Moving to Europe

[Larissa100]

I am considering relocating to a European city from the UK with my young daughter, and am considering different countries. Although I'm British, I previously lived in Prague in the Czech Republic. I am hoping to find a capital city that offers the same great quality of life, and rich choice of cultural life, cafes, parks etc, but with a more multicultural, open minded community. Ideally, we are looking for a country with a pleasant, but not hot climate. This means some sunshine and warmth in the summer months, and mild, pleasant spring/autumn time. We've recently visited Amsterdam which was ideal as a city, but are not sure about the weather. We also have Berlin as an idea, but not many other places on our list. Would be happy to hear any suggestions, thank you.

Climate change is a real thing and weather is getting more extreme across Europe so you need to change your parameters somewhat and xconsider the expense for increased levels of heating or cooling. You could be a bit 'scientific' about it and look at the weather trends and what was recorded for the last few years in various countries and cities but the large scale flooding in various countries and droughts in others is relatively recentand everyone is having to adapt:

OP, you say you are British. Is a UK passport the only one you have? If so, you will need to look at visas that allow you to live in a European country - and to work there if you need to make a living.

Also, how old is your daughter? You will need to consider her education.

Yes, luckily my daughter has EU citizenship, and this enables us to move to an EU country more easily.

OK, how old is she? And what languages does she speak, read and write?

Hello, She's 7. We would be looking at international schools probably. I am more focused on finding the right place for us to live in.

If it has to be a capital city, you could perhaps look at Lisbon. Though how multicultural it is, I don't know. Madrid is pretty cold in winter and horribly hot in high summer.

Yes, we're definitely looking at capital cities. I was thinking about somewhere with a continental climate, so not hot all year round. We are considering Berlin, or somewhere like this. Thank you.

Lucky you! We’re moving soon to our ideal retirement home in the highlands. Had we not found it, we’d go to Amsterdam in an heartbeat (if it would have us. Probably not, now. Thanks a bunch David Cameron 🙄)

Good luck, wherever you decide. I think you’re doing a great thing for your daughter.

If you like Berlin, I've heard Belgrade has quite a similar vibe.

Thanks a lot. We have just returned from Amsterdam, and I totally loved it, it was the kind of place we are looking for, but I wasn't sure about the weather and if it would be too tough.

Thank you, I'll have a look at that.