10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Bahār (From Someone Who Actually Did)
so you're thinking about moving to bahār? first off, good luck. second, you're probably already googling "is bahār even a real city" because it's not exactly on everyone's radar. spoiler: it is, and it's... something else. let me break it down for you like i wish someone had done for me before i packed my life into a suitcase and showed up here with zero clue.
*1. bahār is small, but it's not boring
sure, it's not tehran or isfahan, but that's kind of the point. it's got this weird charm where everyone knows everyone, and the main street feels like a movie set from the 90s. you'll either love it or hate it within 48 hours.
2. rent is shockingly cheap
i found a decent one-bedroom for like $150/month. yes, really. but don't expect luxury. think "cozy" with a side of "why is the water pressure so low?"
3. the food scene is... limited
there's one place everyone swears by, and it's a kabob joint that's been open since before you were born. if you're a foodie, you'll either become a kabob snob or start cooking at home.
4. people are ridiculously friendly
i got invited to three dinner parties in my first week. one of them was just because i asked for directions. they'll feed you, ask you 100 questions, and then adopt you as their long-lost cousin.
5. internet is... a journey
praise be to the wifi gods when it works. but when it doesn't, you'll find yourself yelling at your router like it's a misbehaving pet.
6. the weather is a mood
summer? hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. winter? bring a coat, gloves, and a prayer. spring and fall are glorious, though. like, "i should move here" glorious.
7. public transport is basically a shared taxi system
forget buses. you'll be hopping into shared taxis with strangers who will inevitably ask you why you moved here. have your answer ready.
8. there's a surprising amount of history
i stumbled upon a 500-year-old mosque while trying to find a bakery. true story. bahār's got layers, and you'll keep peeling them back.
9. nightlife is... creative
there are no clubs, but there are tea houses where people play backgammon until 2am. it's chill, it's social, and it's weirdly addictive.
10. you'll either stay forever or leave in six months*
there's no in-between. bahār has this way of getting under your skin. you'll either fall in love with the slow pace and tight-knit community or you'll crave the chaos of a bigger city. no shame in either.
overheard in bahār:
> "why would anyone move here?" -- local shopkeeper, to me, on day one.
> "you'll see. it grows on you." -- same shopkeeper, three weeks later.
quick cost of living table (monthly, in USD):
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1br) | $150 |
| Groceries | $100 |
| Eating out | $50 |
| Transport | $20 |
| Utilities | $30 |
random tips from a fellow expat:
- learn a few phrases in farsi. even "thank you" goes a long way.
- bring your own coffee. the local stuff is... an acquired taste.
- don't expect everything to be on google maps. sometimes you just have to wander.
links to check out:
- tripadvisor: things to do in bahár
- reddit: r/iran (search for bahár posts)
- yelp: local eats
- local forums: expat life
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