Why Riga
In this post, I focus solely on Riga’s pros, too numerous to blend with cons just yet! 😄 With nearly 25 years as an expat, including one relocation misadventure, Riga stands out as a city that truly impresses.
🌱 Governance and Trust
Riga’s trust-based culture is remarkable. You charge your tank before you pay. You leave the hospital with a hefty bill and settle it later.
The rule of law is upheld. The police will respond to noisy partygoers after 2300 hrs. Corruption is infrequent, small-scale, and swiftly addressed. Politicians, who enter their careers not for the benefits, often engage personally. You might happen to play basketball with a minister. Safety is tangible, with virtually no street crime.
Community-led governance resembles Scandinavian models. The municipality is committed to enhancing facades, trees, parks, and roads (the latter is still a work in progress) and demonstrates ongoing efforts to do so. You feel protected and cared for.
NB Rigans do not like their government and municipality, but I am positive they have not seen the other 😎
🎭 People and Culture
Latvians are quite exceptional. Hardworking, trustworthy, reliable, honest, and fairly straightforward, if somewhat reserved. Which is probably a blessing in disguise. Interacting with them is a genuine pleasure.
They don’t care where you’re from and treat you based on who you are. They naturally expect respect and return it. As an ethnic Russian, nowadays, I haven’t encountered a single case of xenophobia.
Riga’s 800-year history, shaped by the German burgers, Livonian Knights, Lithuanians, Poles, Swedes, Soviets, and its own residents, adds depth. Its 700 Art Nouveau buildings, a UNESCO gem, dazzle, while folk culture thrives—dancing, singing, and Līgo, the pagan Summer Solstice. A lot of beer drinking and BBQ eating, singing and dancing, bathing naked in morning dew, and where the invitation to “fern hunting” is not supposed to be turned down...
🌳 Life and Opportunities
Nature abounds, with trails, the Baltic Sea (Jurmala’s equal), and green spaces like Centrs’ four parks and 367 ha Mežaparks. Cultural life shines with a 67,000-strong Song and Dance Festival (and its 14,000-voice choir), outstanding choirs, rock music festivals, and many more. Food quality excels – bread, pastries, dairy, sausages, honey and beer. And property at €1,600–€2,600/m² with yields of 4–7% is a steal. The city’s planning ensures parks and amenities everywhere, with a 15-minute drive to the airport.
A passionate remark about cafes. Pastry is a Latvian obsession, with countless konditorejas, beķerijas, kafejnīcas, and more. Quality tends to be exceptional, and some have a twist.
🛒 Riga is affordable! The cost of living is 40-60% less than in Paris or Berlin. Excluding rent, a single person’s monthly costs are at €700–900, vs. €1,200+ in Paris (Numbeo 2025).
What draws you to Riga? Share the details below or DM me for my 57-point property checklist!
#RigaBuyGuide #RigaExpatLife #RigaPropertyMarket #TrustCulture
Cons follow—stay tuned!
