Rural Living in Bulgaria: Our Honest Experience

When we decided to leave the UK and start fresh in Bulgaria, we imagined a slower life surrounded by nature, fresh air, and space for the kids to grow. What we didn’t fully anticipate were the real challenges and rewards of rural living here.

This blog isn’t a travel brochure—it’s a first-hand look at life in a rural Bulgarian village, from daily routines to big surprises.

The Pace of Life

The first thing you notice is how slow life moves here.

• Shops open later, close earlier

• Fewer cars on the road

• People greet each other on the street

It’s a stark contrast to the busy, always-on lifestyle of the UK. The quiet can be both calming and, at times, isolating—but it’s perfect for families who want space to breathe.

Housing and Space

Rural homes in Bulgaria are affordable and spacious, often including land for gardens, fruit trees, or even small animals.

• Most homes are older, which means charm—but also repairs

• Cracks, drafty windows, and uneven floors are common

• Heating is a big consideration: winter can drop to -20°C, so insulation and stoves are essential

The benefit? You have space to create your own lifestyle—from raised vegetable beds to outdoor play areas for the kids.

Getting Around

Public transport in villages is limited. Here’s what we’ve learned:

• A car is a must

• Roads can be rough, especially after winter

• Driving is slower, but the scenery is incredible

Even with these challenges, the freedom to explore the countryside makes every trip worthwhile.

Local Community

Rural Bulgarian villages are tight-knit.

• People are friendly, sometimes curious about foreigners

• Community events happen occasionally, but life is largely private

• Language barriers exist, but learning Bulgarian is part of the adventure

We’ve found that locals appreciate effort and kindness—it opens doors to friendships, advice, and local tips.

Nature and Lifestyle

This is where rural life truly shines:

• Fresh air and quiet nights

• Walking trails, forests, rivers, and wildlife

• Space for gardening, DIY projects, and outdoor adventures

For families, this means kids can play outside safely, explore nature, and enjoy experiences impossible in city life.

Challenges to Expect

Rural living isn’t always idyllic. Some things we didn’t expect:

• Infrastructure: intermittent internet, pothole-filled roads, and occasional power outages

• Shopping: fewer stores, fewer options, occasional trips to towns are necessary

• Healthcare: basic services are local, but more specialized care requires a trip to a bigger city

Even with these hurdles, the trade-off is freedom, simplicity, and quality of life.

Tips for Making Rural Living Work

1. Learn the language – even basic Bulgarian makes life smoother

2. Plan heating and insulation carefully – winter is no joke

3. Grow your own food – markets are cheap, but home-grown is cheaper and healthier

4. Embrace local networks – neighbors, farmers, and shopkeepers are invaluable

5. Be patient – things move slower, but that’s part of the charm

   
   

Why We Love It (Even in Winter)

• Our kids have space to roam and explore

• We have time for projects, hobbies, and family meals

• Life is quieter, less stressful, and more in our control

Rural living isn’t about luxury or convenience. It’s about freedom, connection, and quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Rural Bulgaria is challenging, beautiful, and full of surprises.It’s not for everyone—but for families like ours, looking to reset, slow down, and live intentionally, it’s been life-changing.

In our next blog, we’ll dive into “Growing Your Own Food in Bulgaria: A Beginner’s Guide for Families”, because that’s a big part of living well here.