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Hello everyone. We have been living in Bulgaria for almost 10 years. Bulgaria is one of those countries that suits almost everyone. The mild climate, fresh fruits and vegetables attract tourists almost all year round. But if you are going to live in Bulgaria, which city to choose?
In this article we present the TOP 5 best cities to live in Bulgaria. You will find out where it is most comfortable to live, where it is easier to find a job, where it will be cheaper or more expensive, and I will also share my recommendations for each city from this rating.
Top 5 best cities to live in Bulgaria on the map:
Firstly, this article will be useful for those who are planning to permanently reside in Bulgaria, and secondly, for those who are thinking about changing their place of residence, but have not yet decided on the choice. So, let’s begin.
Fifth place – Bansko
Bansko is the smallest city in our rating with a population of only 12 thousand people. Although during the ski season the number of residents increases several times. Bansko has an international community – there are many permanent residents – foreigners. The climate is continental with not very cold winters and not very hot summers. The altitude above sea level is about a kilometer.
Pros of Bansko
In Bansko you will find beautiful nature with mountain landscapes. Here is the most measured and calm rhythm of life of all the cities in the rating.
The best ecology of all the cities in the rating, for example, local residents note very clean and even healthy tap water in Bansko. There are practically no traffic jams in the city, except during the winter holidays.
Bansko not so long ago had the lowest prices for real estate, a new apartment could be bought for less than 10 thousand euros, but the situation is changing rapidly. And now the prices for rent and for buying real estate are no longer among the leaders.
Cons of Bansko
There is no sea in Bansko, but there are swimming pools with mineral water, and the Aegean Sea in Greece is a 2-hour drive away.
Another problem is with work, it is of course possible to find it, but it will be harder to do among all the cities on the list, the city is small, so the choice is sharply limited, especially not during the ski season, which usually lasts from mid-December to mid-April and depends on the weather.
Also, the salaries are the lowest of all the cities on the list. There is no public transport in Bansko, but there are taxis. Also, in Bansko, some people might just be bored.
Who is Bansko suitable for?
Therefore, Bansko is perfect for pensioners in good health, freelancers and people who already have their own income.
Fourth place – Plovdiv
Plovdiv , with a population of almost 400 thousand people. Plovdiv is a great alternative to Bansko.
Pros of Plovdiv
This city is called the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Many attractions, museums and theaters, in a word, everything for lovers of cultural recreation.
The city has a large selection of rental housing and new housing is being actively built.
Also, there is better work here than in Bansko, the city is big, there is industry and there are more opportunities to earn money.
Cons of Plovdiv
There is no sea in Plovdiv, but the city’s location is such that the Black Sea is 2.5 hours away, and the Aegean Sea is 3 hours away by car. The city is densely built up, so there is an acute problem with parking, especially in the city center, and it is often hot in the summer.
Who is Plovdiv suitable for?
Therefore, Plovdiv is suitable for pensioners, especially those who value cultural recreation, freelancers and people who already have their own income, as well as people who do not yet have an income, but are looking for opportunities to earn money.
Third place – Burgas
Burgas . The city’s population is about 300 thousand people. The climate is humid subtropical, with mild, usually snowless winters and not hot summers.
Pros of Burgas
Burgas is more popular among the Russian-speaking population than the previous two cities. Burgas has a relatively new infrastructure. There is a sea, salt lakes and a large marine park. There are offers of housing for rent. And the prices for real estate are higher than in the previous cities.
Cons of Burgas
The main disadvantage of the city is the Lukoil oil refinery, officially – there is no harm from it and the plant is not located in the city itself, but outside the city, but many city residents have the opposite opinion. If it were not for Lukoil, the city could confidently be put in first place.
Who is Burgas suitable for?
Therefore, we recommend Burgas to freelancers and people who already have their own income. By the way, Burgas is often chosen by pensioners, especially those who value the sea nearby.
Second place – Varna
Varna . The city’s population is 350 thousand people, in season it reaches a million. The sea capital of Bulgaria. Mild climate, often with snowless winters and warm summers.
Pros of Varna
Varna is probably the most popular among the Russian-speaking population. The infrastructure is not in very good condition, but now many streets are being reconstructed and paving slabs are being laid. There is a sea, the largest sea park in Bulgaria.
There are a lot of rental housing offers, but the demand is also huge, good options are sold out quickly. Real estate prices are rising, although a lot of housing is being built. Another difference from the previous cities is the presence of an airport with regular flights, which actually works all year round. It is not uncommon to buy a ticket for 20 euros and fly to some city in Europe.
Cons of Varna
The city’s downsides are the acute shortage of parking in the center. And the constant increase in the number of vehicles, since Varna is one of the few cities in Bulgaria with a growing population.
Who is Varna suitable for?
Therefore, Varna is suitable for pensioners, especially those who value the sea and cultural recreation, freelancers and people who already have their own income.
First place – Sofia
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. The population is almost one million four hundred thousand people. The climate is continental and winters here are snowy and summers are not hot. There is no sea, but you can get to the Aegean Sea in Greece by car in 3 hours.
Pros of Sofia
A huge choice of housing, but this housing will be at the highest prices in Bulgaria, both for rent and for purchase. The main advantage due to which, as a rule, people choose Sofia is banal – it is the highest salary of all the cities in the rating and the most opportunities for self-realization and career.
Cons of Sofia
One of the downsides of Sofia is that there is a higher risk of earthquakes here than on the Bulgarian coast.
The city is located at an altitude of more than half a kilometer above sea level, so it is cooler here both in winter and summer. There is also air pollution and traffic jams, compared to the previous cities.
Who is Sofia suitable for?
Therefore, Sofia is primarily suitable for people who do not yet have an income, but are looking for opportunities to earn money and a career, as well as freelancers and people who already have their own income, who love megacities and the corresponding rhythm of life.
TOP 5 cities of Bulgaria on the map
In conclusion, I would like to say that not all immigrants have the right to work in Bulgaria, for example, if the basis for a residence permit is a representative office or a pensioner, then it is officially impossible to work in Bulgaria. It should also be borne in mind that salaries in Bulgaria are the lowest in the European Union.
Please write in the comments your version of the best city to live in Bulgaria and why you think so.
