There’s a big difference between traveling somewhere and imagining life there. After two decades of exploring over sixty countries, I’ve learned that a place can be amazing for a vacation but tough to call home.
The fantasy of moving to a picturesque spot sounds great until you think about the nitty-gritty. How do you deal with healthcare in a foreign language? Can you find food you love? Is there a community that welcomes you? After my travels, only a handful of places made me think about leaving my life in Venice Beach behind for something new.
Here are five places I’d actually consider calling home.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon caught me off guard. I expected beautiful buildings and good seafood but found a city that just felt right. It’s lively yet laid-back. People enjoy long lunches and spend time in cozy coffee shops.
To my surprise, the food scene accommodates my vegan lifestyle well. Even with its seafood-rich tradition, I found diverse plant-based options and vibrant markets.
The creative community is thriving, with artists and entrepreneurs all around. It’s walkable, meaning you don’t need a car, and the cost of living is much lower than in California. The healthcare system also gets good marks, and the visa process is straightforward for Americans. If I had to leave Venice Beach, Lisbon would be my top choice.
2. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne feels thoughtfully designed for how people want to live. The coffee culture is extraordinary—great coffee is a staple.
The variety in food is impressive, from high-end fare to everyday delights. You can find authentic dishes from around the world, including excellent vegan offerings.
Nature is never far away, whether you’re near the beach or a park. The creative vibe is strong, with independent bookstores and exciting music venues. The work-life balance here is refreshing; people take their vacation time seriously, which is a sharp contrast to the hustle culture in the U.S.
The only downside is its distance from other places, but that’s a small price to pay for a home where you can really settle.
3. San Sebastián, Spain
At first, I worried about living in a smaller city like San Sebastián, but the quality of life is outstanding. The food culture is spectacular, with pintxos bars and local markets celebrating seasonal ingredients.
Even as a vegan, I found plenty of creative and satisfying options. The beach is accessible, and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking.
Here, people know their neighbors. The community feels tight-knit and inclusive, even if the language barrier is a challenge. Learning Spanish or Basque would help integrate and connect with locals. The small-town atmosphere now seems like a benefit; you can be part of a community instead of just another face in a crowd.
4. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto offers something different: a chance to change how I see the world. The attention to detail in culture is inspiring.
Finding vegan food is a challenge, but vegetarian traditions run deep in Japanese cuisine, rooted in Buddhist practices. Plant-based meals, albeit fewer, showcase the sophistication of traditional dishes.
The blend of ancient and modern is striking, with temples alongside contemporary buildings. The changing seasons here make time feel different, too. Unlike California’s stable climate, Kyoto celebrates its seasons with vibrant festivals.
Living here means embracing being an outsider to some extent, but that perspective could enrich my writing and photography. Challenges like the language barrier and cultural differences would be significant but rewarding.
5. Bangkok, Thailand
On paper, Bangkok seems overwhelming: heat, noise, and traffic. But after several visits, I found it surprisingly livable.
The street food is exceptional, with meals incredibly affordable. Vegan options are plentiful, and markets are packed with fresh produce you can’t find in California.
The cost of living is shockingly low, meaning you can enjoy a comfortable life without constant financial stress. The creative scene is robust, with many artists and digital nomads thriving.
Navigating the chaos becomes easier as you learn which neighborhoods to focus on. While there are challenges, the city’s depth and vibrancy invite exploration and creativity.
Conclusion
I’m not packing up just yet—Venice Beach is still home. But my travels have shown me that home isn’t just a place; it’s a choice. These five cities have something special: strong food cultures, welcoming communities, and a quality of life that excites rather than exhausts. Traveling has taught me what matters—good food, creativity, and spaces that inspire growth.
Maybe I’ll never leave California. Or maybe years down the line, I’ll be writing from a café in Lisbon or hiking in Kyoto. The journey is about discovering what feels right for you.
For more insights on lifestyle choices, you may find resources from The World Bank useful in understanding the economic aspects of different cities.
