🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Ohrid, North Macedonia home for several months, and I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. With a Nomad Score of 73/100 and a Safety Index of 73.71/100, Ohrid offers an attractive blend of affordability, natural beauty, and cultural richness. The city’s unique vibe is a mix of ancient history, stunning lake scenery, and a thriving expat community. Ohrid digital nomads love the city’s laid-back atmosphere, which allows for a great work-life balance. Whether you’re looking to explore the old town’s cobblestone streets, hike in the surrounding mountains, or simply enjoy the lake’s crystal-clear waters, Ohrid has something for everyone.
One of the reasons I fell in love with Ohrid is its stunning natural beauty. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by mountains and forests. The Nature Score of 81/100 is well-deserved, and as a digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. From hiking and biking to swimming and kayaking, Ohrid is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Ohrid, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- Old Town (Stara Čaršija): This historic neighborhood is a maze of cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to experience Ohrid’s rich history and culture. Rent prices are slightly higher here, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 18,000 MKD ($300 USD) per month.
- Dejan Square (Ploštad Dejan): This area is located just outside the old town and offers a more modern and lively atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as a weekly market selling fresh produce. Rent prices are around 15,000 MKD ($250 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Lagadin: This charming neighborhood is located on the lake’s shore and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a bit quieter than the old town and Dejan Square, but still within walking distance to all the amenities. Rent prices are around 12,000 MKD ($200 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Ohrid is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
- Rent: 12,000-18,000 MKD ($200-$300 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: 500-1,000 MKD ($8-$15 USD) per meal at a mid-range restaurant
- Transportation: 50-100 MKD ($0.80-$1.50 USD) for a one-way bus ticket
- Coworking: 500-1,000 MKD ($8-$15 USD) per day for a desk at a coworking space
- Internet: 1,000-2,000 MKD ($15-$30 USD) per month for a 50 Mbps internet plan
Overall, the cost of living in Ohrid is around 30,000-50,000 MKD ($500-$800 USD) per month, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
Internet & Coworking
Ohrid has a relatively fast internet speed of 47 Mbps, making it suitable for remote work. There are several coworking spaces and cafes with good internet connectivity:
- Ohrid Coworking Space: Located in the old town, this coworking space offers desks, meeting rooms, and a community of like-minded professionals. Prices start at 500 MKD ($8 USD) per day.
- Cafe Bar: This cafe has a reliable internet connection and a cozy atmosphere, making it a popular spot for digital nomads. Coffee prices start at 100 MKD ($1.50 USD).
- Hub Ohrid: This coworking space is located in the Dejan Square area and offers a range of amenities, including meeting rooms, printers, and a community kitchen. Prices start at 1,000 MKD ($15 USD) per day.
Ohrid has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events taking place throughout the year. Some popular groups include:
- Ohrid Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great place to connect with other remote workers, find accommodation, and get tips on living in Ohrid.
- Nomad List Ohrid: This group is part of the larger Nomad List community and offers a range of resources, including a forum, meetups, and a directory of coworking spaces.
Culture & Lifestyle
Ohrid is a culturally rich city with a unique blend of Macedonian, Albanian, and Turkish influences. Some local customs to keep in mind include:
- Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time, it’s customary to shake hands and use formal titles such as “gospodin” (mr.) or “gospođa” (ms.).
- Food: Ohrid is famous for its traditional dishes, including tavče gravče (bean stew) and ** Shopska salad**. Be sure to try some of the local wine and rakia (fruit brandy) as well.
- Nightlife: Ohrid has a lively nightlife scene, with several bars and clubs along the lake’s shore. Some popular spots include Kohan and Amnesia.
As a digital nomad, you’ll typically need a tourist visa to enter North Macedonia. The visa is valid for 90 days and can be obtained at the border or in advance through the embassy. There is no specific digital nomad visa available, but the government is considering introducing one in the near future.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when living in Ohrid:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from one of the local providers, such as VIP or T-Mobile, for around 500 MKD ($8 USD).
- Transportation: Ohrid has a reliable bus system, with tickets starting at 50 MKD ($0.80 USD). You can also rent a car or bike for around 1,000 MKD ($15 USD) per day.
- Safety: Ohrid is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Ohrid has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, with temperatures ranging from 10-30°C (50-86°F) throughout the year.
