andy b
5 Dec 2009
Real Estate / Prices of apartments in Krakow are collapsing further down in 2010-2011 [150]
Well said SeanBM
Well said SeanBM
andy b
3 Dec 2009
Real Estate / Angel City development, Krakow - rental/sale apartments required by local agent [3]
Hi George,
I think it is best if you contact me via the form on our website and I will provide any information to you directly.
Andrew
Hi George,
I think it is best if you contact me via the form on our website and I will provide any information to you directly.
Andrew
andy b
1 Dec 2009
Real Estate / 15 reasons why the Polish real estate market will crash soon [258]
Avalon, I couldn't agree more. What a waste of time this section of the forum has become because of this idiot.
This is complete rubbish.
You cannot have a useful discussion when this idiot is allowed to keep using different names to spout garbage.
Avalon, I couldn't agree more. What a waste of time this section of the forum has become because of this idiot.
I was at one of the many Real Estate developments in Krakow the other day.
This is complete rubbish.
andy b
25 Nov 2009
Real Estate / 15 reasons why the Polish real estate market will crash soon [258]
Have you considered visiting a doctor to help with your mental condition? Your stupid posts are getting really tiresome!
Have you considered visiting a doctor to help with your mental condition? Your stupid posts are getting really tiresome!
andy b
21 Nov 2009
Real Estate / Rental situation in Krakow [8]
This is not correct, the average rental for a good standard 50m2 apartment in the centre of Krakow is 2000zl/month. You take your examples, and I will give you the true average.
This is not correct, the average rental for a good standard 50m2 apartment in the centre of Krakow is 2000zl/month. You take your examples, and I will give you the true average.
andy b
21 Nov 2009
Real Estate / Prices of apartments in Krakow are collapsing further down in 2010-2011 [150]
Yes. I think you are right and you wrote it
I wrote nothing about the average salary in France, you did.
I just wrote that there is demand in Poland from Polish people that want to live in Poland, not France.
This is one of the most absurd things ever written on this forum.
Yes. I think you are right and you wrote it
So in your opinion "andy b", if average salary in France is 2 700 euros / month,
and in Poland 450 euros / month, somehow still, there is HIGHER demand
in Poland than in France
and in Poland 450 euros / month, somehow still, there is HIGHER demand
in Poland than in France
I wrote nothing about the average salary in France, you did.
I just wrote that there is demand in Poland from Polish people that want to live in Poland, not France.
andy b
20 Nov 2009
Real Estate / Rental situation in Krakow [8]
Rental prices peaked in Krakow around the same time as sales prices, in mid-2007.
Since then, prices have fallen around 20-30% on average.
In 2009, there has been a lot more supply on the market, but rents have stabilished since the spring.
This supply has come from the end of the boom - apartments which were bought off plan in 2007, and only completed this year. Many such apartments were bought by investors, and they have needed to rent them out to cover mortgages etc.
The rental market was pretty strong in September/October, traditionally the busiest time of the year. If you are an owner, and missed out on renting your apartment during this time, then the market is much quieter now, and I would recommend discounting your price in order to secure a tenant - after all, a little less income than you would ideally like is better than no income at all.
If you are a prospective tenant, then there are some good deals to be had at the moment, and negotiation on prices is recommended.
Rental prices peaked in Krakow around the same time as sales prices, in mid-2007.
Since then, prices have fallen around 20-30% on average.
In 2009, there has been a lot more supply on the market, but rents have stabilished since the spring.
This supply has come from the end of the boom - apartments which were bought off plan in 2007, and only completed this year. Many such apartments were bought by investors, and they have needed to rent them out to cover mortgages etc.
The rental market was pretty strong in September/October, traditionally the busiest time of the year. If you are an owner, and missed out on renting your apartment during this time, then the market is much quieter now, and I would recommend discounting your price in order to secure a tenant - after all, a little less income than you would ideally like is better than no income at all.
If you are a prospective tenant, then there are some good deals to be had at the moment, and negotiation on prices is recommended.
andy b
20 Nov 2009
Real Estate / Prices of apartments in Krakow are collapsing further down in 2010-2011 [150]
Whatever SpecialPolak. To be honest, I think we are all getting sick of you spamming the forum with your different user names and your sensationalist / misleading / untrue / out-of-context comments. Believe what you will, but no-one else here is taken in by your rubbish, and if you think your 'campaign' can actually have some influence on prices, then you are deluded.
As for the above comment, well this is just another example of your complete lack of understanding of how real estate markets work.
Just because prices in Poland are high compared to other mature markets in Western Europe does not mean that they will collapse and fall into line with other markets. The real estate market in Poland is driven largely by demand and supply in Poland and the domestic economy - what happens in France, Germany etc is not going to directly influence the prices in Poland. Maybe there are less foreign investors buying in Poland now, but there is also less hype and some reality entering the market, which is a good thing.
We had a boom in Poland (much like the rest of the world) which ended in the middle part of 2007. At the height of this boom, some parts of the Polish property market were in a bubble situation. But things have calmed down a lot since then. Prices have fallen around 20-30% on average from their peak. We are now returning to some kind of normal market situation in which prices should rise in a more subdued way, say 10% per annum. The Polish economy is still growing, unlike most of Western Europe, and some pretty nasty economies in the region (Baltic States, Hungary, Ukraine). The zloty has stabilised and is starting to strengthen.
True, there are still some issues in Poland. Credit is still hard to come by, but hopefully this situation will improve in 2010. Many owners still believe their apartments to be worth more than anyone will pay in the current environment - this is still prevalent in the centre of Krakow for example. But what is the point for an agent to overvalue an apartment if it's then priced at a level where no-one is prepared to pay anywhere near the price advertised? The agent doesn't make anything unless they sell the property. If you know what you are doing at the moment, there are bargains to be found - you just have to sift through a lot of overpriced offers.
The market in Poland is still maturing, that's for sure. But there is not going to be a crash in prices here, no matter what this spammer on the forum says.
If you know something about real estate in Poland, then support me on this. Don't let this spammer continue to dominate the real estate section with his lies and misinformed rubbish.
Whatever SpecialPolak. To be honest, I think we are all getting sick of you spamming the forum with your different user names and your sensationalist / misleading / untrue / out-of-context comments. Believe what you will, but no-one else here is taken in by your rubbish, and if you think your 'campaign' can actually have some influence on prices, then you are deluded.
As for the above comment, well this is just another example of your complete lack of understanding of how real estate markets work.
Just because prices in Poland are high compared to other mature markets in Western Europe does not mean that they will collapse and fall into line with other markets. The real estate market in Poland is driven largely by demand and supply in Poland and the domestic economy - what happens in France, Germany etc is not going to directly influence the prices in Poland. Maybe there are less foreign investors buying in Poland now, but there is also less hype and some reality entering the market, which is a good thing.
We had a boom in Poland (much like the rest of the world) which ended in the middle part of 2007. At the height of this boom, some parts of the Polish property market were in a bubble situation. But things have calmed down a lot since then. Prices have fallen around 20-30% on average from their peak. We are now returning to some kind of normal market situation in which prices should rise in a more subdued way, say 10% per annum. The Polish economy is still growing, unlike most of Western Europe, and some pretty nasty economies in the region (Baltic States, Hungary, Ukraine). The zloty has stabilised and is starting to strengthen.
True, there are still some issues in Poland. Credit is still hard to come by, but hopefully this situation will improve in 2010. Many owners still believe their apartments to be worth more than anyone will pay in the current environment - this is still prevalent in the centre of Krakow for example. But what is the point for an agent to overvalue an apartment if it's then priced at a level where no-one is prepared to pay anywhere near the price advertised? The agent doesn't make anything unless they sell the property. If you know what you are doing at the moment, there are bargains to be found - you just have to sift through a lot of overpriced offers.
The market in Poland is still maturing, that's for sure. But there is not going to be a crash in prices here, no matter what this spammer on the forum says.
If you know something about real estate in Poland, then support me on this. Don't let this spammer continue to dominate the real estate section with his lies and misinformed rubbish.
andy b
1 Nov 2009
Real Estate / Average profit margin of developers of new apartments in Krakow is minim 600.00% [20]
What a load of rubbish! Whilst I am not a developer, I do have an idea of how much construction costs are in Poland and the profit margins which developers are making. For a normal new build in the suburbs of Krakow, I would think the build cost (including the cost of land, sales and marketing costs, construction) would be something like 4000 PLN per m2 and the sales prices achieved around 6000 PLN per m2.
What a load of rubbish! Whilst I am not a developer, I do have an idea of how much construction costs are in Poland and the profit margins which developers are making. For a normal new build in the suburbs of Krakow, I would think the build cost (including the cost of land, sales and marketing costs, construction) would be something like 4000 PLN per m2 and the sales prices achieved around 6000 PLN per m2.
andy b
1 Nov 2009
Real Estate / Decent property management company in krakow [13]
We don't charge lawyer's fees. This is just information about how much lawyers cost, if a buyer wants to engage a lawyer to add an extra layer of safety/security to their transaction, then it's up to them and the fee is worked out between the client and the lawyer
So apart from the 3% fee on selling, they also charge an UNKNOWN number of hours
multiplied by 250-350 PLN/hour, for a lawyer to check the property documents.
multiplied by 250-350 PLN/hour, for a lawyer to check the property documents.
We don't charge lawyer's fees. This is just information about how much lawyers cost, if a buyer wants to engage a lawyer to add an extra layer of safety/security to their transaction, then it's up to them and the fee is worked out between the client and the lawyer
andy b
2 Oct 2009
Real Estate / Advice on best interior fit-out company in Krakow: mamdom or JoshuaMills? [32]
Hi Sean,
Sign up and I will send you a PM with some contacts for Krakow.
Andy
Hi Sean,
Sign up and I will send you a PM with some contacts for Krakow.
Andy
andy b
29 Jul 2009
Real Estate / Poland's next property boom [5]
Hi Scorpio,
I already posted a link to this article in the following thread: https://polishforums.com/real-estate/good-time-invest-35288/
I hope you and Mr Hill are right, but as I commented in the other thread, for the property market to improve in Poland, the banks need to start lending again to both individuals and developers.
On the same topic here is a news item someone sent me a few days ago:
Less new homes next year
POLAND The number of new homes built in Poland by the end of the year is to grow 5-10 pct on 2008's figures, according to the Polish Association of Developers. The number of new residences is expected to come to 170-180,000, whereas the figure for 2010 is predicted to decline by 10-20. In 2011, according to the Association, the number of new dwellings will be down by additional 20 pct in comparison to the 2010 figures. According to data by the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS) in H1 76,018 homes came onto the market - almost 10 pct more than H1 2008. In the first six months of the year, construction work on 67,840 units started - a 28.3 pct decrease y-o-y. The number of building permits was also significantly down in H1 2009, with 90,357 permits issued in the period - a 21.4 pct decrease y-o-y. (Source: PAP)
Hi Scorpio,
I already posted a link to this article in the following thread: https://polishforums.com/real-estate/good-time-invest-35288/
I hope you and Mr Hill are right, but as I commented in the other thread, for the property market to improve in Poland, the banks need to start lending again to both individuals and developers.
On the same topic here is a news item someone sent me a few days ago:
Less new homes next year
POLAND The number of new homes built in Poland by the end of the year is to grow 5-10 pct on 2008's figures, according to the Polish Association of Developers. The number of new residences is expected to come to 170-180,000, whereas the figure for 2010 is predicted to decline by 10-20. In 2011, according to the Association, the number of new dwellings will be down by additional 20 pct in comparison to the 2010 figures. According to data by the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS) in H1 76,018 homes came onto the market - almost 10 pct more than H1 2008. In the first six months of the year, construction work on 67,840 units started - a 28.3 pct decrease y-o-y. The number of building permits was also significantly down in H1 2009, with 90,357 permits issued in the period - a 21.4 pct decrease y-o-y. (Source: PAP)
andy b
24 Jun 2009
Life / Krakow Trams - what do you think of the stop announcers voice? [5]
It's some kind of promotion. Yes, the kids are annoying, but some of the other announcers are actors and singers, various 'famous' Cracovians. If you go to the end of the line (or get on at the first stop), for example in Bronowice, they tell you who they are etc. One of them is Grzegorz Turneau, a singer, who owns the Prowincja cafe on Bracka, and who has a famous song referencing the same street, "a w krakowie na brackiej pada deszcz" (and in Krakow on Bracka Street it's raining).
It's some kind of promotion. Yes, the kids are annoying, but some of the other announcers are actors and singers, various 'famous' Cracovians. If you go to the end of the line (or get on at the first stop), for example in Bronowice, they tell you who they are etc. One of them is Grzegorz Turneau, a singer, who owns the Prowincja cafe on Bracka, and who has a famous song referencing the same street, "a w krakowie na brackiej pada deszcz" (and in Krakow on Bracka Street it's raining).
andy b
17 Jun 2009
Real Estate / Decent property management company in krakow [13]
Hey Sean, thanks for the recommendation.
Just a small correction, our name is Property Krakow Group (or PKG Real Estate).
You can find information about our management services, Property Krakow Management (PKM) here:
property-krakow.com/services/property-management/subject/PKM
Hey Sean, thanks for the recommendation.
Just a small correction, our name is Property Krakow Group (or PKG Real Estate).
You can find information about our management services, Property Krakow Management (PKM) here:
property-krakow.com/services/property-management/subject/PKM
andy b
15 Jun 2009
Real Estate / Angel City development, Krakow - rental/sale apartments required by local agent [3]
Hi there,
If you are an owner in this development, we would like to hear from you, either if you want to sell or rent your apartment.
We have strong rental demand from clients at present who wish to live in this development, with a large number of tenants wanting to move in at the end of the summer, from September/October.
We also receive regular sales enquiries, and need more properties to sell.
We will be happy to give you a free appraisal for expected rental return or sales price.
More information can be found here: .property-krakow.
Best Regards,
Andrew
PKG Real Estate, Krakow.
Hi there,
If you are an owner in this development, we would like to hear from you, either if you want to sell or rent your apartment.
We have strong rental demand from clients at present who wish to live in this development, with a large number of tenants wanting to move in at the end of the summer, from September/October.
We also receive regular sales enquiries, and need more properties to sell.
We will be happy to give you a free appraisal for expected rental return or sales price.
More information can be found here: .property-krakow.
Best Regards,
Andrew
PKG Real Estate, Krakow.
andy b
5 Jun 2009
Real Estate / Angel city Development in Krakow [33]
Yes, there has been a lot of great resale deals in Angel City in recent months. The sellers are generally 'distressed' and from places like England and Ireland.
However, most of these 'owners' were looking to sell on their contracts before completing the signing of the final contract. That is, sell their right to buy to someone else. However, from what I hear, the developer is now not allowing anyone to do this.
So if someone is a distressed seller, then they have two choices:
a) find the money to complete on the purchase and then sell on later (but any sale could be drawn out because they will need to wait then for the issue of the new land and mortgage register entry for the apartment, which will take 3-6 months)
b) sell back to the developer at a loss.
Our agency was never involved in the sale of Angel City off-plan, and judging by the numbers of disgruntled investors, this was probably a good thing. Instead we have been and will continue to be heavily involved in the smaller Sobieski Residence project, where we will still have a few nice apartments to sell, and lots of new apartments for rent.
Yes, there has been a lot of great resale deals in Angel City in recent months. The sellers are generally 'distressed' and from places like England and Ireland.
However, most of these 'owners' were looking to sell on their contracts before completing the signing of the final contract. That is, sell their right to buy to someone else. However, from what I hear, the developer is now not allowing anyone to do this.
So if someone is a distressed seller, then they have two choices:
a) find the money to complete on the purchase and then sell on later (but any sale could be drawn out because they will need to wait then for the issue of the new land and mortgage register entry for the apartment, which will take 3-6 months)
b) sell back to the developer at a loss.
Our agency was never involved in the sale of Angel City off-plan, and judging by the numbers of disgruntled investors, this was probably a good thing. Instead we have been and will continue to be heavily involved in the smaller Sobieski Residence project, where we will still have a few nice apartments to sell, and lots of new apartments for rent.
andy b
18 May 2009
Law / Does anyone have experience of getting a karta pobytu from Krakow? [13]
I recently got my second residence and work permits in Krakow - they were applied for at the same time, and sadly are only valid for one year. The process takes around 2 months in my experience, but can be longer if you don't have all the documents they require. I wouldn't have attempted it on my own. A lawyer helped me with getting it all sorted out, and it was money well spent.
I recently got my second residence and work permits in Krakow - they were applied for at the same time, and sadly are only valid for one year. The process takes around 2 months in my experience, but can be longer if you don't have all the documents they require. I wouldn't have attempted it on my own. A lawyer helped me with getting it all sorted out, and it was money well spent.
andy b
18 May 2009
Travel / Trams in Krakow - which one to get to Zwierzynieka/Tadeusza Kosciuszki street? [5]
mpk.krakow.pl/default.aspx?docId=154
It looks like only the nr 2 tram goes via the train station (Galeria Krakowska) to Salwator.
You would get at the Lubicz stop near the train station/shopping centre and then get off at Jubilat or Komorowskiego - the hotel is between these two stops
mpk.krakow.pl/default.aspx?docId=154
It looks like only the nr 2 tram goes via the train station (Galeria Krakowska) to Salwator.
You would get at the Lubicz stop near the train station/shopping centre and then get off at Jubilat or Komorowskiego - the hotel is between these two stops
andy b
11 May 2009
News / Polish news sites in English. [6]
warsawvoice.pl
I get the daily email which is pretty useful also
warsawvoice.pl
I get the daily email which is pretty useful also
andy b
13 Mar 2009
News / Lwow - Eaglets Cemetary [7]
I was there on 1st November last year. In the older parts of the cemetry, there is no separation of Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Germans. Then there are newer separate sections devoted to the soldiers of Poland and Ukraine. On the day we visited, there was a handful of Poles, but mainly it was Ukrainians visiting.
I was there on 1st November last year. In the older parts of the cemetry, there is no separation of Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Germans. Then there are newer separate sections devoted to the soldiers of Poland and Ukraine. On the day we visited, there was a handful of Poles, but mainly it was Ukrainians visiting.
lwowetc_236.jpg
lwowetc_237.jpg
andy b
27 Feb 2009
Law / Temporary residence card to obtain a mortgage in Poland? [17]
That is one case. I am not saying that every foreigner can qualify for a mortgage in Poland, but some can. Two of my clients were approved this month for mortgages. It is difficult at the moment, but not impossible.
That is one case. I am not saying that every foreigner can qualify for a mortgage in Poland, but some can. Two of my clients were approved this month for mortgages. It is difficult at the moment, but not impossible.
andy b
27 Feb 2009
Law / Temporary residence card to obtain a mortgage in Poland? [17]
Not true Grzegorz.
Olamonkey, there are still around 5 banks in Poland which will consider applications from non-residents who earn money outside of Poland. Being Polish will help you, but more important will be your quality as an applicant - size of income and place of work, amount of liabilities etc.
We can assess your chances if you fill in the submission form on our website, poland-mortgage-direct
Not true Grzegorz.
Olamonkey, there are still around 5 banks in Poland which will consider applications from non-residents who earn money outside of Poland. Being Polish will help you, but more important will be your quality as an applicant - size of income and place of work, amount of liabilities etc.
We can assess your chances if you fill in the submission form on our website, poland-mortgage-direct
andy b
27 Feb 2009
Real Estate / Current state of the property market in Krakow [135]
So we can help you with a rental in Krakow, see our listings on .property-krakow.
Hi thanks andy, I am wanting to rent in karkow first to get a feel for the area,
So we can help you with a rental in Krakow, see our listings on .property-krakow.
andy b
26 Feb 2009
Real Estate / Interest Rates for Home loans In poland [39]
Yes, foreign currency loans are still available in Poland. In general the margins charged by the banks are higher than for PLN loans.
The offer for non-residents (and foreigners) who want to get a mortgage in Poland is much more restricted, but there are still a handful of banks who will grant such mortgages.
Current interest rates:
PLN 4.6% (Wibor 3m) + margin 1.5-2.5%
EUR 1.91% (Libor 3m) + margin 2-3%
USD 1.24% (Libor 3m) + margin 2-3%
GBP 2.06% (Libor 3m) + margin 2-3%
CHF 0,49% (Libor 3m) + margin 2.5-5%
If you believe the zloty has been oversold, then it could be a good time to be taking out a foreign currency mortgage in Poland. Obviously, such a strategy is more risky, as the events of the past six months have demonstrated.
If you are interested in being referred to Polish banks that can potentially get you a mortgage in Poland (as a non-resident or foreigner) please visit my website.
Yes, foreign currency loans are still available in Poland. In general the margins charged by the banks are higher than for PLN loans.
The offer for non-residents (and foreigners) who want to get a mortgage in Poland is much more restricted, but there are still a handful of banks who will grant such mortgages.
Current interest rates:
PLN 4.6% (Wibor 3m) + margin 1.5-2.5%
EUR 1.91% (Libor 3m) + margin 2-3%
USD 1.24% (Libor 3m) + margin 2-3%
GBP 2.06% (Libor 3m) + margin 2-3%
CHF 0,49% (Libor 3m) + margin 2.5-5%
If you believe the zloty has been oversold, then it could be a good time to be taking out a foreign currency mortgage in Poland. Obviously, such a strategy is more risky, as the events of the past six months have demonstrated.
If you are interested in being referred to Polish banks that can potentially get you a mortgage in Poland (as a non-resident or foreigner) please visit my website.
andy b
26 Feb 2009
Real Estate / Current state of the property market in Krakow [135]
A 35% deposit is a pretty good starting point. Of course, pretty much all mortgages will be dependent on how much you earn, offset against any ongoing liabilities you have - such as other mortgages, personal loans, credit card debts etc.
You don't necessarily need to be working in Poland to get a mortgage - we can still source mortgages for foreigners working in other countries who want to buy in Poland.
A 35% deposit is a pretty good starting point. Of course, pretty much all mortgages will be dependent on how much you earn, offset against any ongoing liabilities you have - such as other mortgages, personal loans, credit card debts etc.
You don't necessarily need to be working in Poland to get a mortgage - we can still source mortgages for foreigners working in other countries who want to buy in Poland.
andy b
19 Feb 2009
Travel / Hotels, Hostels and B&Bs in Krakow [28]
EasyJet flies to Krakow from Belfast. I am not so knowledgeable on good/cheapish hotels in Krakow, but maybe you would consider renting an apartment.
For example, krakow-apartments.biz
EasyJet flies to Krakow from Belfast. I am not so knowledgeable on good/cheapish hotels in Krakow, but maybe you would consider renting an apartment.
For example, krakow-apartments.biz
andy b
27 Jan 2009
Work / Where can I find potential English learners? [6]
I suggest you put up a post on gumtree in Warsaw in the following section offering your services: I just came across this ad in the above section, which I thought was pretty funny
Native Speaker "NORMALNY"
Miasto: Warszawa Warszawa Śródmieście
Data dodania: 27/01/2009
Hi,
Have you been learning English with someone who either smells bad, is stoned, hung over or drinking alcohol during the lessons?
I've heard all the stories. If you're looking for someone to help you prepare for classes, tests, in a unique and comfortable environment. Don't hesitate, just give me a call and I'll do my best to provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable one on one learning experience
I suggest you put up a post on gumtree in Warsaw in the following section offering your services: I just came across this ad in the above section, which I thought was pretty funny
Native Speaker "NORMALNY"
Miasto: Warszawa Warszawa Śródmieście
Data dodania: 27/01/2009
Hi,
Have you been learning English with someone who either smells bad, is stoned, hung over or drinking alcohol during the lessons?
I've heard all the stories. If you're looking for someone to help you prepare for classes, tests, in a unique and comfortable environment. Don't hesitate, just give me a call and I'll do my best to provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable one on one learning experience
andy b
14 Jan 2009
Travel / 100 things to do in Krakow for free [11]
Ride a bike to Kryspinów on a hot summer's day and have a swim (ok you have to pay to get in, but not much)
Ride a bike to Kryspinów on a hot summer's day and have a swim (ok you have to pay to get in, but not much)
andy b
14 Jan 2009
Travel / 100 things to do in Krakow for free [11]
Visit all the mounds (Kościuszki, Krak, Piłsudskiego, Wanda)
Visit all the mounds (Kościuszki, Krak, Piłsudskiego, Wanda)
andy b
12 Jan 2009
Life / Living In Poland For The Expat [67]
I think it very much depends on where in Poland you are planning to move to.
My opinion is that Krakow is the most "expat friendly" city in which to live, though I have lived here for 5 years and can't comment on other cities. Certainly, you will find it easier to adjust and make friends in the larger cities, I think if you move somewhere small it will be a very big culture shock
I think it very much depends on where in Poland you are planning to move to.
My opinion is that Krakow is the most "expat friendly" city in which to live, though I have lived here for 5 years and can't comment on other cities. Certainly, you will find it easier to adjust and make friends in the larger cities, I think if you move somewhere small it will be a very big culture shock