85: If a meteor hit London: Where I’d move next in Europe (and why)
Where to move to in Europe if a meteor hit London
I know I talk about London a lot. I love London and it’s a good fit for me, but after spending time living in Europe, I’ve realized there are other places I could happily live in. So, for fun… let’s imagine London was hit by a meteor. Where would I go next (and where are other places I think are the best places in Europe I’d recommend you move abroad to)?
In this post, I’ll share exactly where I’d go if I had to leave London tomorrow—and why. From visa options to cost of living, lifestyle to community, I’ll walk through the key factors I’d consider and the cities that check the right boxes.
If you’re looking for a new place to call home in Europe, this is a great starting point. Let’s get started!
What Makes a City “Livable” (For Me)
Before naming names, let’s zoom out. If London were suddenly off the table, I’d look for a few key things in my next city:
- A walkable city with solid public transport
- A strong international community (I don’t want to be the only foreigner)
- Mild weather, if possible
- Affordable(ish) living costs
- Great food, nearby nature, and a bit of creative energy
- And ideally—an accessible visa path for Americans
You might have a different list, but identifying your top priorities can make the research and decision process a lot easier.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon checks a lot of boxes for me.
- It has a growing expat and digital nomad scene
- Sunny weather most of the year
- Delicious (and underrated) Portuguese food
- Relatively affordable for a Western European capital
- Beaches and urban life within easy reach
- The D7 visa makes long-term stays possible for remote workers and passive income earners
Did you know?
Portugal ranked the 7th safest country in the world in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Lisbon was also among the top 5 cities for digital nomads in Europe that year.
2. Madrid or Valencia, Spain
Valencia, in particular, doesn’t get talked about enough.
Why I like it:
- It’s cheaper and quieter than Barcelona or Madrid but still vibrant
- Super walkable and bike-friendly
- Coastal location with a strong cultural scene
- Spain’s new digital nomad visa opens the door for Americans
Stat to know:
Valencia ranked #1 worldwide for quality of life and affordability in a 2023 Expat Insider survey by InterNations.
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s a bit edgier, but that’s what makes it different from many places in Europe and what makes it so attractive!
Why it stands out:
- Creative, artistic, and full of energy
- Massive international population
- More affordable than most capital cities
- Great public transport and a strong sustainability culture
- Germany offers a “Freiberufler” visa for freelancers
Fun fact:
Berlin is home to over 800 art galleries, and more than 20% of its population is international.
4. Utrecht (or Amsterdam), Netherlands
Most people think Amsterdam, but Utrecht is another great option that’s just outside of Amsterdam. It’s a bit smaller and less touristy.
Here’s why:
- Same charm, fewer crowds (in Utrecht)
- Canals, bikes, historic architecture
- Nearly everyone speaks English
- It’s well-connected and very livable
- The Dutch have a visa pathway for entrepreneurs and freelancers
Interesting stat:
Over 90% of Dutch people speak English, and Utrecht was named one of the happiest cities in the world by the UN’s Urban Well-being Index.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin might not win on cost or sunshine—but it still makes my list.
Why I’d consider it:
- English-speaking (huge plus for Americans)
- Strong economy and international job opportunities
- Friendly, approachable vibe
- Beautiful countryside just a short trip away
Did you know?
More than 20% of Dublin’s population is non-Irish, and in a 2023 OECD report, Ireland ranked in the top 10 countries for quality of life, especially in health, safety, and community.
Honorable Mentions
A few other cities I’d keep an eye on:
- Ljubljana, Slovenia – Small, clean, green, and very livable. Close to nature, low cost of living, part of the Schengen Area.
- Budapest, Hungary – Affordable and beautiful, with lots of history and charm.
- Tbilisi, Georgia – Warm people, low costs, and Americans can stay visa-free for up to a year.
- Tallinn, Estonia – Great tech infrastructure, digital residency program, and fairy-tale architecture.
- Bologna, Italy – Fantastic food, fewer tourists, and a young, creative feel.
What This Exercise Really Teaches Us
If a meteor did take out London, I’d miss my local coffee shops, museums and parks. But I’d also be excited.
Because here’s the truth:
Once you’ve built the skills to move abroad once, you can do it again.
You become more flexible, more resilient, and more self-aware.
You realize that your life doesn’t depend on one city. There are so many incredible places live in within Europe!
Where Would You Go?
If your current home were no longer an option, where would you move? What cities are calling to you?
Ready to take the next step?
Take my free quiz: Which European City Should You Move To?.
It’s fun, fast, and surprisingly accurate.
Thanks for reading. Until next time!
