Had to pick between a cheap apartment in Chiang Mai and a pricier co-living spot in Lisbon

I went with Lisbon for the better internet and community, even though it cost $400 more a month. After two weeks here, the fast upload speeds have been a game changer for my video calls. What's the biggest factor you guys think about when choosing a new base?

3 comments

3 Comments

jordangibson6d ago

Yeah the walkability thing is huge for me too. I've turned down places with insane rent because I'd have to drive 20 minutes just to grab a coffee. If I can't step out my door and be somewhere interesting in five minutes, it doesn't matter how cheap it is.

hugo1532mo ago

Good call on Lisbon. That extra cost buys peace of mind when your work depends on a solid connection. For me, the biggest factor is always the local vibe and walkability. I can't stand feeling stuck in some quiet suburb where you need a car for everything. A place has to have some energy, some cafes or parks where you can just exist without planning a whole trip. The rent could be amazing, but if the area feels dead, I'm out. What kind of community stuff have you found there so far?

the_sage2mo ago

Totally agree about needing that energy. "Just exist without planning a whole trip" is EXACTLY it. I've found little squares here where you can post up with a laptop and the day just happens around you, people chatting, kids playing. There's a real mix of old locals and new faces, and you stumble into random street markets or community dinners. It feels alive in a way that doesn't need you to buy stuff all the time, which is huge.