I would now like to take some time off (6+ months) to completely focus on my own development/education/reading etc... I am pretty free to go wherever I think would work best, what I would like is to find a relatively cheap place with:
- A decent living space (1 bed apartment)
- Relatively cheap and decent food and rent (hopefully < $1500/month all in)
- Good Internet Access and a comfortable/quiet place to read/study
- Some chances opportunities to socialize with like minded individuals (I'm afraid I speak only English)
- Somewhere not too hot (< 28C please! :) ) but with good access to nature (I love the outdoors and hiking)
Can anyone recommend somewhere? I'm a single mid/late 30s happy go lucky guy, who loves science and philosophy, if that helps!
I'm thinking SE Asia, or South/Central America are my best bets? Or maybe India/Nepal?
Thanks!
Here's mild (20'C - 30'C) cities with fast internet and many young tech enabled people there to socialize with:
https://nomadlist.com/mild-cities-with-fast-internet-and-man...
1) Lisbon 2) Mexico City 3) Melbourne 4) Tokyo 5) Hong Kong
The more popular cities don't show with this filter query because they're a bit too warm now (>30'C). Try removing warm and seeing what you get!
You might need to be slightly more flexible on the temperature for SE Asia (~30C and humid is pretty standard, though there's plenty of nice sea to cool down in) and speaking only English is going to somewhat limit your social options in many parts of South America.
You can probably save quite a bit and get a good monthly deal through Airbnb.
Bali is quite nice too.
Fair warning: we're facing a crazy heat wave this time of year, but there's plenty of air-conditioning. Take note that the humidity will leave you sweating up to 3 AM without an air conditioner.
The November-March part of the year is a bit dreary, but April-October is glorious for the most part. Just the right kinds of temperatures, and sun. If you’re from Europe, I’d say it’s probably better here (and in places in Europe with similar climate) than in SEA during spring and summer.
I’d recommend a few other Polish cities as well, but they’re not on the coast and so they can get hotter in the summer.
[1]http://www.bangaloretrekkingclub.com/
SE Asia is interesting to visit but staying there half a year in a chaotic country which likely will have persistant flooding during rain seasons, non potable water, random power outages and endemic corruption from taxi drivers to police demanding bribes everytime you drive gets annoying really fast if your goal is studying and not living the tourist-bro party lifestyle. I spent a few months there doing exactly what you are doing, and immediately regretted not going to the Balkans or even Georgia (cheap cost of living) instead since my goal was to study.
Another suggestion is Tbilisi. Very inexpensive, interesting place with 360-day visa on-arrival for all nationalities.
Probably the cheapest viable place you could go and find a nice set up. Easy access to hiking in the Himalaya! Internet connection is ok and has probably improved since I was there. You can probably get by on 200$ a month if you are frugal and the climate is mild!
Or "splash out" and stay here: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/11315606?location=Pokhara%2C%...
probably still spending <500$ a month!
Also the weather is really mild all year round.
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/aug/15/slow-train-sp...
If you avoid July 15 - August 15 it should be extremely quiet.
Such places - quiet, natural, rural, scenic, etc. - should really be the norm, not the exception. I am reminded of Gandhi's reply to someone (maybe a reporter) asking him "What is your opinion of civilization?"
He said "I think it would be a good idea."
FWIW I'd recommend other places over Nottingham, though. Birmingham is a vibrant "second city", with low prices and good connections to London. Several decent universities. Manchester is cheaper still. Southampton is cheaper than London and has good culture and a good university. Glasgow is a cheap and rapidly rejuvenating city.
Nottingham is IMO pretty dull. Maybe the parent commenter has better experiences though.
1500 p/month is more than enough to live comfortably