicating their home environment is more important. When choosing where to live, these factors need to be considered. If you are unsure of the country to go to and the choice is up to you, why not take a look at our country guide to see some of the top countries in the world for expats to live and work in.

Visiting your destination

No amount of online research or Google Street View will beat actually paying a visit to your soon to be home. Soak up the atmosphere, try to visit the neighbourhoods on your shortlist and talk to people who live there. Explore the local shops, meet the community, try the cafes and bars. The amenities and facilities around you will play a big part in your new life. They can determine how you spend your evenings or weekends. If you have hobbies, are these located near you? Or are there new hobbies in these new surroundings that you can join?  Exploring this area will help you get a feel for the location when deciding where to live as an expat.

When it comes to evaluating a neighbourhood the primary concerns of most expatriates include:

Proximity to schools

If you have school-going children, this is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing where to live. Choosing a school for expat children is difficult. For many expat families the location of the school may well dictate the neighbourhood they live in. If the school you choose has a school bus service, you may have more flexibility.

Proximity to your work

If you are moving to a city your commute is something to consider. Some expats sacrifice the time it takes to get to work for a better quality of life for their partner or children away from the hustle and bustle of city life. For others, living close to the office is key to make the most of life in and outside of the office. Discussing these options and talking about what is better for your family is how you decide on where to live when moving abroad for work.

Proximity to other expats

Some neighbourhoods like Holland Village in Singapore are popular choices for expats. This may make it more or less attractive to you, depending on what appeals to you. If it is your first assignment and you are eager to connect with others in a similar situation then choosing a neighbourhood that is popular with expats could be the right thing for you. If you want to connect more with the local community, this kind of neighbourhood may not appeal at all. It really does depend on your personal preference. 

City vs suburbs

There are some cities in the world where most people either live in or near the city centre, in others the city consists of the central business district, but the majority of people commute from surrounding suburbs. Research your destination to understand which way your new home location works. Be aware that if you choose a different option from the majority, you may face additional challenges e.g. public transport designed to get people around the city rather than out to the suburbs or vice versa. Doing your research about your new location is going to help you with deciding on where to live as an expat.

Housing options

Finally, the availability of housing options may impact your neighbourhood selection, particularly if you are travelling with your family. City living is usually apartment led however in some cities there may not be apartments big enough to accommodate a family with children. If this is the case, then you may have to consider neighbourhoods outside of the city which may have larger houses more suited to your needs. 

Crime in the area

Safety will be one of your top priorities when choosing where to live, especially if you have young children moving with you. To ensure the area you are relocating to is safe, you can check the crime rates in the neighbourhood. You can go further by researching online and getting your information from authentic real estate websites. There may also be a resident association you can contact for more information. Security will play a role in your experience abroad so do as much as you possible before you settle to find out as much about the neighbourhood as you can.

If possible, spend time considering the right expat neighbourhood for you. Choosing the right place to live as an expat is one of the best parts of preparing for life abroad so enjoy the process. You can find more useful tips for choosing the right destination as an expat here, that may help you make your decision. Once you make the decision and move, make sure you make the most of your time in this new country. Find some tips here on how to settle into your new home as an expat.