It looks like Sochi is the best city in the country by a combination of factors. Not would say that I am ready to move there because there are still borders open and there are other countries, but if the choice was only in within Russia, I would go there. There are pros and cons, but it all depends very much on what a particular person need to. Therefore, I will try to tell you what I have noticed for myself, while We lived in Sochi and Adler for 4 weeks. I agree, the term is small, but he already sufficient to draw the first conclusions and decide, rather than try to live here. Anyway, everything becomes clear only after 1-2 years of residence, not before.
Traditionally, my comparison will be mostly with Moscow, as long as it is my main city. Someone might not have something agree, everything can be. We are all different and everyone’s perception too different, this is normal. I only write my specific opinion, my own impressions. They may be erroneous, they may change with time, but so far everything is for me as I wrote. Please share With my well-reasoned opinions in the comments, I will be very interesting to read and compare.
The content of the article
- 1 Impressions from Sochi
- 1.1 Architecture and aesthetics
- 1.2 Roads and parking
- 1.3 Public transport
- 1.4 Available Environment
- 1.5 Food and Food
- 1.6 Leisure
- 1.7 Climate
- 1.8 People and mentality
- 1.9 Work
Contents
Impressions from Sochi
Architecture and aesthetics
The first thing that catches your eye is the appearance of the city. Not Europe, but even after Anapa and Gelendzhik (we were driving from Anapa) there is a difference. In Sochi, indeed, cozy and cute, if we compare it with no resort town. The ruin is very small, especially in the center. Good ones roads (we are talking about asphalt), lots of greenery, lawns, flower beds, almost no shabby houses, part of the sidewalks are tiled. Along The embankment of the river and some streets even made bicycle lanes. how done, this is a separate question, but they are. Honestly, it was pleasant surprise, because some cities are causing depression only by its appearance.
The central region and Zarechny liked the most, they the most well-groomed and flat. Perhaps it was the “plane” played the role because I, as a person who has lived all his life on plain, it would be unusual to live on a mountain: the problem with parking, everything narrow, constant elevation changes.
If you move to Sochi for permanent residence, then a whole year you can look at the mountains
Or to the sea, who is closer
Square on the embankment of the river
Outdoor exercise equipment is a good tradition.
The bike path is simply drawn on the sidewalk.
On the outskirts of the same approach, that it is, that it is not
What is not Europe?
Only in vain he washes a Fairy yacht
Avid fishermen near the seaport
Diamond Hand Characters
The promenade stretches along the entire municipal beach.
Beaches are free, but pay for beds and swings
The sea calms ..
Earn trying on everything
Nice square near the waterfront
Plagiarism on a minimarket 7/11 in Thailand
Russian Post and palm trees look rather strange together.
A street in the center of Sochi
Big school with a stadium
It is a lot of greens, sometimes it forms the whole corridors
The house will soon be swallowed up by the local jungle.
Color Boulevard in Zarechny District
Looks like the coolest playground in town
Laundry is free to dry outside
Private gardens – beautiful, but self-seizing
Street in Sochi
Sochi from a height – Svetlana and Central
Sochi from a height: the areas of Jan Fabricius and Bytkha
In Sochi, many houses of old construction, the feeling that half total housing stock – it Khrushchev or, as I was told here, brezhnevki. Although judging by the comparisons, there are Khrushchev there, it’s about five-story buildings. In the center of the city all the houses are painted and look. Ok, but in Makarenko there are shabby. We thought that here much smaller old houses, but apparently the area does not allow to build massively new buildings, and the old does not make sense to demolish. It is also very a lot of private sector, but it is quite expected and applies to everything Black Sea coast. By the way, the private sector is quite pleasant. The street in Adler, where we lived after Sochi (just a solid private sector), under some angles resembled some Spain
Khrushchev in the center. Many homes ads apartments
Authentic private house in the center
Makarenko. Some new houses, old tiled
The playgrounds are very modest.
Barbecue near the house, as if not in the city 
Vishnevaya District – almost at the top
A separate story – blocks of garage building
Build 2-3 floors above the garage and live there
Going under the railway to the sea in Adler
Another feature of housing in Sochi is samostroy, these are small single-access houses (4-6 floors), which are built with violation GOSTs, and where, the ventilation does not work, then with sewage problems, then the tenants are struggling with the developer for some reason. I was in two such houses, and there were just such problems. Judging by reviews on the Internet, on the forums, in Sochi need to be very careful to buy an apartment is not always worth it to be carried out at a low price to then don’t get problems on your head. And even there is such an opinion it is better to buy an apartment on the secondary in Khrushchev, they say, better old house, but according to guests.
Solid squatter on this street. Looks good, but the quality it is not known what
Roads and Parking
The second thing that catches your eye is the impossibility to park. We rented an apartment, arrived, as usual to the house, and I couldn’t even stop there, because another breathed in my back a machine. Narrowly! It was impossible to part in the courtyard, as well as getting up somewhere on the side to miss the one who’s coming for you. I’m used to the fact that along the usual multi-storey building on several entrances there is a yard that is wide enough so that cars can stand. But in Sochi it’s not like that, the road is exactly the width of the car. I agree, not in all areas, but in the Central, Zarechensky exactly So.
Complicates self-seizure parking. All penny where to stand the machine is already chained off or locked with metal constructions with locks. On the one hand impudence and lawlessness, with the other side is local reality. In the center is the whole problem with parking and if you live there, your car will be put problematic, the place will be forever occupied by those who came to the office. There are paid parking, at 500 rubles / day, but these are ordinary streets along roads and there is also no place. By the way, such a life hack is a penalty for parking does not come from other cities, and if the local arrives, then You can also not pay yet, the fines do not go through the traffic police, because parking is not completely legal, someone with someone else does not agreed
Yard road exactly the width of the car
Wherever you can get up, squatting
Wherever you can get up, squatting
Then immediately the entire entrance to the courtyard was blocked, which is a small matter
Genius Parking – so have to learn if you move to Sochi
Paid parking in the center of Sochi 50-500 rubles
I deliberately went to the Makarenko area, there is a simpler, wider, and space is clearly more for parking. But mountainous terrain. However, it will be noticeable in the area of Grape Street, Svetlana, and so on. BUT where there are mountains, there again figs you will find a place. In general, lovers big cars and spaces will have to get used to. I am in 4 weeks and not used to. But I personally didn’t like the most – not in every store can be traveled by car. If it is big hypermarket, for example, HyperMagnet, then no problem, and if a small shop (for example, a regular Magnet, or a deli any), then around it will not be anything like a parking lot and have to go somewhere to turn around the area to find a place. BUT if the traffic jam, the search is delayed. In general, Sochi discourages desire go to the little shops by car. There was a nice shop in Zarechny, but the nearest parking is not clear where, given that you will not get up in the courtyards, so you went to it on foot, combining with walk, I could not stop there by car.
In the area of Makarenko parking is much better
But somewhere better to park in a car with high ground clearance
Rules seemed to violate the traffic rules more often, but somehow easier to give way on the roads when someone leaves the yard or tupit Although they can also nervously press on the horn. Enough flying burned, but did not notice a large number of riders. Generally driving exactly in the city seemed calmer than in Moscow
The authorities are fighting for places for people with disabilities, better not get up, taken away quickly. Local solve this issue with a sticker on the glass sign disabled, so there is almost every second “disabled”. But, can stop and ask if there is a right to hang a sticker.
Separately, I want to mention the modern highway-doubler, which permeates the entire city and by which you can drive it for 20 minutes Despite traffic jams, getting out of town is pretty easy. AT I reached the rush hour from Sochi to Adler in 30 minutes. After Moscow, Sochi traffic jams are not traffic jams at all. I do not deny that there are collapses but we also have enough of them, talking about the rest of the time. Only in summer, I think everything is very bad in this regard (I remind you, we were in October), both with roads and with parking.
Modern doubler helps to get somewhere quickly.
Decoupling is also modern
But away from the road pavement so-so
Public transport
Public transport is – this is mainly buses. And, most are mini-bass (big bus), where you can not enter with a sidecar because of the narrow entrance and high steps. Have to to fold it, and frail mother in one hand drags the stroller, and in another child, if he still does not walk. Clearly, our people are accustomed to and not to such difficulties, but I can not name such a method travel comfortable. If you are with a small child, better on car ride. Especially at peak times, people are pretty busy during these buses. much stuffed.
Buses are convenient, but the bus is not very
Available Environment
After the Olympics, the whole city is confused about the accessible environment. This is manifested in the fact that almost everywhere stickers are disabled entrance to buildings, calls to call, electric lifts in transitions, tactile tiles on asphalt. Something looks pretty stupid, for example, all the small shops pasted stickers, instead order to make a ramp or at least remove the step. Apparently it is assumed that a man drove up to the entrance in a wheelchair, saw sticker, yelled about the need for help (calls are not everywhere), from the loader came out of the store and dragged him up the stairs along with stroller. How electro-ramps work in transitions, I can judge only reviews. They say you need to call and wait for 15-20 minutes, until the one who can turn on this thing comes up. Ourselves once they wanted to use the elevator near the Riviera Park, but he didn’t worked, did not call. Later, the park employee learned that the whole thing is for the most part ostentatious and even during the most The Olympics in the Riviera did not work the toilet for the disabled, as in it there was a warehouse, although the toilet is adorned in stock (it is still not works, and did not finish).
In Sochi, there are people in wheelchairs
Steps and drops, but the plate is
Even small tents with fruit stuck signs, although availability here and does not smell
Here at least there is a bell and a ramp by which you can get a pram
A very cool convention, only for baby strollers or people with disabilities. accompanying
In all underground passages ramps to enable need call (by phone or call)
However, in general, along the streets of the Central and Zarechny districts (if you do not take into account the shops), as well as along the Resort Avenue, walking with a baby carriage is comfortable. I suppose that on A wheelchair is harder, but also real. Everywhere there are conventions, almost no off road. Not to say that everything is thoroughly thought out, but Again, everything is relative: Moscow is not inferior, to Munich, as before the moon, and Thailand and not standing next to. I think this is a step on to meet people with limited mobility, and I really hope that this is only Start. In other areas of Sochi, the situation is worse, in the same Makarenko solid stairs, but there and mountainous terrain, would have to be too seriously zamorchitsya on an affordable environment. Also in the city center streets are signed in English, and at pedestrian crossings on traffic lights announce voice when you need to go (just in English).
Makarenko district (not the center) – and how to get here even from the nursery stroller?
Food and Food
Did not like the range of products in small magnets. Small selection and a lot of delay or close to it. May winter better, but in September-October was not very. So could not buy frozen fish and seafood, all expiring. For example, it can be stored for 1 year (depending on the product), and there were only a few days left to finish. Someone told us that similar products are trying to sell off at the end of the season, like and will leave. But like it or not, I do not know. In any case, you always have to check the dates and be careful, especially the freeze, although we milk was bought more than once spoiled, although the term was normal. Also did not like that the curd mass only with a bunch of E and disgusting for taste, in its composition of the curd there is no. Watermelon somehow bought rotten. Rice is only Krasnodar and you will not find Jasmine and Basmati. The conclusion made such – only HyperMagnet, everything is in it, and that’s what no, for example, pumpkin seed oil, will have to be ordered by mail from Moscow
But the situation with fruits and vegetables is much better if we talk about the markets. Early cherries, delicious tomatoes, good watermelons, persimmon. In summer and autumn everything is great, everything is local and not lying long in stock and did not shake a week in the wagon. Can not buy Only in the markets, but in small shops, only the price will be slightly above, especially in proximity to the sea.
It remained 2 days before the expiration date – and this is all fridge!
Inedible curd mass without curd in all magnets
Persimmon from a tree is something!
Leisure
That’s why it is worth making the move to Sochi, so it is for the sake of all sorts of activities. Almost all year round you can walk, as in one-day trekking and hiking in the mountains for a few days. Moreover, it does not take long to get to the starting point, much is in half an hour drive, take at least Tisso-Boxwood Grove or Akhun with Agursky waterfalls. And this is very cool! Because from Moscow Sometimes you need to leave for 2 hours, which discourages the whole hunt somewhere go. Also, almost all year round you can ride a bike and roller skates. And after you go around the neighborhood of Sochi, you can travel around the Krasnodar Territory, both along the coast and inland. I remember I enjoyed the Guam Gorge and the plateau Lago-naki.
Besides the mountains, there is the sea. It is available for swimming only in summer and half of autumn, but in principle, also not bad. In addition, the people surfs, underwater, swims on boats, yachts and water bikes. I myself like to look at the sea, but not swim highly. An apartment overlooking the sea would inspire me Although the view of the the mountains would also fit.
Well, of course, winter rest. In an hour drive Krasnaya Polyana, about which I can not sit down to write. Great resort! I am there very much liked. True, I was in the warm season, so I can not evaluate the service for skiers / snowboarders, but I think everything is okay Only, they say, very expensive.
In my opinion, there are no more places in our country where so much of everything.
Ride a bike, swim, go hiking
Someone alone sea will be enough to move
Climate
At the moment I was in Sochi only in summer and autumn (in the spring I was in Gelendzhik). Autumn came to my taste, warm and with a little amount of rain. In October, it was still possible to swim and sunbathe. The water temperature was already below the desired, but in the sun windless weather was even hot. October is generally wonderful month, because most of the rest have already left, the city is not pandemonium, but almost summer. About the same feelings May and June. But from mid-July and in August maybe specific inferno and at the same time the city is crowded with people, quite on lover.
Winter, as I understand it, is rainy, but almost never below zero. BUT if snow falls, it will melt immediately. Moreover, it is only necessary to wait February is the most unpleasant. In the rest of the winter months more less it can be sunny and + 10 + 15. The only thing I was told that in some homes in the winter, problems begin moldy, too wet. But it is visible in those houses where there is no central heating, or cold walls. Also due to humidity (during prolonged rains) some children begin to ache stubbornly. But, if we talk about children and the environment, it is much better to live in Sochi, than in the metropolis called Moscow. True, Sochi also has serious problems with garbage, with sewage, with storm drains, etc., Googled all this easily.
In mid-October, you can still swim and sunbathe
People and mentality
Holivar theme, but with a mentality in the south is not very – I will to speak immediately for all the coasts, because I did not see any difference. In the season tour time everyone is trying to cut as many dough as possible, because you have to earn for the whole year ahead, and this is very strong is felt. Now it seems to be better, but the service is still low level Until now, housing is offered such that you wonder, although It is presented almost as a suite with a corresponding price. I may have a heightened sense of aesthetics, but the era of carpets on wall and furniture a la “came to visit my grandmother” has long been with us in Moscow. Let it be a simple IKEA-style, let the bed will be with a cheap but orthopedic mattress, and not something that can sometimes seen in ads. Well, really, live in an apartment, in which brought furniture that usually travels to the country, such a pity throw out, do not want at all. And the position of the owners, they say, take that give, also does not add enthusiasm.
It does not do without treating you like a wallet, especially if you are from Moscow. The type of visitors we do is a favor that allowed to rest on the Black Sea coast. Immediately remember Soviet films, when for housing in the private sector almost fought, there was no alternative, so you could at least take Shed, people still take off, they have nowhere to go. Here is something with then left in the mentality. Some kind of all this “out-and-over” and “Hawa, that gave.” Not everywhere, much less (almost every year I happen), but there is. Plus apparently a common feature of all the southern nations of all countries – laziness. It’s easier to score and not do, and so it will come down. About this i once wrote a whole post.
Surely working illegally. Their colleagues in the nearby park tried to dissolve me for money
On the other hand, Moscow is also clearly not an example to follow. The big city of bio-robots, each on its own, neighbors in the entrance not know each other and do not say hello, everyone is obsessed with money and work. Okay, let’s put it down, let me tell you what conclusion I made for myself about Sochi. If a person is at work or on the specifics of the activity have to intersect with a large number of people in the service sector, with the authorities, it is not a fact that he will like Sochi. Special, if he does not know how to quickly grow into connections and do everything with using them. Cronyism is flourishing. But, it seems to me, now only Moscow / St. Petersburg laws more or less work on ordinary issues when you can come to the head doctor of the hospital with the right statement and resolve your issue without bribes and connections. Yes i don’t have experience specifically with Sochi, but there are forums, there are stories of other people about the same hospitals in the regions, and I have no reason not to believe them. And how, in Moscow, I already know from my own experience, with instances of simple questions can be solved precisely by law. Everything, Of course, so to speak, at the bottom level, but we are at the top and do not enter, so even so.
If the usual freelancer who sits at home goes to Sochi most of the time, and the rest of the time goes to the tracking on the surrounding mountains, then he has nowhere to intersect with any authorities, nor with the Caucasian service. Yes, and in fact you can put up with a lot one thing in the service station nakosyachili and you got the money (the next time just not going to them), another thing is to go talk to head physicians of hospitals and try to defend their rights, from which child’s life depends. So, everything is very individual. Bye I had no children, no individual entrepreneurs, I almost never had any the structures did not intersect and in this plan I was everywhere the same way.
Job
Added this item to just do not ask questions. Because I work remotely, I don’t even consider cities with this parties. As far as I know, with a permanent job in Sochi, not very. In summer, yes, a lot of temporary work, all waiters are required, animators and other staff, but in the winter calm. Also know that very many are fed into the engine and become realtors, someone deals with buying and selling, someone rents.
Again, in my opinion there you can go on tourism, even despite the fact that they are all engaged in. Make normal website / blog, gather groups for certain walks (led, trekking, etc.) and organize them. I met the guys from Krasnodar, they are just doing such things, and things are going them not bad But they are doing everything right: Instagram, social network, beautiful pictures during the trip, everything is as it should be, in step with by time. If you look, what sites antediluvian do local, then you will understand that there is still room for development.
P.S. If we summarize it in a few words, then if we don’t find a place abroad, I’ll seriously think about move to Sochi, well, or at least live in two houses with accommodation in Sochi, at least in the fall and spring.
