Travel writer Alejandra Rojas has lived in the US, Spain, Colombia, and more, but there’s one place that has everything she seeks in a forever home
Globetrotter Alejandra Rojas, who has lived in several countries, including the US, Spain, and Colombia, holds one place above all others.
Rojas declares, “The best place I’ve lived is Papamoa in New Zealand. It’s my dream home.” In the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a popular place for many expats looking for a quieter way of life.
She elaborated to Business Insider, “Despite my fondness for Europe’s cozy vibes, the US’s fast pace, or South America’s delectable cuisine, none of these places made me pause and think, ‘This is where I want to grow old.’ That sentiment shifted during a 2023 trip to New Zealand when I discovered the stunning coastal suburb of Papamoa.”
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“Before long, I found myself fantasizing about living there permanently. A year after my initial visit to Papamoa, I returned to spend four months residing there. Soon, it dawned on me that it had become my ideal place to live – it encapsulates everything I desire in a home.”
“Years of dwelling in remote areas left me feeling secluded, while bustling cities were too overwhelming. Papamoa offers a small-town ambiance with fewer than 40,000 inhabitants, yet its proximity to a major city ensures it doesn’t feel isolated. It’s merely a 10-minute drive from Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s most populous cities,” she concluded.
Rojas also expressed her desire to settle in a place where nature is deeply revered. She admired the immaculate beaches and parks, with locals and visitors seeming to genuinely care for their environment.
In Papamoa, she cherished that a more relaxed pace of life appeared to be the standard rather than the exception. The community, which seemed fairly close-knit, boasted schools, playgrounds, and an array of outdoor activities for kids.
According to Rojas, the locals she met were incredibly hospitable and laid-back.
Different strokes for different folks when it comes to relocation deal-breakers. Conversely, Vita Molyneux, a travel reporter who switched from peaceful New Zealand to vibrant London, revealed in the UK Mirror that while New Zealand was fantastic, one thing still bothered her.
In her year-long stint, she had “yet to find a cup of coffee that even comes close to what I used to enjoy in New Zealand. It would be almost commendable if it wasn’t so disheartening.”
She even asked her friends from New Zealand to bring coffee beans whenever they visited. That being said, she concurred that “There are many areas where London outshines New Zealand—the groceries are fresher and cheaper, the public transport is quick and reliable, and the arts and culture scene is unparalleled.”
The prospect of moving abroad can be alluring indeed. It promises a fresh backdrop and the thrill of adventure—and sometimes, discovering that there’s a place you want to call home, even if it’s not perfect.
