Why I Left the US for SLOVENIA: 10 Reasons

Why I Moved to Ljubljana, Slovenia – My Journey as an American Expat I left the U.S. for Slovenia to embrace a life that felt more authentic and fulfilling. After visiting Prague and Copenhagen, I fell in love with European culture and knew Ljubljana, Slovenia, was where I wanted to be. In Dallas, I felt disconnected and unfulfilled, but Ljubljana offered a more affordable, traditional lifestyle. The city’s blend of Slovenian culture, rich history, and family values drew me in. Ljubljana’s vibrant cafe culture, stunning landscapes, and Catholic roots made it the perfect place to start over. Slovenia offered everything I was looking for – a fresh start with a strong Slovenian identity. In 2017, after visiting Copenhagen and Prague, I fell in love with Europe. Returning to Dallas, I couldn’t shake the thought: I will move to Europe. I worked as an accountant, but life felt unfulfilled, and I realized I didn’t want to spend my life wondering, What if? So, I made the leap and chose to move to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Here’s why: 1. I Wanted More Out of Life Living in Dallas, I felt stuck. I wanted a change — a life with deeper meaning. Europe offered that, and after months of thinking about it, I decided to move and pursue a new lifestyle. 2. I Wanted a Smaller, More Intimate City When I told people I was moving to Ljubljana, they asked, Where is that? Unlike huge cities like Budapest, Ljubljana is just the right size — not too big, not too small. With a population of around 300,000, it’s a perfect place to feel connected to the community. 3. I Wanted a Less Touristy, Hidden Gem While Ljubljana is becoming more popular, it still feels like a hidden gem compared to other European capitals. The city preserves its culture, and I wanted to experience Slovenia in a more authentic, less touristy way. 4. I Wanted a More Affordable City Coming from Dallas, I needed a more affordable lifestyle. Ljubljana’s cost of living is about half of what it would be in a city like Dallas. Rent, food, and entertainment are all much cheaper, making it easier to enjoy life here. 5. I Wanted a Catholic Country As a Catholic, I wanted to live in a place where faith was an important part of life. Slovenia’s predominantly Catholic population means beautiful churches and religious traditions are woven into daily life. Ljubljana’s peaceful, spiritual atmosphere has been a perfect fit for my faith. 6. I Wanted a Vibrant Cafe Culture Ljubljana is known for its thriving cafe culture. The city is lined with cafes along the Ljubljanica River where people take their time to sip coffee, chat, and enjoy life. It’s a slower pace that I truly appreciate after the fast-paced life in Dallas. 7. I Wanted a Traditional Environment Slovenia is deeply rooted in family values and tradition. The sense of community is strong, and Ljubljana’s parks are full of families enjoying time together. This emphasis on family and tradition was something I was craving after living in the U.S. for so long. 8. I Loved the Location Slovenia’s central location in Europe makes it easy to explore. In just a few hours, I can visit cities like Vienna, Venice, and Budapest. Traveling across Europe has been a huge perk of living in Ljubljana. 9. I Loved the Topography Slovenia’s natural beauty is incredible. From the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, the country offers mountains, lakes, caves, and coastlines. As someone who loves nature, Slovenia’s variety of landscapes has been one of my favorite things about living here. 10. I Wanted to Experience a Strong Culture Slovenes are incredibly proud of their culture, and it’s evident everywhere — from folk music to local cuisine. Slovenia’s culture is well-preserved and distinct. Living in Ljubljana has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The city offers an affordable, traditional lifestyle, and the natural beauty is unmatched. Whether you're an American expat in Slovenia or just curious about life here, Ljubljana provides a unique experience that blends culture, history, and a slower pace of life. #slovenia #Ljubljana #American #expatlife #centraleurope #Europe #chillguy #vlog #travelvlog #slovenianfood #slovenianculture #slovenian #lifeineurope #lifeinslovenia -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://linktr.ee/lifewithaaronarnold --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - My Website: https://lifewithaaronarnold.com/ - My Newsletter: https://lifewithaaronarnold.activehosted.com/f/1 - Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lifewithaaronarnold - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithaaronarnold/ - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lifewithaaronarnold?mibextid=LQQJ4d - Twitter: https://x.com/lwaaronarnold - Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithaaronarnold - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-arnold-1bu/