Advice on Moving to Zakopane

I'd go with Bielsko Biala very nice city, slightly bigger, quite picturesque, more job possibilities less touristy

The first problem is that the OP very simply won't get a job in Zakopane without speaking Polish (and whatever jobs he would be able top do there even if he spoke Polish wouldn't pay a living wage). The second is that his American friend can't be in Poland for more than 90 days without a residency permit, which he won't be able to get.

Do not assume people will be able to speak to you in English. You should know how to communicate - even if it is only basic communication - in polish if you want to live here for an extended period of time.

The fact that the OP came here for the advice of that kind is both telling and troubling as it shows hesitation and uncertainty. I left Poland, my family, and my job with 14 bucks and what I was wearing knowing it was irreversibly forever. Luckily, I had no choice or a forum like this. And nobody to great me at O'Hare. Moving from the UK to Poland at 31 today is like moving from the US to Poland in 1966. And, on top of that, to Zakopane. With no savings, no job, and no good reason. A very bad idea.

Hmm responding to 3 year old posts is a concern I must agree.

Always a good idea to learn some Polish if moving here,

I was not responding to anything.

So Op, did you move in the end ? How did things work out ? Please do tell...