“I Left California at 53 and Started Over in Tirana, Albania”

Tirana Albania
A walkable capital with mountain views and café-lined streets.|©iStock/Alla Simacheva

After spending more than 23 years in Southern California, I made a life-changing decision: I sold or gave away most of my belongings, including my home and vehicles, packed eight suitcases, and moved to Tirana, Albania.

It wasn’t until I left the U.S. and saw the reactions from friends and family that I realized just how bold the move was. But I knew that if I didn’t do it, it would be my biggest regret.

I discovered Albania almost by accident, through a travel podcast. Despite having visited over 40 countries and all seven continents, Albania hadn’t been on my radar. But as I started researching—joining travel and expat groups, reading articles, watching videos—the country kept checking all the boxes: natural beauty, a slower lifestyle, affordability, and welcoming people.

I was so impressed with the country's beauty, the delicious food, the hospitality, and the slower pace of life that I made the decision to move. The country also offers close proximity to many other beautiful and interesting places to visit. It immediately felt like home.

From Business Owner to Bold Explorer

After 23 years in California, Cheryl started over—on her own terms.
After 23 years in California, Cheryl started over—on her own terms.|©Cheryl Orlov

In California, I lived near the coast in the South Bay area and ran my own furniture business for over 32 years. Life was comfortable, and I had a great community of friends. But I’d always felt a pull toward travel. In fact, one of the reasons I started my business in 1993 was to create the freedom to explore.

In March 2022, following a personal breakup, I realized it was time to finally put myself first and pursue that dream. I was turning 53 and asked myself, "If not now, when?"

I knew that if I didn’t take action, the regret would haunt me. I felt that I was given a do-over, a chance to start fresh.

A Scouting Trip That Changed Everything

I wanted to be sure I wasn’t romanticizing what I saw online, so I planned a scouting trip to Albania in September 2022. I hired a driver who met me at the port of Saranda, and from that moment, I began falling in love with the country.

The drive from the south to the north showed me breathtaking views—rugged mountains, sparkling coastlines, and untouched natural beauty. It reminded me of the California I had always wished to see before rapid development took over. I saw a different quality of life.

Albania’s diversity of landscapes, delicious food, warm hospitality, slower pace, and proximity to other European countries made my decision easy. My journey to explore Albania started at that point.

Settling into Life in Tirana

Cheryl found connection and calm in her new life in Tirana.
Cheryl found connection and calm in her new life in Tirana.|©Cheryl Orlov

My life in Tirana is far more relaxed and intentional than it was in Redondo Beach. The low cost of living allows me to breathe, literally and figuratively. I no longer feel pressure to keep up with the fast pace and high costs of Southern California.

Tirana has a unique buzz where communist-era buildings meet sleek modern architecture. The city is full of life and surprises. What struck me most was the abundance of activities and community groups. It’s a city for connection.

I can walk to local events or take a peaceful stroll around the lake, just five minutes from my apartment. The culture emphasizes being rather than doing, which has helped me slow down and appreciate the present.

Yesterday, I went to my local market near the zoo. I hear Leo the lion roaring on my way down the hill. I befriended a lady at the deli counter who smiles every time she sees me because I’m the only American in the market. She doesn’t speak any English, so it gives me a chance to practice my Albanian.

In Albania, people have time to connect with one another. There’s more emphasis on being rather than doing. I had spent many years being busy, working hard, and staying productive, like so many others back home. In Albania, I’ve been able to let go of that pressure and shift into a more mindful way of living. I find that people value community and social connection.

A Vibrant Social Life

One of the biggest gifts of living in Tirana is the strong sense of community. I’m part of a writing group, a meditation group, and a weekly game night. I meet friends for walks around the lake or meals in local restaurants. There’s always something going on, from cultural events to casual gatherings.

Today I met up with a friend for breakfast at a local restaurant called Tony’s. It’s actually an American who owns the restaurant. My friend and I will sit for hours and catch up with our lives. Afterwards, I go to my local gym to do strength training and swimming. The trainers, who are Albanian, always walk up to me with a smile and ask if I need any help.

Later in the evening, I go to my friend’s meditation center to do a meditation practice with other expats and Albanians.

Tomorrow, I’ll be going to a local community-minded group that meets every Friday morning for coffee. Again, it’s a combo of expats and Albanians who share and connect with each other. On Friday mornings, they have guest speakers or events that happen during the gathering. I’ll likely meet up with some friends for lunch afterward to catch up. Again, the nice thing is that we aren’t rushed for time.

There is a lot of variety of cuisines available in Tirana. In the evening, I’ll meet up with fellow expats at a place called the Bitter Bistro Bar. It reminds me of the TV show Cheers, where everyone knows your name.

Everyday Comforts and Living Well in Tirana

Fresh cheese, local wine, and wide-open countryside views—no Napa crowds here.
Fresh cheese, local wine, and wide-open countryside views—no Napa crowds here.|©Cheryl Orlov

I also love exploring Albania’s agrotourism farms and wineries, sampling fresh cheese, produce, and wine while overlooking the countryside. It reminds me of Napa or Sonoma, but without the crowds or high prices. Sometimes I have to pinch myself.

I rent a two-bedroom apartment in Tirana for €500 per month—a price unthinkable in Los Angeles. The affordability extends to every aspect of life: groceries, dining out, and even healthcare. I pay out-of-pocket for medical care because it’s that affordable, and private insurance options are far less expensive than in the U.S.

Living in Tirana has also made it easy to give up driving. I can walk everywhere I need to go, which has been a refreshing change from traffic-heavy California. As a solo female traveler, I also feel incredibly safe here, more so than I ever did back home.

There is a strong sense of security. People look out for one another. I can walk through the city by day or night without worry. That kind of peace of mind is something I never realized I was missing until I found it.

The country also offers easy access to other places in the region. Weekend trips to Montenegro, Greece, Italy, or North Macedonia are simple and affordable. Albania makes a great base for anyone who wants to explore the Balkans or Europe without the high costs of living in more well-known destinations.

Words of Advice

A favorite sunset stroll: the artificial lake near my home.
A favorite sunset stroll: the artificial lake near my home. |©Cheryl Orlov

If you’re considering a similar move, my advice is simple but essential: do your research and take a scouting trip. Albania isn’t for everyone, and it’s important to explore different areas in person. I thought I wanted to live by the sea until I visited Tirana. Then I knew I had found my home.

My journey from a fast-paced life in Southern California to a more relaxed, culturally rich life in Tirana is proof that it’s possible to follow your dreams at any stage in life. With courage, curiosity, and planning, you really can create the life you’ve always imagined.

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