If you were moving to Tbilisi for 1+ years, would you choose Vake, Saburtalo or Vera?
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to move to Tbilisi next year and will be working remotely, so I’m trying to decide which area would be the best fit for long-term living. After doing quite a bit of research, I’ve narrowed it down to Vake, Saburtalo and Vera.
My priorities are:
- safety
- reliable internet and a good environment for remote work
- walkability
- cafés, restaurants and everyday services nearby
- easy access to the rest of the city
- a neighbourhood that feels good to actually live in, not just visit as a tourist
- a quiet and comfortable environment (I also have an indoor cat).
From my research so far, my impression is:
- Vake: best quality of life and most residential/upscale
- Saburtalo: most practical and convenient for everyday life
- Vera: best balance between local life and experiencing Tbilisi.
I’d really appreciate some local and expat opinions:
- Which of these three areas would you personally choose for a 1+ year stay, and why?
- Is Vake worth the higher prices?
- Does Saburtalo eventually feel too generic, or is that an unfair stereotype?
- Is Vera still a good place to live long-term, or is it better for shorter stays?
- Which area has the best café/restaurant scene for day-to-day life?
- Which feels safest and most comfortable to walk around in the evenings?
- Are there any specific streets or sub-areas within Vake, Saburtalo or Vera that you would particularly recommend (or avoid)?
- For someone working from home, would you prioritise a larger apartment in Vake/Saburtalo or a smaller but more central apartment in Vera?
- If you had an indoor cat and worked from home, would that influence your choice between these areas?
- Finally, if you know any reliable and trustworthy real estate agents experienced with expats and long-term rentals, I’d be very grateful for recommendations.
Thanks very much!