Where Could You Live Your Best Life? (Update)

In an increasingly anxious world, people are rethinking what it means to truly live well.

As we wrote in our previous post from April 2024, the growing desire that many have to find a new place to live isn’t just about escaping — it’s about arriving. Arriving in a place that feels aligned with their values and dreams. Whether it’s the freedom of remote work, the craving for community, or the pursuit of natural beauty and personal growth, the modern migration is less about possessions and more about presence.

Enjoy this updated sampling of posts from Quora and Reddit, where people from all walks of life share their personal takes on what it means to live your best life—and where to do it. Perhaps their journeys will spark something in you too.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

I've plenty of places to name but this one is my favourite: Giethoorn, a village in the Netherlands. Look at this image and you'll instantly know why.

Let me emphasize on certain facts about this place:

• The view: The picture above clearly speaks of how heavenly it is. Harmony with nature in a place of settlement.

• Travel mode: This place has no roads. You either go walking, cycling or use a boat. It's surrounded by total greenery that the locals will never want to spoil.

• Pollution: Imagine no motor vehicles and hence no air pollution at all. Imagine the breath of fresh air and the pleasantly cool climate. No perspiration from humidity unlike the place I live in.

• Population: I want to live in a space where settlements are dispersed. 2,795 inhabitants recorded in 2020. The lesser the population, the more likely to live in serenity, peace and quiet.

Some additional thoughts of personal concern:

I wish to disappear into a place where I won't be judged for being a Muslim.

I wish to disappear into a place where my constitutional rights are not only on paper.

I wish to disappear into a place free from corruption and communalism.

I wish to live in unison with nature. I will not harm it. it will not harm me.

I wish to live in a place where I'm treated like a human and not a subject of criticism and judgement.

·       I wish to live with people who live by the motto: live and let live!!!

-- Ayn Mawaddat, Quora

Dingle, Ireland

Just me alone, writing.

-- ER Miku, Quora

Budapest, Hungary

If I get to pick from the entire world and I don’t have to pay attention to politics or language or money, then Budapest. Absolutely gorgeous city with fascinating history. Plus, all I’d have to do is adopt my paternal grandmother’s maiden name - Horvath - and I’d fit right in!

-- Jo Miller, Quora

Toronto, Canada

My beloved Toronto. We moved to the US for my work 8 years ago and are now plotting a return. I miss my people, the bustle, the walkable streets I know like the back of my hand, all my favourite haunts, the food, the coffee, the diversity, the tolerance, the ability to take public transit almost anywhere, and the general feeling of sanity in the air.

I occasionally also miss the blizzardy, snowy nights.

I can't say that I miss the long grey winters, the horrible traffic, the inefficient, dithering city government, and the insane cost of living, but no place in the world is perfect, and Toronto is where I'm happy and where I feel like myself.

-- Transatlantic, Quora

Chandigarh, India

Though Delhi is my first love and I owe Delhi a lot to what I am, I still would love to live in Chandigarh!

The charm of a small city with all the amenities of a big one!

No traffic jams, everything within 20 minutes, green and clean, a highly efficient police and law enforcement! And if you’re getting bored -- a lot of weekend getaways such as Pinjore/Shimla etc.

Chandigarh has all the advantages of Delhi with every disadvantage about Delhi removed!

City Beautiful!

-- Aditya Gupta, Quora

Kyburz, California

This all depends on your priorities and specific needs. How old are you? What kind of community are you looking for? 

I think I could be happy in a place like Kyburz, which is a tiny working class town in the El Dorado forest. 

I’m nearing retirement age, so what I want out of a community is different than what I wanted in my 20s. I no longer crave a nightlife. I want to be somewhere pretty with pristine wilderness, near water and lots of nature. I don’t like to be surrounded by people who make me uncomfortable, so I would not enjoy being around lots of super religious people, overly friendly, or judgy rich d-bags. Just a nice middle class/working class community who basically respect each other’s privacy. 

-- NuclearFamilyReactor, Reddit

Italy

If I had to leave the UK and live abroad, it would be Italy. I think Italians are very stylish and I love Italian food. Throw in the climate and historic places to see and I am sold. Add to that the Alps in the north, volcanic islands like Stromboli in the Med and it’s hard to think of anywhere else. Plus, it is only a couple of hours by airplane to visit home and have family and friends visit.

We were in Sicily for a wedding earlier this year and the more laid-back lifestyle I think I could get used to.

-- Jenny James, Quora

Carson City, Nevada

As a lifelong trucker, I have spent time in, or driven through, most large cities and many small ones across the central and western USA. I live in a small town in western Idaho across the Snake River from Oregon. At my present age, I prefer small, quiet yet culturally diverse towns and I’m a history buff, so I love spending time in local museums and interpretive centers.

Based on all this, if there was just one town I had to choose to spend the balance of my life in it would probably be Carson City, Nevada. The climate is temperate and fairly tolerable all year. The state of Nevada is an excellent place to live for those who don’t like paying taxes. The history and recreational opportunities in the Sierra Nevada gold country is fascinating and plentiful plus there are always the casinos and legal brothels if that’s your thing. I also have grandkids just over the Sierra in El Dorado Hills, CA. So for me, it would be Carson City, Nevada.

-- Jim Getten, Quora

Manhattan, New York City

Because I love art, history, museums, galleries, old bookstores, and New York City has it all. New York City is a beautiful city.

-- Yasmine Tiffany Pappas, Quora

Cornwall, England

If I could live anywhere, I would be back in the UK, down South in Cornwall. 

I would get myself a stretch of farmland with an old farmer’s cottage on it for my own personal accommodation requirements. I'd then build a small stretch of motel type accommodation - garage downstairs and living and apartment upstairs to take full advantage of the views. Small 1- and 2-bedroom units to cater to the holiday trade with a small pub/restaurant on the premises with a small hall for hire.

I'd work like a dog for 6 months of the year and then mothball it for the other 6 months. This would be my business plan and my retirement fund.

-- James Anthony Fitzpatrick, Quora

Ella, Sri Lanka

This is what you wake up to in the morning.

-- Michael Anderson, Quora

Aix-en-Provence, France

It’s the place where I was born but I still think it’s the greatest place to live, since:

• It enjoys a very sunny climate almost all year round

• It is only 30 kms from the Mediterranean Sea

• It is within 30 minutes of a major airport and 20 minutes from a high-speed train station

• It is within 1 hour of the French Alps to go skiing

• It has great housing and quality of life is good there

• It has some of the best universities

• It is a great place to work with several start-up incubators and major companies

The cultural scene is famous worldwide, and many tourists visit Aix-en-Provence all year round

-- Alexandre C., Quora

Malawi, Africa

Malawi. Some of the kindest, most loving people I've ever met. Most of them don't have 2 pennies to their names but would give you the shirt off their backs if it would help you. It's also a beautiful country with some incredible wildlife and some pretty decent food. I can't wait to go back in a few months!

-- NotReallySurelySure, Reddit

Southern Norway

I’d wanna live in southern rural Norway with no one near me and 10 cats.

-- hiimUGithink, Reddit

Portland, Maine

I don't mind the cold, so I'd say Portland, ME. I was up there a couple years ago in the fall and it's so beautiful outside the city and there's just some really scenic views on the waterfront and a great, walkable downtown area. I've been chasing that experience ever since.

-- Whole-Hair-7669, Reddit

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket. When it's warm and sunny. It's kind of magical.

-- ejpusa, Reddit

Home

In my room.

The door closed.

Silence reigning.

Everyone gone.

Nothing but me.

Almost naked.

Just my bathrobe.

And the scent of lemongrass permeating the space around.

Nothing to do.

Nowhere to go.

Nothing planned.

Just freedom, complete liberty to do with every second of my day whatever I, and I alone, decide to do.

And perhaps I’ll read.

And perhaps I’ll cook.

And perhaps I’ll play.

And perhaps I’ll go for a walk.

And perhaps I’ll call someone.

And perhaps I’ll watch a show.

Or perhaps I will do nothing.

And I’ll use my day to just be.

That is my happy place.

-- Habib F, Reddit

Turkey

Turkey is where my heart lies deeply -- from the moment I went there many years ago and continued to do so ever since, even working there as well. I felt something I could not explain but it’s very special. Compared to all the countries I holidayed and worked in Turkey is the place I want to be always. I am working hard to emigrate there one day and make a beautiful home.

The culture, the vibe, the people, the food, the scenery, the tradition, the sounds of the prayers, the smells of the pine forest, the vibrant markets. Must I go on as I could write a book with my love about it. I even watch on tv lots of Turkish series. As you can tell I am an addict! This is my heaven on earth.

-- Travel the World!, Quora

Japan

If I could live anywhere, I’d pick Japan. It’s one of those rare places where ultra-modern convenience and deep tradition sit side-by-side.

You get spotless public transport, reliable services, and tech-forward cities, but also quiet temples, seasonal festivals, and nature a short train ride away. The food is consistently amazing, streets feel safe and low-stress, and the rhythm of the seasons (cherry blossoms, summer festivals, autumn leaves, snowy mountains) makes everyday life feel a little more vivid. For anyone who wants both career opportunities in tech/business and a rich cultural life, Japan really offers the best of both worlds.

-- Successful_Car_3619, Reddit

Beverly Hills, California

Beverly Hills so I can make it to Hollywood easily.

-- Active-Gur2512, Reddit

Header video: Stefano Barbieri; Giethoorn photo: amsterdamprivateboat.com; Dingle, Ireland photo: Stefan Schnebelt; Budapest, Hungary photo: Allen B; Toronto, Canada photo: Scott Webb; Chandigarh, India photo: Tripadvisor.com; Kyburz, California photo: Zillow.com; Italy photo: Arpan Bhatia; Carson City, Nevada photo: Kayak.com; Manhattan, New York City photo: Central Park Conservancy; Cornwall, England photo: Benjamin Elliott; Ella, Sri Lanka photo: Tripadvisor.com; Aix-en-Provence, France photo: Planetware.com; Malawi, Africa photo: Africa.com; Southern Norway photo: Visitnorway.com; Portland, Maine photo: reddit.com/r/portland; Nantucket Massachusetts photo: Shorelinesillustrated.com; Home photo: Dương Nhân; Turkey photo: Traveltalktours.com; Beverly Hills, California photo: Stevefrankel.com.

:-) Please Like, Share and COMMENT BELOW -- Where do you think YOU could live your best life?