Why I Moved to Albania From Los Angeles
Moved to Albania — three words I never thought I’d say. Yet here I am, living in Tirana, Albania, and paying under $500 a month in rent — and I’ve never been happier.
My name is Cheryl Orlov. I’m 55 years old, and after spending over two decades in Los Angeles, running a successful furniture company, I made the life-changing decision to trade palm trees for the Albanian Alps. Here’s how it all unfolded.
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✈️ From Los Angeles to Wanderlust
For 23 years, I lived just two miles from Redondo Beach. I ran a furniture company I built from scratch, and while I enjoyed a full and active life — surrounded by great friends and immersed in endurance sports — I always felt an itch for something more.
Travel has always been a passion of mine. I visited a new country once or twice each year, and for a while, that was enough. But a 2016 charity trip to Africa (Uganda, Morocco, and South Africa) changed everything. Something clicked: I didn’t want to just travel. I wanted to live abroad.
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🌍 Planning My Escape: Selling, Downsizing, Dreaming
Leaving wasn’t easy. I owned multiple properties and a thriving business. But slowly — over about seven years — I began to sell my assets, simplify my lifestyle, and dissolve the company.
In April 2022, I stumbled upon a podcast featuring a travel blogger who praised Albania as a hidden gem. Despite visiting nearly 50 countries and all seven continents, I’d never considered Albania before. That changed quickly.
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🔍 Researching Albania and the Scouting Trip
Curious, I dove into research: YouTube videos, expat forums, Facebook groups, and conversations with solo female travelers who had visited Albania.
In September 2022, I flew over with a friend on a scouting trip. We hired a driver to explore multiple cities. Eventually, we arrived in Tirana, the capital city. Initially, I hadn’t planned on living there — but as soon as I stepped foot in the city, I knew: This was home.
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🏞️ Why Albania? The Culture, Nature, and People
Albania’s charm is undeniable. The blend of Ottoman influence, rich history, and post-communist transformation creates a vibrant and fascinating culture.
Geographically, it reminds me of California — mountains, beaches, and scenic drives. You’ll find the Albanian Alps, Adriatic, and Ionian Sea coastlines all within reach.
But what truly won me over? The people. Albanians are incredibly welcoming and treat you like family. Their warmth is unmatched, and it made transitioning so much easier.
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🏡 Finding a Home in Tirana
After returning to the U.S., I made my move official. I sold most of my belongings, finalized the closure of my business, and in September 2023, I relocated to Tirana.
I found a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment through a Facebook recommendation. The landlord had lived in the U.S. and came highly recommended. The villa-style building has five units, and I live on the ground floor in a peaceful, mostly local neighborhood.
My rent? Just €400/month ($466).
Utilities, market shopping, and eating out are also affordable:
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Groceries: €20–€30/week
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Dining out: €15–€20/meal
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Bus fare: $0.50
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Taxis: ~€5
📚 Adjusting to Life Abroad
Living abroad has its challenges. Learning Albanian is no joke, and one of the toughest parts is the transient expat community. Many foreigners stay for a year or two before moving on. Making lasting friendships isn’t always easy.
But despite the impermanence, I’ve never felt more like myself. The freedom, the calm, and the simplicity here are deeply fulfilling.
🌏 Traveling More, Stressing Less
From Albania, travel is incredibly accessible. In the past year, I’ve visited several countries — right now, I’m writing this from Malaysia.
The financial freedom from selling my business and years of saving means I don’t need to work unless I want to. While I’m not officially retired, I’m prepared for it.
🛫 Will I Ever Move Back to the U.S.?
I still visit the States to see family and friends — those relationships are priceless — but I don’t see myself moving back full-time.
I may not stay in Albania forever, but for now, it’s exactly where I need to be. I finally understand how much stress I carried in the U.S., and now I’m living a slower, more meaningful life.
🌟 Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late to Start Over
If you’ve ever dreamed of starting fresh abroad — do it. I left Los Angeles, closed my business, and moved to Albania with no regrets.
It’s never too late to change your life, chase freedom, and rediscover who you are.
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