Since 2019, I have lived as a virtual nomad — operating as a contract author and video manufacturer from anywhere I will to find web.
I have visited greater than 65 international locations and numerous towns, however not anything has felt relatively like Zagreb, Croatia. So when Croatia introduced it was once providing one-year place of dwelling allow to virtual nomads in 2021, I made up our minds to move for it.
Since arriving in Croatia, I have moved across the town looking for the very best condo. They are saying the 3rd time’s the appeal — and in October 2021, after two prior leases, I discovered my favourite house in Croatia but: a newly renovated, two-bedroom, 700-square-foot condo in Zagreb’s town heart.
A shot of Zagreb, with the Meštrović Pavilion within the foreground and Medvednica Mountain because the backdrop.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
The hire is $680 monthly, now not together with utilities. Here is what the condo searching procedure was once like, and what it is love to are living right here:
Discovering an condo condominium in Croatia
Tourism is a big business in Croatia, so there is not any scarcity of temporary leases, particularly alongside the rustic’s coast.
There are lots of tactics to search out an condo, from companies to Fb teams to on-line marketplaces. I discovered my position whilst scouring an area website online known as Njuskalo (assume: a Croatian model of Craigslist).
The usage of Njuskalo helped me steer clear of company charges, which might be generally one month’s value of hire.
As a result of I labored without delay with the owner as a substitute of an company, the approval procedure was once fast and simple. I signed some bureaucracy and registered my cope with with the federal government for a brand new native ID.
An condo that exams all of the containers
The principle area with the eating house leads proper into the lounge.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
The condo was once utterly gutted, newly renovated and entirely refurnished earlier than I moved in.
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The smooth kitchen is stocked with fashionable home equipment, together with a “camouflaged” dishwasher subsequent to the oven.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
The classy may be very fashionable and minimalistic, which fits my taste. The beige partitions and prime ceilings give a way of spacious airiness, whilst the wooden floors, blank tiles and white cabinetry create an general refined glance.
This is an excellent spot to living room and sit back with a ebook or atone for Netflix.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
Having a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher and washer additionally makes existence so much more uncomplicated.
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The washing machine and dryer unit in the toilet is a game-changer.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
The fourth-floor walk-up has a balcony that overlooks a quiet courtyard, and it is the very best position to catch some recent air. The shared rooftop provides sweeping panoramic perspectives of Medvednica, an attractive mountain simply north of Zagreb.
Recent air is just a few steps away with a balcony adjoining to the kitchen.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
The entire home windows within the condo face the courtyard and supply an abundance quantity of herbal mild.
It does not get significantly better than this rooftop view of the mountain and primary cathedral.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
The bed room got here with a brand new bed that makes me really feel like I am dozing on a cloud. And the second one bed room has a correct table, so operating from house is a pleasure.
It is all about location
Croatia’s biggest town is welcoming and carefully walkable, boasting wondrous Austro-Hungarian generation structure and a wealth of cultural landmarks.
A view of Holy Mary Monument, simply out of doors of Zagreb Cathedral.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
Zagreb has a very good public transit machine, and I am fortunate to have a prevent simply out of doors my door. However I nonetheless desire to stroll far and wide. Operating from house approach my shuttle is from my bed room to my administrative center, so strolling forces me to be lively.
I am a few 15-minute stroll from Ban Jelacic Sq., the middle level of town that is covered with retail outlets and cafes, in addition to the leaping off level to Tkalčićeva Side road, Zagreb’s primary hub for nightlife.
Constructed within the overdue 1800’s, Glavni Kolodvor is Zagreb’s primary educate station.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
Zrinjevac Park and King Tomislav Sq. (each are highest picnic spots) are a marginally nearer. My fitness center is a 10-minute stroll away, and the closest café, grocery retailer and bakery are all inside a stone’s throw from my construction.
Virtually the entirety I wish to do — going to museums, eating places, bars — is inside a 30-minute stroll from my condo.
Hire and extra prices
The common one-bedroom condo in Zagreb’s town heart prices round $530 monthly to hire, in line with Numbeo, which compiles user-generated knowledge.
However after dwelling in a studio condo in Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2020, I knew I sought after a two-bedroom condo so I may sleep, paintings and are living in several rooms, and an in-unit washer.
The second one bed room is the place I do maximum of my paintings.
Photograph: Steve Tsentserensky
My condo was once indexed at somewhat above my finances at $740 monthly. I all the time counsel asking locals in Fb teams or on message forums if a worth is honest or if you happen to will have to negotiate.
I made up our minds to barter a inexpensive deal and presented to pay all six months’ value of hire, plus a safety deposit of 1 month’s hire, upfront. They agreed to carry the cost all the way down to $680 monthly, and I paid $4,760 for a six month rent.
Here is a take a look at my moderate per 30 days software bills:
Protecting prices (construction repairs, water, rubbish assortment): $55Gas: $75Electricity: $10High-speed web and TV: $40
General: $180 monthly
House candy house … for now
After a yr in Croatia — and nearly all of it spent in Zagreb — I am hard-pressed to call a town or nation I have loved extra. This condo definitely provides to that; discovering it felt like hitting the jackpot.
Whilst my rent and virtual nomad allow will in the end expire, you’ll be able to possibly to find me proper again right here in Zagreb quicker reasonably than later.
Steve Tsentserensky is a author, video manufacturer, photographer and virtual nomad. He lately lives in Zagreb, Croatia. Observe him on Instagram and Medium.
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