Riga, Latvia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Sep 17, 2022

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in Riga, Latvia. They offer advice about meeting people, cost of living, finding a home and more.

What do expats in Riga appreciate most about the local culture?

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"The Latvian culture is beautiful and interesting - as are the people. I appreciate that most Latvians work in Riga (or other city) and then immediately disappear to the woods in their other homes to be out in nature. They are fine, decent people. They sort of just keep to themselves, like most Europeans, and this can be seen by us Americans as being stand-offish or even rude," explained one expat.

"The people can be a bit sour, but considering their history, I can't blame them. That said, the country itself with its nature and scenery should be promoted more by their government because it's really special," said another person in Riga.

What do expats find most challenging?

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"The languages. They're tough. This winter was very cold/snowy but being a Minnesota girl, just took a few weeks to remember this is what I grew up in even though I'd done the last 4.5 years in the tropics! It was beautiful too even with the mounds of snow. Just dress warm," remarked another expat in Riga.

What are the schools in Riga like?

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"The school has a great director that keeps pushing education standards. Recently the school introduced a new English language programme which worked great for my son who had some problems with English. They are committed to grow the school into higher grades as there is a lot of kids in Grades 3-6. In my view, you'll make a good choice if you enroll your kids there," said another expat in Riga with children at International School of Riga.