Targovishte, a charming town located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria offers you a blend of tradition, history, and a slower pace of life. It is not one of the headline grabbing Municipalities in Bulgaria but it is extremely popular with expats. Several villages have the majority of residents made up of expats, especially from Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.
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Around the villages and towns of Popovo, it is a magnet for expats because of the low property prices, beautiful scenery, and great amenities. There is a very close-knit expat community here with many social events, which newcomers may find reassuring and helpful. It is a very rural district and many come to spend their retirement here tending gardens and enjoying the slower pace of life.
Here, we look at the pros and cons of moving to Targovishte.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Bulgaria. In this guide, I share my personal list of pros and cons of living in this amazing country.
The low cost of living and affordable housing is one of the major draws for expats moving to Targovishte. Because it is a very agricultural region you will find local produce is incredibly cheap and plentiful, often being sold roadside along the fields they were grown in. The soil in most villages is also very fertile making a self-sufficient lifestyle easily attainable.
There are your usual big supermarkets like Lidl, Kaufland, and TT Market but also a great range of independent stores and daily markets selling local produce at great prices. The wines of Targovishte are outstanding value for money as well as being of very good quality. And if you are missing your favouite English food, worry not, there is an excellent store selling English food in Popovo owned by a very helpful and knowledgeable English lady, it is well worth a visit.
To see just how affordable the properties are be sure to check out the listings of properties in Targovishte to buy or rent on Realistimo.com
Targovishte is known for its tranquil atmosphere, which is a significant draw for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The town’s smaller size and slower pace provide a serene environment where you can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
There’s less traffic, noise, and pollution compared to Bulgaria’s larger cities, making it an ideal place for individuals or families who value peace and quiet. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards, orchards, and rolling hills, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and weekend getaways.
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In Targovishte, you’ll find a strong sense of community with many festivals and social events. The people of Targovishte are generally warm and welcoming to newcomers, making it easier to integrate into the local culture and make connections.
You will find many expat groups on social media who organise events and meet-ups on a regular basis. Targovishte is quite a small town so everybody knows everybody else which you will either find reassuring or try to avoid.
Ruse is not far away so you might take a look at The Pros and Cons of Moving to Ruse
Targovishte has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. The town and its surrounding areas are home to several archaeological sites, including the Thracian tombs and the remains of ancient settlements.
The local history museum offers a deep dive into the region’s past, with exhibits covering everything from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period. The town also boasts several cultural institutions, including theaters and galleries, where you can enjoy performances, exhibitions, and other cultural events throughout the year.
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Targovishte is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Preslav Mountains offer hiking, biking, and bird-watching opportunities, while the Targovishte Vineyard is known for producing some of Bulgaria’s finest wines.
The area’s natural beauty provides residents with easy access to outdoor activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature trails, visiting local vineyards, or simply enjoying a picnic in the countryside, Targovishte’s natural surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
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Targovishte’s location in northeastern Bulgaria places it within easy reach of several major cities and attractions and there are regular bus services to most villages as well as coaches to the major cities. The town is well-connected by road and rail, making it relatively easy to travel to Varna, the country’s Black Sea coast, or to other significant Bulgarian cities such as Shumen, Veliko Tarnovo, or Ruse.
This strategic location means that while you can enjoy the tranquility of small-town life, you’re never too far from the amenities, services, and entertainment options offered by larger cities.
If you prefer the seaside you can take a look at the The Pros and Cons of Moving to Burgas and The Pros and Cons of Moving to Varna.
I will put this here as many expats I know have made a good living since moving here, usually being self-employed in the building trade, real estate brokers, even opening stores for expats, or running small B&Bs. Most of the villages have good internet so remote workers and digital nomads are well catered for.
You may also like to read: Buying a Property in Bulgaria. In this guide, we share the simple steps to buying a home in Bulgaria and show you the average costs involved.
Targovishte is not a very wealthy area, there are limited jobs for locals and there are few schools. Many of the villages are sparsely populated with houses in need of total renovation and the cost of materials and labour have shot up in recent years.Be wary when buying homes that the photos you are shown are not years old, and always always visit them in person before handing over any money. Many are seduced by the incredibly low prices of property only to find that they are buying a shell. So beware.
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Be sure to buy through a trusted real estate broker. Generally, Targovishte has an aged population but if you are moving here to retire then your pension will go a long way in this district. The crime rate is very very low and I know several English families who have moved here and have a great life but there are few village schools so a bus ride to Targovishte or Popovo is the norm for school kids.
Finally, because the investment of EU money has been slow coming to this area, many of the village roads are in a bad state of repair so your journey times can be significantly longer than if you stick to the main roads.
Targovishte or Sofia? Weigh your options by reading the pros and cons of moving to Sofia.
Outside of the expat villages you will find that English is rarely spoken but the upside to that is that you will have little option than to learn the language. Without a good grasp of the language, it will be virtually impossible to get work in a local business. The good news is that there are some excellent real estate brokers in the region, several of whom are English and will help you with all the bureaucracy that you will be faced with when starting your new life here.
You may also like to read: How to Find a Trusted Real Estate Broker. It is essential that you have the help of a good real estate broker when buying property here. In this guide, we explain how to find trusted and pre-vetted brokers.
Targovishte is not a place known for its vibrant nightlife or a wide array of entertainment options. The town has a few bars, cafes, and restaurants, but those looking for a bustling social scene with clubs, cinemas, and diverse cultural venues may find Targovishte somewhat lacking.
While there are cultural events and festivals, they are relatively low-key compared to what you might find in Bulgaria’s larger cities. For those who enjoy a quiet, low-key lifestyle, this might not be an issue, but for those who thrive on entertainment and nightlife, Targovishte could feel a bit too quiet.
While Targovishte has a hospital and several clinics, the healthcare facilities in the town are more limited than in larger cities. For routine medical care and minor health issues, the local facilities are generally adequate.
However, for specialised treatments or more serious health conditions, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Varna or Ruse, where more comprehensive healthcare services are available. This can be a disadvantage, particularly for those with ongoing health conditions or for older residents who may require more frequent medical care.
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While the slower pace of life in Targovishte is a major draw for many, it can also be a downside for those who are used to a more dynamic and fast-paced lifestyle. The town’s laid-back atmosphere means that things often move more slowly, whether it’s business transactions, public services, or simply the pace of daily life.
For some the laid-back lifestyle will draw them to this district whilst others may find it just a tad dull and boring, especially for teenagers.
Targovishte experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.In winter, due to the heavy snowfall, electricity cuts are normal but they last a very short time and everybody is prepared for that anyway. If you need to travel in the winter be mindful that although they are quick to clear the major roads, some villages have very poor roads anyway, but the snow makes them even more ‘interesting’.
You may also like to read: Is Moving to Bulgaria a Good Idea? In this guide, we share why moving to Bulgaria is such a good idea, we find out if it is a good place to live, and what the quality of life is like.
Targovishte is a town that offers a unique blend of affordability, tranquility, and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive option for those looking to experience a different side of Bulgaria. Its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural surroundings, and low cost of living are significant advantages that appeal to a wide range of potential residents, from retirees and young families to digital nomads seeking a quieter pace of life.
However, like any potential place you are thinking of moving to, Targovishte also has its challenges. The limited job market, language barrier, and relatively slow pace of life may not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer the amenities and opportunities found in larger cities.
Before deciding which part of Targoviste to call home it is a good idea to rent first. Be sure to check out the listings of places to rent in Targovishte at Realistimo.com
Good luck with your move to Bulgaria and if you are unsure about which region you may like or for more general advice on moving to Bulgaria check out the Realistimo Blog.
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