Where to Live in Romania: Small Town vs. Large City

If you’re planning to move to Romania, probably one of the biggest decisions you have to make is where to live: choose a small town or a larger city? Or maybe you should go for a village and experience that rural living with all the nature’s beauties around?

This article is about something that I’ve been considering for a long while now as well: we’re living in a smaller city in Romania, of about 80,000 people, and I am starting to ask myself seriously if we should stay or go to a larger one that has more to offer.

I will leave my personal reasons for a different article because they don’t really matter for somebody planning to move to Romania (being of a more personal nature), but this topic has to be talked about nevertheless because I believe that choosing the right city to live in is the most important decision you can make.

And even though the country has grown tremendously over the years, with smaller cities offering many of the things that the larger ones do, there are still many differenes that can make it or break it for you.

Before we get this started, I want to completely cross villages off the list. I have already talked about villages in Romania here where I explained in detail why they might not be a good choice for most people.

Still, a recent update from one of our readers who lived in a Transylvanian village shows that even villages could be right for some people. But since we’re talking about a modern life here, with access to modern amenities, entertainment, health care and much more, we’re only allowing the battle between a large city and a small city in Romania.

For most people looking for various things to do, for meeting new people, having a better infrastructure and a decent way of living, most of the villages in Romania are not a viable option since some still have no electricity, many have no running water, toilets are at the back of the yard and basically a hole in the ground… not to mention the fact that there are generally no shops, no restaurants and no cultural events.

So the real question remains: where type of city is best for you in Romania? A small city or a large one?

I am including most of cities and towns in the country in the “small town” category: from larger cities of around 100,000 to really small ones around 10,000.

The large cities I refer to are the biggest in the country: Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara, Brasov, Sibiu, Iasi and so on.

There are 20 cities in Romania with a population over 100,000 while just 9 have over 200,000 inhabitants, with Bucharest being the largest (around 2 million people live there).

Trust me when I say that the differences can be huge when comparing living in a smaller town to a large city and I am listing them below in a completely random order.

1. Walkability and public transportation

Small cities have little to no public transportation options. Any buses they might have, will generally be few and far in between, in most occasions connecting the nearby villages to the cities themselves.

However, since they are small, almost everything is within walking distance, even though you will probably have to walk up to 30 minutes to get to a place farther down the road. But usually you won’t have to, because you will most likely have an alternative nearby.

If you don’t want to walk, taxis are extremely reliable and cheap: in my city, I don’t think there’s any fare from a point to another that could cost more than 2 euros, with tips included. These add up if you use the taxi at all times, but generally you won’t have to.

Bucharest is one of the most crowded cities in Europe.

Larger cities have some sort of public transport options, with Bucharest being the only city in Romania where there’s a metro line (but there are still many areas not covered by the metro).

Even in the larger cities, the public transportation is not smartly built and you’ll still have to do a lot of waiting or walking to reach your final destination, but at least you have this option.

In Bucharest, for example (as I don’t really know how public transportation really is in the other large cities), expect buses and trams and even metros to be extremely crowded and waiting times to be nerve wrecking sometimes.

The family that moved to Brasov from the US, on the other hand, told me that the buses there are rarely full and they usually get to sit during most of their rides.

But, to put things into perspective, it’s worth mentioning that larger cities are generally not that walkable (hence the NEED for public transportation). So if you prefer to spend as little time as possible traveling from one place to another, smaller cities are better even with the fewer public transportaion options.

2. Closed- vs. Open-Minded

People in smaller cities might not be as open-minded as those in the larger ones. I was extremely surprised to hear a story from a friend living in Alba Iulia who knew a lady that had a child with an African man.

Their child faced a lot of obstacles and problems every now and then, some of them reminding us of the medieval ages: for example, doctors would not release the generic papers stating that she’s healthy (although she was) which were needed for her to start school, she was the victim of differentiated behavior from teachers and even some of the kids treated the girl poorly.

In the city I live in, for example, there are no people of African descendants living here, but I believe that a small portion of the population would behave similarly to those in Alba Iulia.

I know that there is a bunch of Asian people that moved here opening businesses and I’ve never personally seen them in the company of Romanians (although I can’t say if that’s their choice or that of the people living around them), but in smaller places there are higher chances of being a victim of racist behavior.

The lack of education and the fact that many of the people living in Romania are either grown under the close-minded communist regime or educated by people who grew under the communist regime is, in my opinion, part of the problem and even though most of the people I know – especially the younger ones – are extremely open minded and great people, you could expect outdated mentality from many, especially in the smaller towns and even more so from the older population.

In the larger cities, since you have more educated people living there (as well as better traveled individuals), younger people who have access to information and life-changing bits that those in smaller cities don’t necessarily have and even more expats to bring some sense into their minds, this lack of open-mindedness should not be as visible and walking around, talking with people might not sound, on many occasions, like a trip back in time.

3. Modern or not?

You will generally have less options in the smaller cities… in all areas. From entertainment to culture, restaurants and bars, events, shopping and health care, everything is on the low side in the smaller cities which actually makes a bit of sense because, well, there are less people to spend money in all these places.

For example, a couple of months ago, I had to visit an ENT specialist in the city I live in and I was horrified with the equipment the doctor used: she had the tool that she used to look inside my throat, which the nurse disinfected over the flame of an oil lamp (yup, another thing that sounds like the middle ages!). I almost jumped off the chair when I saw that but, hey, at least they disinfected it!

Her technique was not extremely pleasant either, as she had a nurse wrap her hand in bandage, grab my tongue and pull it out for some reason (probably she didn’t think I’d be able to open my mouth wide and say “Aaaaaa”) while she looked down my throat.

The cherry on top? That was a private clinic!

On another occasion, my wife went the to get herself tested for allergies and the doctor didn’t have those special, disposable plastic thingies to puncture her skin with, but instead used a syringe’s needle to scratch her skin – all while my wife was looking at me terrified, with tears in her eyes.

In most hospitals, it’s not unusual for food to be stored in old water buckets (at least the tea and soups) and served with utensils that seem to have seem both world wars:

food in hospitals

In the larger cities, you will definitely have a lot more options and the quality of everything should be in most cases more up to date.

After my ENT visit in my small city, I had absolutely no trust in my local doctor, so I went to Bucharest to get checked again. The lady doctor there had state of the art equipment, no nurse to pull out my tongue and everything was clean and nice as it should be.

Even though the experience was more pleasant overall, though, the result was the same so in the end, it means that even though smaller cities might have equipment from middle ages and similar techniques, they’re not incompetent so at least the diagnostics should be spot on.

But just for comparison’s sake, here is how one of my wife’s meals looked like in Bucharest, at the clinic where she gave birth to our son, as opposed to the horrible buckets above (read more about giving birth in Romania here):

regina maria dinner

Again, it’s all food and I never heard of anybody getting sick because they were served food from water buckets (which are clean albeit looking bad), but it’s the thing itself that makes you frown a bit and it might be a bit surprising for somebody coming from more advanced countries.

4. Do you have or need a job?

Finding work in smaller cities is difficult. Wages are also generally lower, even though the cost of living is also generally lower.

However, if you don’t have a guaranteed income, I would personally suggest you to stay away from the smaller cities, especially if you don’t speak the Romanian language and you don’t have a job offer on the table.

There are few – if any – options to get hired and the most you can probably hope for is a job that requires no specialized training, which is paid minimum wage and not enough to live on.

Finding jobs in the larger cities is a bit easier, even if you don’t speak Romanian, although there are no real guarantees here either.

The best idea in case you don’t have a guaranteed income is to find a job before getting here, as making the move hoping to get hired might prove difficult even in the larger cities. Having a job also makes it a lot easier to get a residency permit if you’re not an EU citizen.

5. Cost of living differs

Smaller cities are cheaper and the cost of living is lower than that in the larger cities. This is even better news for those who have a guaranteed income: $1,000 in Bucharest mean a lot less than $1,000 in a smaller city.

Even though the food prices are generally the same – and even restaurant prices up to a point are similar – it’s the other important things that make life cheaper or at least allow you for an increased comfort.

For example, in the city where I live in, you can rent a two bedroom apartment for as low as 150 Euros per month, with studios going as low as 75 Euros per month.

In Bucharest, you can rarely find a studio under 200 Euros (and that would be in a bad area). The same goes for purchasing a home: a two bedroom apartment sells for around 40,000 Euros (we bought ours for 25,000 in 2013!) while in Bucharest the cheapest ones are around 80,000 Euros.

Also, since there are less things for you to spend your money on, you tend to spend less. I realized that when I visit Bucharest, even if we stay there for a few weeks or more, we tend to spend more: on food, on entertainment, on transportation and on crap we don’t really need.

But we walk around, we see things and end up buying some of them. If you only have three supermarkets in your city and they all have, more or less, the same products, you are not tempted to spend as much money on things you don’t really need.

Smaller cities can be very charming, too. (This is Sighisoara, by the way).
Smaller cities can be very charming, too. (This is Sighisoara, by the way).

6. Slower or faster paced living?

Life in smaller cities is slower paced, the cities are quieter and less polluted. This can be either a pro or a con, but it certainly is like that: there are fewer people on the streets, fewer cars and less noise, more parks and green spaces and you have more chances to be and remain relaxed in a smaller city, in my opinion.

There are surely even more differences between the small and large cities in Romania and, up to a point, they’re probably similar to those in other countries. But do have these in mind when choosing your destination and the city you’ll be spending your time in in the country.

My personal advice would be that if you are retiring and don’t plan to party a lot or have an extremely active social life, but you don’t mind walking more, you should go for the smaller cities. They are quieter, they are cheaper, they are less insane and they offer better value for your money.

If you are in constant need for something to do, you like going out to a different place every night, you want to be part of multiple clubs and have a very active social life – or you need constant, special hospital care – then you should choose a larger city, knowing that it will be a bit more expensive, among other things.

So, with all these in mind, what would you choose? Would you go for the tranquility and cheaper costs in smaller cities or you’d choose a bustling, more expensive, larger city?

Calin
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35 thoughts on “Where to Live in Romania: Small Town vs. Large City”

  1. Great article C.! I think you make some good points on both sides. One thing I’d like to add from the perspective of being one of those who plan to retire to Romania within the next year is this; I’ve been thinking it may be better to “start” with little larger city, as having more options, more conveniences, even more expats like yourself, may ease some of the natural & normal culture shock as you adjust to your new country. It just seems on the surface of it, that initially, going from say, Chicago or Atlanta or even Orlando in the U.S., to Bucharest, Brasov or even Sibiu would make the transition a little easier than immediately relocating to a smaller town in your new country.

    However, that said, let me add this, that in time, after feeling more comfortable, and learning the language better, and all the while becoming more acclimated to your new home, that you may very well want to embrace the smaller town lifestyle. Who knows, but my plan is to start in Sibiu, and possibly migrate to a smaller town in a year or two. Anyway, I appreciate your insights and suggestions as always! Thanks! Best Regards, JC

    Reply
    • I think that’s the best way to do it! I too believe that smaller towns, once you get used with how things are going, are the better option, but it might be a bit too much if you went straight to a small one.

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  2. Hi-d-Ho Calin!
    A very well-thought out essay. Can’t wait to hear why you want to abandon Severin–although your description of your ENT visit did make me wince! (Should I stay, or should I go?;-)
    What about dentists? I’ve heard Bucharest is a mecca for those seeking cosmetic dentistry and implants.
    What is your opinion of “Brexit”? Do you have friends or acquaintances who may be forced to leave England. I understand anyone who hasn’t live in-country there for at least five years is subject to being forced to return to his/her country of birth.
    Did Mrs. Romanian get help for her allergies after all the Stone Age treatment? I hope little Eric is thriving, and has nothing worse than a runny nose, at times!
    I still worry about earthquakes (even though I currently live in a high risk area!) So, Bucharest is out for me.
    I think the Brasov family picked wisely–they did their “due diligence,” it seems.
    Other than the old world medicos of you town, I still think your Severin, or Piatra Neamt seem like good bets for me. I don’t like the hurly-burly of a mega-city like Bucharest–even with the wealth of activities and cultural venues offered. It’d be somewhat too overwhelming for this soon-to-be old fa*t.;-)
    Ugh, that hospital slop looks none to appetizing!
    ~Teil (USA)

    Reply
    • Dentists are also a bit behind in terms of equipment, but you can easily find a cabinet where there should be no problems. And despite the Stone Age methods, Mrs. Romanian’s allergies were identified and everything else went fine in the end.

      Regarding Brexit, I don’t have any close friends that might be forced to leave England and I personally believe that the whole thing is too far away in the future for anybody to make any plans. Nothing is set is stone, so until all the exact details are known, I think nobody should panic too much 🙂 But I do believe that it was a really dumb move in a series of dumb moves that seem to have happened in the world. Let’s just hope that Trump – president is not the next in line :))

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  3. You are thinking of leaving Drobeta-Turnu Severin? Well, then what incentive is there for us to retire there? I was expecting you to be at my beck and call and to have me over for dinner every night! More seriously, I think so-called assisted living facilities or nursing homes in Romania would be interesting for senior citizen ex-pats. I am sure they would be much cheaper than in the USA. I personally prefer smaller towns to big cities but it would be nice to have at least a train station that can get you into a bigger town if you feel like it.

    Reply
    • Small cities are good after a certain age and in our particular situation, it might not be the best choice for our son’s future. We are still weighting the options and trying to see which Pros outweigh the others, even though I too love this city and smaller cities in general.

      I know very little about the nursing homes in Romania, but I do know that many people look at them with suspicion because back in the days it was horrible to live there and sending your parents to a nursing home was considered the worst thing you could do. I am sure that the quality of these homes has improved (at least the private ones), but the mentality remains and it will probably be a while before people accept them and therefore they’re given the chance to blossom. Still, I remember that several years ago there was a huge scandal in the media because one fashion designer was sent to a private nursing home and everybody was criticizing her son for doing such a horrible thing to the poor lady, even though when they showed the place at TV stations, it looked more like a luxury hotel than anything else…

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  4. Great post C! It is definitely something to think about when one moves countries. I am currently researching our next destination. We just got back from a fact finding trip to Portugal, but l think we will still stay somewhere in Spain?. A big consideration for me as a black woman is to make sure that l will not run into any problems wherever we end up. Tensions are running high everywhere. Luckily, most places l’ve been, people have been generally nice, but you never know. I would definitely choose a smaller town again l think, but hopefully one with the metro line that runs right to the town (unlike we have here where the city ran out of money and we just have an empty metro stop). It’s not bad, only 10 mins to the nearest station and free parking, but it’s something l need to consider. I like JC’s suggestion. It will be less of a shock that way. I suspect our hospitals at home and doctors operate much the same way?.

    Reply
    • Hi Kemkem,
      Let me jump in again for a quick question that you may have a good bit of knowledge about. I’ve been told by several people that Portugal is still the cheapest place to live in all of Western Europe, especially if you stay out the larger cities. Would you tend to agree with that? I hope you are well and thanks in advance!
      Best Regards, JC

      Reply
      • Hi JC,
        We visited Lisbon and Lagos. I can say without a single doubt that Spain is the cheaper of the two, believe it or not! Maybe if one goes out further from the larger cities maybe, but l doubt it very much. It is cheaper overall, but having being to a few of the super markets in both places, we are positive Spain is cheaper for food and for rent. I’m talking about Andalusia of course. Madrid and Barcelona are way more rent wise, but l think the food prices are about the same or slightly less than Portugal. If you don’t need to work, or work online, l think Andalusia (Seville, Malaga etc) is cheaper. Surprised me a bit. That being said, we loved Lisbon..a lot..pretty sure we will stick with the lower cost of Spain though 🙂 but visit there.

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        • Hi Kemkem,
          Thanks so much for the info, as it’s always interesting to hear more from somebody who has actually lived there, than just what is published about a area. Though interestingly enough, I will say that the two specific areas you mentioned in Portugal are also reportedly the most expensive, Lisbon and Lagos. My research led me to read some very good things about Viseu and Covilha in North Central Portugal, and with very reasonable rents and other costs. Now, thanks to your recommendations, I will definitely take another look at Spain too. At first, I intended to basically just retire in Romania, but though that is still the ultimate goal, I have started to think I may want to kick around Europe for a while, attempt to start my own blog and maybe try to become a digital nomad for a while. People like yourself and Calin, have inspired me to consider doing more than just settling down. I’m almost 62, but a “young” 62, and still want to have adventures!

        • No problem JC! It’s good to know prices everywhere so you can make a better decision. That being said, you should definitely take another look at Spain. If we didn’t have dogs, we would definitely be living in a modern townhouse in the same suburb we live in or close to the metro stop and paying $400 or so for a 2 bedroom. Your plan of being a digital nomad sounds like a good idea. It will be of help to others and you get to see other great places before deciding. I know in Lagos for instance, it would be almost impossible to live without a car, so it’s something else to consider, especially in an even smaller town. Medical insurance is cheaper in Portugal than here. Our friends pay €20 a month less than we do (we pay €63.50 each monthly)and they have used it quite a bit for ongoing ills requiring specialists. She is about your age, and he is in his 70’s and they are not ready to stop their adventures, so you definitely can do it! 🙂

        • Kemkem,
          Wow, I just checked out and subscribed to your blog, nextbiteoflife.com.
          Very cool, and the photography is beautiful for the 20 pics in your pdf ebook, which I downloaded also. Amazing shots, and I can see why you were taken with Spain, as several wonderful shots around the country there, as well as everywhere else you’ve visited in your travels.

          I would say that you guys are truly living the dream, and I’m very happy for you. I’m quite sure you inspire many with your site as well. The prices you mentioned in Spain for the townhouse are also very doable, and I appreciate the suggestion. Also, thanks for the encouragement, because as you know, not everyone thinks traveling and having wanderlust is a good thing! 😉 Take care! JC

    • I don’t think that there is a huge difference in cost of living or the beauty of the countries between Spain and Portugal, so since you have settled well there and are probably starting to catch some Spanish and know how things work there… it’s probably better to stick to it since it is so nice. I can’t wait to hear on your blog what you found out about Portugal – just like JC, I’ve also heard it being called by many the hidden gem of Western Europe. Even more, as I am following a lot of Thailand expats, they are starting to call it the Chiang Mai of Europe (which is strange, since Chiang Mai is a city, but we’ll ignore that) and I’ve heard that many are planning to move there. So Portugal might actually become very popular in the next few years…

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      • Funny you should mention Chiang Mai. Our house sitters are headed there after their house sit in Portugal. The cost of living is indeed cheaper and l think at this point, more bloggers than locals live there. I still think though that a life for less than €1,000 per month will make life really unpleasant. I generally think it’s a good idea to live at least as well as you did, not worse if you move to a new country. Portugal is a gem, not sure it’s really hidden anymore. It was so frigging full of tourists..like a lot..a whole lot..a whole whole lot 🙂 :-). A LOT!!!!! 😉

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      • Hi Calin,
        Good points, and both Spain and Portugal look to be well worth exploring for a while. Though I am still convinced that ultimately, Romania is my ideal fit for retirement and eventually settling down, I’m not completely sure I’m ready to do that just yet. I may want to wander about for a little while and chalk up a few more adventures under my belt before I completely settle down!.. lol. Plus, once I start traveling, wanderlust may set in and take over for a while!…haha…

        Reply
        • Things like housesitting and AirBnb makes all this a lot easier now. I would personally just do it if that was an option. But have in mind that running a profitable travel blog (if that’s the plan) is not impossible, but extremely difficult. It’s worth trying as well, at least for the fun of it and fpr meeting some amazing people!

        • That’s a great point Calin, and to be honest, I’m not sure how much work I’d be willing to put into it. If I could travel around a bit and write about, but without dipping into my savings too much, it may be worth it just for the fun & adventures of it all.

          I remember a friend a number of years back who was a great natural golfer, played scratch golf with little practice. So many people told him he should become a professional golfer and try join the tour. He laughed and said, soon as he had to make a living at it, it wouldn’t be fun anymore, so he wasn’t interested.

          I like to write, and I’ve always loved traveling as often as I had the chance, but if I had to worry about making money doing, it wouldn’t be fun anymore. Doesn’t mean I won’t give it a shot, and I won’t pressure myself, although your point is well taken that it’s not easy to make profit doing it. Thanks!

        • Calin,
          Yes, my sister had a good suggestion too. Spend five or six months traveling between maybe 3 or 4 different cities that I’m most interested in across Europe, all the while finding good deals on airbnb, etc for a month or two in each location, and then writing about my experiences, before then heading to Sibiu to settle in.

          Besides, even after getting settled in Sibiu, I plan to take a trip to somewhere else in Europe at least once a year anyway. So, we’ll see, although the whole experience will be an adventure anyway!

  5. Excellent essay as always!!
    I always appreciate your insitefullness into every day living .
    I don’t live far from New Yowk City , so I understand the appeal , but then again I do Love smaller cities and the quaintness of living in them & how everyday life seems easier

    Reply
    • Thanks, Tom! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Each type of city has its Pros and Cons and in the end it’s each individual’s decision to make. Probably the transition in Romania from a large to a small city is not as difficult as moving from New York to a small town, but there are still differences.

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  6. Wow, super interesting article. I am exploring the difference between living in a large city or small town in Romania and your article was full of good information. I went to a dentist in Bucharest and it was comparable to many in the U.S..

    Reply
    • I am surprised I didn’t think about writing this earlier, to be honest, since I’ve been thinking about this for about a year as well. 🙂 I am happy to hear that you had a good experience with the Romanian dentists!

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  7. C. I think you are spot on as usual. Smaller city is quieter and slower and larger is louder and faster. The not so obvious is what you say about medical options and options in general. I found your comments about the doctor visits in small vs large city eye opening from a visitors perspective. That photo of food really makes it sink home. This applies to everything however like if you are looking for furniture or food options. Smaller less bigger more. Not a huge deal but if you want options like anywhere be prepared to travel to get them if your in a smaller town.

    I traveled Spain and Portugal many years ago and would agree that they were similar cost. I felt Portugal was more exotic unusual as it was more off the radar. That may be changing and I am SURE you can find off the radar places in Spain. Either would be good just need to find that spot to slide into and I think they are comparable.

    Last note.. Please Please Please do not let it be Trump. This world could not handle it. God I hope we do not have THAT many stupid people in our country. I am not a Clinton fan.. but I know what I am getting with that one as she has been under the microscope her entire life. Trump would be a grand experiment that could REALLY bad. REALLY REALLy bad.

    Reply
    • Otto,
      I don’t typically like to talk politics, as discussions can become pretty intense and volatile at times.
      But I’d like to add that this election has given America the worst choice that I recall in my entire lifetime, and maybe even back beyond. As much as I tend to agree with your concerns about Trump, I completely mistrust Hillary to run the country as well. For the first time since 1968, I may not vote this year, and if I do end up voting for Hillary, I’m not sure I can ever forgive myself. Whether one likes or dislikes the policies of Bernie Sanders, I think many would agree that as a person, he is a better human being than Trump and Hillary put together. The lack of better choices this election cycle really frustrates me so much about the future of America, that it makes it so much easier to be leaving in the near future. JC

      Reply
    • Romania was in a somewhat similar situation some years ago: we had to vote between Ion Iliescu who had already been president and brought chaos and Corneliu Vadim Tudor, an extremist and, in my opinion, very similar to Trump. I still remember that everybody talked about choosing the worse that’s less bad. Sometimes, we just have to do that and it seems that now it’s the time for the US to do it.

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      • Ahh Calin,
        So you can relate! We are in that situation of being between the proverbial rock and a hard place, and faced with choosing a lesser of evils. It’s funny, half of my friends and acquaintances tease me that they are jealous that I’m able to leave this sinking ship next year just in the nick of time.

        A friend of mine was in a panic the other day, talking about when his daughter was on break recently from college, with pink hair, nose & lip rings, talking about the importance of safe spaces and dealing with microagressions, and blaming him for the patriarchy that was destroying everything. I laughed and said better him than me, as my son graduated years ago, before it became the battle ground for Social Justice Warriors that it is now.

        I fear America is no longer a good place for a moderate independent such as I. Plus, I don’t ever recall as wide a divide as there currently is between the regressive far left and conservative religious right. They all scare me!

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  8. JC you are correct. It is very unfortunate that we do not get better options. I do not like Hillary and the idea of the wife of X president being president is just wrong. Sadly our founding fathers in their wildest dreams NEVER imagined THAT possibility. I too look forward to distancing myself too.

    Back to reality. I think if you look hard you can find a large city that feels small. I believe Sibiu may be just that. I lived in Minneapolis for many years and it felt a lot smaller than it’s size.

    I know the subject matter is not a pleasant one C. but medical would make a very interesting article. So important and yet different in Romania from drug prescriptions to specialized treatment. It is my greatest concern. I believe I will get Romania’s state card as protection for my everyday healthcare. No idea how much that costs. After that I have no idea.

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    • Exactly…and yes, your appeal to C. to try to find out & put more content on the site concerning medical issues and options regarding those is important; everything from simply getting existing prescriptions taken care of, to how to get growing need for any medical exams, tests and procedures dealt with too. One unavoidable concern in retirement, as we grow older, is the fact that the eventual need for more healthcare information and options is extremely important.

      As we previously discussed, prior planning is paramount here, and not waiting until a healthcare emergency strikes to find out what options you do or don’t have is key. Ultimately, the figurative “elephant in the room” on any site that discusses all the wonderful aspects of any given place to possibly retire, are your healthcare options, and in order to seal the deal, to make you feel confident that when those needs eventually rise, you will be taken care of properly.

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    • Hi Brian,

      Not sure of others, but from pictures & videos and what I’ve heard, Alba Iulia is definitely worth visiting and spending some time there. It’s relatively small with a population of just over 60K, but has beautiful architecture and is easy to navigate and very clean looking city, that was renovated with help from the EU.

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    • Hello Brian – it’s all based on personal taste and what areas you prefer, but you should definitely check out cities like Piatra Neamt, Alba Iulia, Drobeta Turnu Severin or Turda. Many improvements are being made in all or most cities in Romania with European funds, so things get better on a yearly basis.

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  9. Ok, great. I think I am going to focus on the western side of the country. What airport will be best to fly in to, from the US? I will probably be there for about a month or so. I am learning very much about the country, and hoping that language will not be much of a barrier. I can’t wait to try some of the food and go to the markets. I am also thinking of partly retiring there too as it seems safe and reasonable for the prices, especially the real food from local markets. The US could stand to make some improvements with this but it keeps getting worse with GMO’s and pesticides, and now we are not able to know what is in the food as it could confuse us, so I have about had it in that regard. Thanks so much for all of the helpful information.

    Reply
    • Glad I can help, Brian! Visiting before making the move is surely the best thing to do. As far as I know, there are no direct flights from the US to Romania, so you’ll probably fly first to another European country, then into Romania. If you want to land directly in the Western cities, depending on what you plan to visit, your best choices would be Timisoara or Cluj.

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