Razgrad is located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria on the banks of the Beli Lom River. The city of Razgrad is fairly small with a population of only about 28,000 people but it has all the amenities you need for day-to-day living.
The villages around Razgrad are popular with expats from the Netherlands, Germany, and especially the UK. There is a strong expat community here with strong ties to those who reside in Targovishte which is only about 40km away so sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two Municipalities.
Wondering what it takes to get a Bulgarian D Visa? This resource breaks it all down for you clearly.
Having lived and worked in this region, here are my pros and cons of living in the Municipality of Razgrad.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Bulgaria. In this guide, I share my experience of living in Bulgaria and the pros and cons that you very rarely hear about.
In the villages of Razgrad you will find many very affordable homes although they will often require total renovation.
That said, there are many homes that belonged to expats who, since Brexit, cannot get out here as cheaply or as often as they once could so you could bag yourself a village bargain without all the hassle of renovation. Local taxes here are some of the lowest in the country which helps your money go even further.
You may also like to read: Buying a Property in Bulgaria. This is a simple guide on the buying process since Brexit and also includes the various costs associated with buying a property here.
Razgrad is located near some beautiful natural landscapes, making it a great spot for nature lovers. The surrounding region is filled with forests, rolling hills, and rivers, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
The nearby Rusenski Lom Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers stunning natural beauty, with deep canyons, limestone cliffs, and diverse wildlife. Pchelina Forest Park (Kovanluka) just outside Razgrad city is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation whilst Voden Nature Reserve 36km outside Razgrad is another popular weekend destination.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors or are looking for a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, Razgrad is the ideal place to move to.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Targovishte. Targovishte is a neighboring Municipality of Razgrad and offers all the advantages of living in Razgrad. It is a region well worth checking out if you are thinking of moving to this part of the country.
Discover what makes Bulgaria a top choice for digital nomads, retirees, and more in this expat-focused article.
Not only does Razgrad have beautiful scenery but it is a very safe environment in which to raise a family with one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The Municipality of Razgrad has 16 schools.
You will find that the villages are very family-centric and provide a wonderful environment in which to raise a family. There is a large expat community within some villages that can give you invaluable support and assistance should you need it, this can be a lifesaver for people who have just moved here.
You will also find very supportive social media groups whose members have been residents of this area for years. And if your family likes football then you should definitely move here. Razgrad is the home of Ludogorets Razgrad football team which are one of the most successful teams in Bulgaria.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Ruse. If you would like a more cosmopolitan lifestyle or easier access to a large city, then it is well worth considering the Ruse region which is only 64km from Razgrad.
Whilst not important to everybody, Razgrad is quite a multicultural society with the 2nd largest Turkish population in Bulgaria.
There are some absolutely stunning mosques in the region such as the Ibrahim Pasha Mosque which is a must visit.
What's the Average Cost of Living in Bulgaria
From first appointments to hospital recovery, explore what everyday healthcare looks like for expats in Bulgaria.
Razgrad is well connected to the major towns and villages of this region with a bus and train station in the city. For those who need easy access to airports you are spoilt for choice with it being only 138km to Bucharest airport, 122 km to Varna airport, 190km to Burgas airport, and Sophia airport is 328km.
Razgrad is only 36km from Popovo, 40km from Targovishte, whilst Ruse is just 64km making this a very convenient location for getting to those bigger cities.
You may also like to read: Is Moving to Bulgaria a Good Idea? Life in Bulgaria is not for everyone but for those who embrace all its charms and the way of life, it can be a totally rewarding experience. In this guide, we look at the quality of life in Bulgaria, ask whether Bulgaria is a good place to live, and finally help you decide whether living in Bulgaria is a good idea.
Planning a move? Start by learning how affordable life in Bulgaria is.
While Razgrad does have healthcare facilities, the number of healthcare facilities and doctors is quite limited in comparison with some regions. For more specialised medical care, residents often have to travel to nearby cities like Ruse or Varna.
The local healthcare services in Razgrad are generally sufficient for routine care and minor health issues, but if you require specialised treatments or surgeries, you may find the options limited.
Razgrad is a relatively undeveloped and quiet town, and while this adds to its charm, it also means that the pace of development is slower. The town’s small size means that some amenities, such as high-end restaurants, cultural institutions, or modern leisure facilities, are limited compared to larger cities in Bulgaria.
It should also be noted that generally, the roads are not well maintained which can add significant time to your journeys.
I will put this here because this is a general perception, but personally, this would definitely not put me off of considering moving to this area. Just be sure to check out any village you are thinking of moving to carefully and never buy sight unseen or without doing the proper research.
There are some excellent real estate brokers in and around this region who will only be too happy to assist you in your home search and one or two even offer services like translation or dealing with the bureaucracy once you have made your move.
In fact, being in a less affluent region can be a distinct advantage if you want a beautiful place to live, with good community spirit, with all the amenities you need, but you are on a tight budget. However, unemployment is high and most jobs are seasonal in the agricultural sector.
Many expats have started their own businesses usually in the building trade, hospitality, retail, or as real estate agents and make a very good living doing so.
You may also like to read: How to Find a Trusted Real Estate Broker. In this guide, we explain how to find a trusted real estate broker to ensure that your home-buying experience goes without a hitch.
Razgrad is not a glitzy or commercialised Municipality but what it does offer is a relaxed, back to nature, simple way of living in stunning scenery all at a very affordable price. If a high quality of life means appreciating nature and getting back to the basics of life where money and possessions mean nothing, then this is a great place to make your home.
The villages are safe and the locals are super friendly and will welcome you with open arms. You will find a supportive expat community some of whom offer invaluable services to help you set up your new life. The region is well-connected and has easy access to numerous international airports and large cities.
On the downside, it just seems to rain more in this region (at least that’s how it felt when I lived there). But that is not really a downside considering the droughts that many regions have experienced in recent summers.
Winters can be harsh, but you will learn to cope and are no different than other Municipalities in this part of Bulgaria.
So all in all, if you want a simple, relaxed life, where maybe you raise your own livestock or be self-sufficient, or just want somewhere where your money will go so much further but still want a great quality of life, then Razgrad really is well worth considering.
We would recommend that you rent in the area and if possible experience the different seasons as well before choosing where to buy your new home. You will find a selection of homes to rent in the Razgrad region at Realistimo.com.
And if you are still undecided about which part of Bulgaria you would like to be home then be sure to check out our Municipality guides on realistimo's blog.
Considering Razgrad? Compare it with Sofia in the pros and cons of moving to Sofia.
Good luck with your move to this amazing country!
Let Realistimo track for you instead
😃 Install the app and we'll notify you first when a suitable listing appears.
Stay updated on what's new in real estate, statistics, and news from Realistimo, without spam:
