When I started traveling, I was determined to see as much of the world as possible.
So far, I’ve lived and worked in Colombia, Spain, the Netherlands, the US, and New Zealand, soaking in each destination’s unique charm.
But no matter how much I loved the cozy vibes in Europe, the fast pace of the US, or the great food from South America, none of those places made me stop and think, “This is where I want to grow old.”
That changed during a 2023 trip to New Zealand when I found myself in the breathtakingly beautiful coastal suburb of Papamoa.
Soon, I began dreaming of living there full-time.
The beachy suburb in New Zealand seemed like it’d be a great fit for me and my family
A year after I first visited Papamoa, I returned to spend four months living there.
Soon, I realized it had become my dream place to live — after all, it has so many things I want out of a home.
For years, living in remote areas left me feeling isolated, but busy cities overwhelmed me.
However, Papamoa has a small-town feel with fewer than 40,000 residents, yet it’s close enough to a big city that it doesn’t feel isolated. It’s just 10 minutes by car from Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s most populous cities.
I also want to settle somewhere where nature is greatly respected, so I loved how clean the beaches and parks I visited felt. The locals and visitors seemed to really take care of their surroundings.
In Papamoa, I love that a slower pace of life feels like the norm rather than an exception. The area also feels incredibly family-friendly, which has become a priority since having my daughter.
The fairly close-knit community has schools, playgrounds, and many outdoor activities for kids. Locals I’ve met have been incredibly welcoming and laid-back.
Financially, Papamoa also aligns with the life I want to build.
Although my cost of living wasn’t super low during my time in the suburb, I was able to comfortably live below my means.
I spent less on transportation because the area is walkable, and most places I needed to be were within walking distance of my rental home.
Plus, so much of the local entertainment revolves around free outdoor activities. On a typical day in Papamoa, I finished working my remote job, packed a bag with snacks and sandwiches, and spent a few hours outside with my daughter.
We’d have a picnic while watching surfers, birds, and the sea from the not-too-crowded local beaches. On rainy days, we’d cozy up in a local café instead.
I fell in love with the idea of this someday being my daily routine for good.
I’ve lived in many places, but this is the first one that helped me picture my dream future
Every country and city I’ve lived in has its perks, but I couldn’t picture growing old while living the life I want in any place until I found Papamoa.
The lifestyle, natural beauty, and sense of balance the suburb offers already make it feel like home to me. My daughter and I don’t live there permanently yet, but I’m confident it’s where I’d like to be in the long run.
Once I get the right visas, I plan to return to Papamoa and make it our forever home — ideally sooner rather than later.
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