Dreaming of a move to the Adriatic? Here’s your guide to the best places to live in Montenegro. From lively cities to serene seaside towns, this little country packs a big punch. We’ll explore top destinations, practical tips, and a spotlight on a special residential enclave in the coast-marina of Porto Montenegro. Whether you’re after year-round living, a peaceful second home or a mix of both, there’s something here for every taste.
Why Choose Montenegro?
Before we dive into the individual locations, let’s look at why the country is such a smart pick.
Natural beauty & coastline
Montenegro is wonderfully compact with stunning mountain backdrops and a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea. Many guides highlight the mix of coast, hills and mild climate as major draws.
Cost of living & accessibility
Compared with many Western European coastal destinations, Montenegro offers relatively modest living costs, good transport links (especially along the coast) and increasing infrastructure.
Lifestyle variety
Whether you’re after a quiet retreat or the pulse of a coastal town, the country offers it. You’ll find places geared to families, remote living, or active sea-and-mountain life.
Real estate and expat-friendly options
In places like Porto Montenegro there are modern residences, long-term rentals and settings suited to expats or those relocating.
Top Places to Live in Montenegro
Here are several standout locations each with its character, pros, and things to keep in mind. These make up my top picks for the best places to live in Montenegro in 2025.
1. Coastal City Life: Tivat
Why it stands out
- Tivat is a town on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro’s coastal region.
- It’s increasingly popular with expats thanks to developments like Porto Montenegro (more on that soon) and a modern marina-side lifestyle.
- It offers easier access to the sea, the airport (Tivat Airport) and a good blend of tourism and local life.
- According to the Porto Montenegro blog, Tivat is a strong pick for where to live in Montenegro when you want both lifestyle and convenience.
Things to consider
- Being more developed, it may cost more than more remote towns.
- Tourist seasons may influence prices and crowd levels in certain parts.
- If you prefer a purely quiet village feel, you might want to stray a little outside Tivat.
2. Historic Coastal Charm: Kotor
Why it stands out
- The old town of Kotor, set within the Bay of Kotor, is charming and atmospheric with medieval heritage.
- Living here means being surrounded by natural beauty, with mountains right behind and sea right in front.
- The lifestyle is relaxed but rich in history and culture.
Things to consider
- Being very popular with visitors, parts of Kotor can feel more tourist-oriented than purely resident-focused.
- Real estate may be in older buildings and perhaps require some care.
- If privacy or ultra-modern amenities are key, you might find some trade-offs.
3. Riviera-Style Living: Budva (and the Budva Riviera)
Why it stands out
- The Budva Riviera is a 35 km stretch of coast around Budva with many beaches, resorts and attractive views.
- There’s vibrant life here with a mix of beach activities, dining, and cultural options.
- It might appeal to those who enjoy being in a lively environment rather than tucked away.
Things to consider
- In peak summer, Budva gets busy and tourist-centric. Some sources suggest it may be less ideal as a quiet long-term residence.
- Costs may be higher and some services focused on tourism rather than daily local life.
- If you prefer peaceful surroundings, you might be better looking at nearby smaller towns or villages.
4. Tranquil Semi-Coastal: Petrovac
Why it stands out
- Petrovac is described as offering “quiet beaches and cultural charm” in international living guides.
- It may be less frenetic than places like Budva, giving a more relaxed day-to-day rhythm.
- Good for families or those who favour a gentler coastal town.
Things to consider
- Some bloggers suggest that in peak season the town becomes quite crowded and might lose some of its relaxed feel.
- Services can be more limited compared to larger cities; depending on your needs (schools, healthcare, shopping) you’ll want to check what’s nearby.
5. A Special Residential Enclave: Porto Montenegro (in Tivat)
Why it deserves special mention
- Located in Tivat, Porto Montenegro describes itself as “a life less ordinary” and a place where “the shimmering sea meets majestic mountains” in the Bay of Kotor.
- It offers modern residences (such as “Vero and Versa Residences”), a marina, shopping & dining, business and leisure facilities.
- The site emphasises long-term living, not just holiday stays: “Long-Term Rentals”, “Residences” and a community vibe are clearly catered for
- If you want one of the best places to live in Montenegro with high-quality modern amenities, this is it.
Things to consider
- Being premium, the cost of real estate or rentals will likely be higher than more traditional towns.
- You’re in a more curated environment; if you prefer entirely “local village life”, this might feel slightly more cosmopolitan.
- Long-term living here perhaps suits those with a flexible budget and who place a premium on design, community and convenience.
6. Inland/Alternative Option: Cetinje
Why it stands out
- Cetinje offers a different pace — more cultural heritage, less tourism bustle.It is noted as a place that “attracts residents who value cultural enrichment” in contrast to the more tourist-oriented coastal towns.
- If you’re after a quieter, inland or semi-inland lifestyle while still being in Montenegro, this is a contender.
Things to consider
- Foot access to the sea will be less direct; you’re trading coastal views for quieter surroundings.
- Infrastructure, transport and international links may be less robust compared to coastal hubs.
- For seaside lovers it may feel a little “off the main track”.
Tips for Choosing Your Place to Live
Here are some practical pointers to help you pick the right location in Montenegro:
Consider your lifestyle
Do you want bustling seaside nightlife, or a slower, quiet pace? The best places to live in Montenegro for you may depend entirely on your rhythm, interests, and whether this is full-time living or part of the year.
Check infrastructure and amenities
Schools (if you have children), healthcare, shopping, internet connectivity — make sure these meet your expectations, especially if living long-term rather than holiday-style.
Seasonal considerations
Coastal towns swell in summer months. If you plan to live somewhere year-round, consider whether you’re comfortable with that seasonal cycle (traffic, tourism, seasonally driven prices).
Real estate and rental markets
If you’re buying or renting, check local market trends, legalities for foreigners, property condition and whether you want new development vs older character homes. In Porto Montenegro’s case, new high-end residences are available.
Transport and connections
How easy is access to an airport, major roads, boats/ferries? Towns like Tivat score well here.
Language, community and culture
Living somewhere means more than the view. Check the local expat or resident community, language options, local culture.
Budget realistically
Even in Montenegro, premium locations (marina-side, modern) will cost more. Don’t assume all coastal living is cheap; balance value vs lifestyle.
State of Play in 2025
As we look into 2025, a few trends are clear:
- There is growing interest in Montenegro from expats and remote-workers thanks to the sea-and-mountain setting and good quality of life.
- Developments like Porto Montenegro illustrate that modern amenities and high-end living are very much on the rise.
- Smaller towns away from the busiest tourist centres are gaining appeal for those seeking more authentic and relaxed living.
- Real estate and infrastructure continue to improve, but you still benefit from doing due diligence especially around things like local regulations, seasonality and services.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering relocating or buying a home in Montenegro, you’re spoiled for choice. The best places to live in Montenegro cover a wide spectrum: from luxury marina-living in Porto Montenegro, to historic towns like Kotor, to quieter retreats like Petrovac or inland Cetinje.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Tivat: strong all-rounder with coast + modern infrastructure.
- Kotor: historic, beautiful, romantic – best if you value old-town charm.
- Budva Riviera: lively, resort-style – best for those who embrace energy and tourism.
- Petrovac: quieter coastal town – good for families or more relaxed pace.
- Porto Montenegro: high-end living, modern marina lifestyle – if budget allows.
- Cetinje: inland alternative – culture, calm and heritage-rich.
In 2025, with the right research and mindset, you can find a home in Montenegro and a quality of life that is hard to match for the mix of price and setting.
