Moving to Europe is a popular choice and for a good reason. With high salaries, rich culture, good social infrastructure, and endless travel opportunities, the EU is a safe and attractive place to move to. But is Lithuania a good place to live?
Living in Lithuania gives you all the advantages a European Union country has to offer. And besides, life in Lithuania has its unique flavor.
If you’re considering a move to Lithuania, you might have some important questions to answer for yourself. For example, which are the best cities in Lithuania to live in? What’s the culture of Lithuania like?
Keep reading to find out how is to live in Lithuania and what are your best options to start your new European life.
By the way, if you seriously think about moving to Lithuania, there is a useful article for you about Lithuanian economics.
We’ll explore the pros and cons, and useful facts about Lithuania for those who want to move. So you can make an informed decision.
Regions of Lithuania
How big is Lithuania? At 65,300 km2, it’s 3.7 times smaller than the UK and 151 smaller than the US. But it packs a lot of beauty and history in a small envelope.
Do you like rolling hills, idyllic meadows, mysterious forests, clear lakes, and white sand beaches? Then you’ll like Lithuania’s landscapes: some of the most stunning in Europe, they’re the perfect backdrop for a life in nature.
And that’s without considering the ancient castles, archaeological sites, and picturesque old towns. Thanks to this combination, your life in Lithuania can be city-based, rural, or a healthy mix of both.
Culturally, the country has 4 or 5 regions. This division is based on ethnic regions of Lithuania and it goes back to ancient times. There are four major ethnic regions in Lithuania:
- Žemaitija (Western Lithuania)
- Aukštaitija (Central and Eastern Lithuania)
- Dzūkija (south-eastern Lithuania on both sides of the Nemunas river), and
- Suvalkija (the northern parts to the south of the Nemunas river).
- Sometimes Mažoji Lietuva (or Lithuania Minor), a region close to the sea, is considered as a culturally separate region and not part of Žemaitija.
However, officially Lithuania is divided into 10 counties— this includes the county of Vilnius, where the country’s capital is based.
Best cities of Lithuania
If you’re a digital nomad or simply love the fast-paced rhythm of the city, you likely want to discover the best cities of Lithuania to move to.
The largest cities of Lithuania to start a new life are:
- Vilnius: the capital is also the first of the major cities in Lithuania, with around 541,000 inhabitants. Here, you’ll find a vibrant cultural scene, a student and young professional community, and a unique mix of nature and architecture. Vilnius leads the national charts of salaries and offers many jobs and investment opportunities to newcomers.
- Kaunas: this highly industrial town is also a magnet for the arts, theater, and the most beloved sport in Lithuania— basketball. The cultural life is unique, with numerous art galleries and museums as well as 11 yearly art festivals. Kaunas is also famous as a place where you can experience the real, traditional Lithuania.
- Klaipeda: this coastal city is the only national seaport— its Baltic views and quieter atmosphere set it apart from the other largest cities in Lithuania. Klaipeda is a great destination for families, year-round beach lovers, and those looking for a calmer city experience (or if you have an export-import business).
How safe is Lithuania
Like most nations in the European Union, Lithuania is very safe to visit and live in. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, crime in Lithuania has been steadily declining.
Overall, how safe is Lithuania? The stats of crime in Lithuania indicate that its safety is on par with other first-world countries in the EU and North America. In the Europe Safety Index Lithuania occupies 19th place, and – it might come as a surprise for some – it`s safer than Germany, France, Italy or the United Kingdom. The crime rate has been further declining over the past few years.
There are no problems with political or religious persecution. Mass protests are usually peaceful, and the police do not prevent citizens from expressing their opinions.
According to the report of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S., Lithuania received a low assessment of the likelihood of terrorist threats.
So, Lithuania is a very safe country for your family.
Modern culture in Lithuania
Because of its rich history, Lithuanian culture has elements from Germanic, Slavic, and Nordic cultures— but above all, a traditional element that’s uniquely Lithuanian. Plus, multiculturalism means modern culture in Lithuania is a vibrant melting pot of different world heritages.
The art scene is thriving, whether you live in modern, progressive Vilnius or more traditional, storied Kaunas. Thanks to community enthusiasm and government support, you’ll never be too far from an arts festival, gallery, or theater.
If you live in Lithuania, you’ll find that most people appreciate education as well as keeping the Lithuanian language (most people also speak English), delicious cuisine, and traditions alive.
Currently, there’s an ongoing revival of Lithuanian folk music, dance, and mythology. If you like feeling a sense of community, you can’t go wrong with living in Lithuania.
Sports in Lithuania
If you like sports, you’re in luck: Lithuania does too. The general attitude towards sports in Lithuania is one of enthusiasm. You’re likely to spark a lively conversation if you ask a Lithuanian about their favorite team.
The most popular sports include basketball (in which Lithuania holds 3 Olympic medals), football, athletics, and cycling. Life in Lithuania gives you the chance to experience outdoor activities and sports matches first-hand.
Staying in Lithuania, you’ll be immersed in a culture that values a connection with nature, wellbeing, and a healthy work-life balance that includes participating in sports.
Pros and cons of living in Lithuania
Just how easy is living in Lithuania for a foreigner? When considering moving, you should weigh the pros and cons to make the best decision for you.
If you’re interested in moving to Lithuania, living here has many advantages. These include safety, a world-class education system, excellent healthcare, and social security.
Life in Lithuania gets you closer to nature as well as both traditional and modern culture. Quality of life is high: great career opportunities, good work-life balance, access to green areas, and great food are a given.
And the cons? If you decide to live in Lithuania, you might experience language and culture shock in the early stages. Also, depending on where you come from, the weather can be hard to get used to: there’s a lot of rain! But in winter you will have the opportunity to enjoy the snow. In general, the disadvantages of living in Lithuania pale in comparison to many advantages.
Is Lithuania a good place to live? Thanks to the Baltic country’s opportunities, high quality of life, beautiful nature, and rich culture, the answer is a resounding yes. What are you waiting for?
