Cheryl Orlov, a 55-year-old former furniture business owner from Los Angeles, made a life-altering decision: she closed her longtime company, sold her properties, and embarked on a quest for reinvention. A spark from a 2016 charity trip to Africa ignited her desire to live abroad. Several years later, she discovered Albania via a travel podcast and sensed something special—an escape wrapped in promise.
Finding Home in Albania
After a scouting trip in 2022, Orlov chose Tirana as her new base. By September 2023, she had moved in—settling into a quiet neighborhood and a cozy two-bedroom apartment for just €400 (around $466) a month. The cost of living is a revelation: groceries, transport, and day-to-day expenses are a fraction of U.S. costs.
Embracing Simplicity and Connection
Though mastering Albanian poses a challenge, Cheryl feels a profound sense of belonging. The warmth of the community, rich culture, and openness of the people make her feel more authentic than ever. She travels often, leveraging Tirana’s strategic location to explore Europe, Africa, and Asia—feeling free and grounded all at once.
A New Chapter, No Regrets
Now financially secure, thanks to years of retirement planning, Cheryl sees Albania as more than a pause—it’s her platform for growth. While she still visits loved ones in the U.S., she doesn’t anticipate ever moving back. For her, it’s proof that it’s never too late to reshape your reality—and you don’t have to settle.
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