Best Freelancers' Destinations To Live In?

[mikic007]

We haven't considered Amsterdam, though we have visited it a few years ago and appreciated the possibility to go by bike anywhere. I was mostly disappointed with the food (besides herrings, nobody was able to point us other local dishes). I think Amsterdam is pretty cold in winter, and I remember it was very modern and avant garde but possibly as expensive as London. The language is awful (sorry) and could be a serious barrier.

Berlin - we have never been there but always heard positive things: modern, young, moderate prices.
I am no fan of Germany myself, to be honest, I'd rather go to Austria, though it is slight more expensive than Germany. I don't speak the language (my husband speaks some) and that's what puts me off the most. We visited Munich and it was not my kind of city, so I don't know what to expect from Berlin.

So far, we have discussed the following:

• Living in the city is more expensive, but gives you access to the international community and more cultural events
• Living outside the city should be cheaper, and we would have our car so transportation is not an issue. However, you are likely isolated. The language could be a barrier in a smaller town.
• We like the nature and we would love to have a place with a veg garden of our own, tough maybe at this stage is not compatible with the social life we are seeking.
• We like travelling, so being within a reasonable distance from an airport would be a plus.
• To keep costs low, a place where heating is not on most of the year wins hands down.

Thank you all for your suggestions, keep 'em coming!

You actually described Barcelona, minus growing veggies Then there is Sevilla also, south of France, maybe Italy. And of course, Portugal and Greece. All the rest have winter in Europe...