Varna and Burgas: two shores of one sea or different worlds?

Capital contenders of the Black Sea coast

On the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria, two cities are vying to become its capitals: Varna in the north and Burgas in the south. Both cities are surrounded by picturesque resorts, among which Sunny Beach near Burgas and Golden Sands close to Varna stand out.

The role and significance of cities

These settlements play an important role as ports and industrial centers. According to Bulgarian criteria, both areas are considered large. Varna ranks third in population with 370,000 people, while Burgas holds the fourth position with a population of 225,000.

Both locations are only surpassed by major cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, and in terms of area, Burgas even holds the second position among cities in the country.

Comparison of inhabitants and atmospheres

Note the differences in population between Varna and Burgas, which affect various aspects of their livelihoods. Varna offers more job and educational opportunities, but it also has a louder and more active atmosphere.

Burgas, on the contrary, attracts with its calm atmosphere and measured pace of life. Varna is more hyperactive, while in Burgas everything flows at a more leisurely pace.

Tourist interest

Tourists and those looking to buyreal estate often discuss Varna more, as it is more developed and larger in scale. Burgas is less known among foreign guests, although the name Sunny Beach is not unfamiliar here.

Nevertheless, Burgas is renowned for its cleanliness and tidiness. The city's mayor enjoys high popularity due to his commitment to improvements:

• New roads are being built;
• The transportation system is being modernized;
• New sports facilities enrich the infrastructure.

Climate conditions

The climate in Varna and Burgas is surprisingly almost identical. The distance between them along the coast is just over 130 kilometers. The swimming season lasts from May to September, and although the temperature may fluctuate slightly, the differences are insignificant.

In Varna, the temperature in July is around 22.4°C, while in Burgas it reaches 22.7°C. The total number of rainy days during the summer period is 20.7 in Varna and 19.9 in Burgas.

Several key differences

Nevertheless, there are some differences between these cities:

• The climate of VarnaIt is considered to be milder due to its natural protection against strong winds;
• BurgasIt is separated by a shallow sea, making it ideal for families with children who do not yet know how to swim.

Historical roots

The historical roots of these cities go back to ancient times, to the era of antiquity, when these lands were under the influence of Ancient Thrace. In the vicinity of Varna, remnants of Roman baths can still be found.

History enthusiasts must definitely visit the archaeological museums located in both Varna and Burgas. These cultural sites have become a highlight for tourists eager to gain a deeper understanding of Bulgaria's rich heritage.

In Bulgaria, especially in cities like Varna and Burgas, there are many attractive places to visit. It is worth noting that Burgas, in particular, attracts many lovers of architectural art. The architectural appearance of the city was shaped in the first half of the twentieth century and features bright examples of styles such as Art Nouveau and Constructivism. However, in addition to Burgas, travelers often pay attention to neighboring cities that also deserve attention. At the top of the list is the wonderful Nessebar – an ancient city steeped in history, famous for its ancient ruins, old churches, and a wide selection of restaurants offering local cuisine.

On the northern coast lies Balchik, known for its beautiful palace and extensive botanical garden, which consistently attract tourists. The locals always proudly talk about the lovely coastal parks located in both Burgas and Nessebar. These park areas are the perfect place for outdoor relaxation, sports activities, walks, and even cycling trips. Here, you can find cozy cafes, entertainment for both children and adults, as well as beautiful beaches where you can enjoy your time by the water. There are many Russian-speaking tourists in these areas, but knowing Bulgarian will provide significant advantages in communication and adaptation.

Infrastructure and living conditions

If you have decided to move permanently to Bulgaria or are planning a long stay in the country, the first thing to pay attention to is the infrastructure. This concerns:

• expensive
• educational institutions
• medical institutions
• retail outlets

Both of the mentioned cities, Burgas and Varna, show good indicators in this regard and provide all the necessary conditions for comfortable living.

Public transport

As for public transport, both cities have regular bus and trolleybus routes, making it quite easy to get around. It's also worth mentioning the railway stations and major international airports, which greatly facilitate travel to other cities in the country as well as abroad. It's very convenient that the distance to the capital, Sofia, is 384 kilometers from Burgas and 445 kilometers from Varna. By car, the journey takes about four to five hours.

Proximity to the borders

It should be noted that Bulgaria is small in size, and both cities are located near the borders with other countries:

• It's only 340 kilometers from Burgas to Turkey, to Istanbul.
• From Varna to Romania, it's about 270 kilometers to Bucharest.

Educational institutions

When it comes to education, most Russians prefer Bulgarian kindergartens, even though there are institutions in the country where instruction is conducted in Russian. In Burgas and Varna, there are enough kindergartens for parents not to face difficulties in this area.

Nevertheless, the situation with choosing schools for older children can be more complicated. Even if your intention to be in Bulgaria is long-term, many parents want their children to not forget the Russian language. In families focused on interaction with Russia, there is often a need for obtainingcertificatesIn the Russian Federation, there are recognized schools. In Varna and Burgas, Russian schools are available, but for a full-fledged education according to the Russian program, it is worth considering the school at the Russian embassy in Sofia. Therefore, parents should think ahead about their choice of educational institution for their children.

Conclusion

So, both cities - Varna and Burgas - are perfect for living and relaxing, offering a unique atmosphere and a rich cultural history that seamlessly intertwines with modern amenities and services. Living in one of these places, you will be able to enjoy all the pleasant aspects of life in Bulgaria.

Educational institutions for studying the Russian language

In Bulgaria, there is a wide range of educational institutions where students can study the Russian language in depth. Both state and private schools offer courses conducted in Russian. In some educational establishments, there is the opportunity to take Russian exams, such as the GIA and the USE, which can be important for those who wish to continue their studies in Russia.

Choice for higher education

If you are looking to pursue higher education, Varna would be an excellent choice, as the city is home to five universities offering a variety of educational programs in the humanities, technical fields, and medicine.

Job openings for technical specialists in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, there has been a significant increase in the number of job vacancies for various technical specialists, including engineers and locksmiths. These professions have become particularly relevant, and employers are often willing to consider even retirees, as long as their physical condition allows them to perform the necessary work. Russian workers are in high demand, as Bulgarians appreciate the level of service that our citizens can provide, thanks to their friendly demeanor and smiles.

Issues in the service sector and opportunities for business

However, there are quite a few problems in the service sector in Bulgaria, which creates excellent opportunities for starting your own business. I see many people opening:

• Bakeries
• Restaurants
• They are organizing workshops.
• They are creating children's camps.
• Educational institutions are being opened.

Registering a business in the country usually goes smoothly without serious obstacles. However, foreigners looking to find work may encounter various bureaucratic challenges, as authorities aim to protect jobs for local residents.

The economic situation after the pandemic

After the pandemic ended, the economic situation in Bulgaria began to improve, and currently, a stable economic growth of 4-5 percent is being recorded. However, despite the increase in job vacancies, there is a severe shortage of labor. On the streets, one can notice numerous advertisements for hiring workers, but for foreign citizens to be able to get a job, they need to know the Bulgarian language.

This requirement is especially relevant for a number of professions where it is important not only to have language skills but also to understand local laws and the specifics of document flow. Otherwise, many complicated situations may arise. Many Russians find work at tourist resorts; however, such positions are usually temporary and do not always guarantee stable financial income.

Chances of employment

The chances of getting the desired position largely depend on the qualifications of the applicant.

• Doctor- in-demand profession
• Programmer- constant demand for specialists
• Specialists in other fields- may encounter difficulties

Features of the real estate market

As for the real estate market in Bulgaria, it is also of interest; however, the differences between regions, especially between Burgas and Varna, are quite noticeable. There is more available land for development around Burgas, which leads to a greater number of offers and, consequently, a decrease in prices.

Varna, unlike Burgas, is a resort city that attracts many tourists, while Burgas is considered a more suitable option for permanent living.

Real estate buyers

Real estate buyers also differ in their backgrounds, and among foreign clients, Romanians in particular show significant interest in resorts near Varna, which can be explained by their proximity to their country. Places such as:

• Balchik
• Kavarna
• Kranewo
• Golden sands

are becoming increasingly popular among Romanian buyers.

The popularity of residential complexes in the Golden Sands resort

The view from the windows of the residential complex at the famous Golden Sands resort near Burgas is highly popular among buyers, many of whom are citizens of Germany, Poland, and Israel.

But recently, especially against the backdrop of the pandemic, activity in the real estate market has noticeably increased among Bulgarians, who now make up about 80% of the total number of transactions in this region.

Comparison of deals in Varna and Burgas

When considering Varna, there is an even higher volume of transactions, which can be explained by the size of the city itself. In our article "Bulgaria: Choosing Between the North and the South," we analyzed this topic in detail.

Differences in urban and suburban offerings

It is extremely important to distinguish between urban and suburban real estate, as this is where various trends, levels of demand, and price categories come into play.

Residential real estate in cities has its own characteristics, and large cities like Varna and Burgas are comparable in this regard to other major European cities, such as Sofia and Plovdiv, but they are distinguished by their proximity to the sea.

Dynamics of housing prices

There is high demand for attractive properties in both cities, which leads to a quick disappearance of such offers from the market. This situation creates dynamic conditions where housing prices in the cities significantly exceed those on the coast, where real estate is generally available in larger quantities.

Housing prices in cities and resorts

When purchasing property in urban areas, prices start at 1000 euros per square meter, while in resort areas, you can often find offers that are sometimes twice as affordable.

For example, the cost of a two-room apartment in Varna itself can reach 50,000 to 60,000 euros, while similar housing on the coast will cost around 25,000 to 30,000 euros.

The reasons for such a difference are obvious: at resorts, people are most often looking for accommodation for short-term trips, while in cities, the housing requirements are generally higher, and buyers are focused on obtaining better quality and comfort levels.

Investments in new buildings

Investments in new buildings are present in both Varna and Burgas; however, due to Varna's larger area, the number of residential complexes here is significantly greater than in Burgas.

Financial aspects of investing

As for the financial aspects, the reasons for investing in both of these cities, while not particularly attractive, still have their advantages.

When comparing urban areas and their suburban zones, it is better to consider investments in the former.

The tourism market has not yet been able to achieve stability, while purchasing a medium-sized apartment can generate an income of around 250–350 euros per month, which amounts to about 3% profit per year after taxes.

Trends in the real estate market

The price category for residential real estate in Bulgaria continues to rise, as is observed in most European countries, although with minor indicators.

Last year, prices in Varna increased by 2.4%, while in Burgas, the increase was 3.5%.

However, it is important to remember that the statistics for Bulgaria are quite diverse, and it is essential to consider which specific real estate sector is being analyzed by experts.

Some forecasts for 2021 predict the possibility of double-digit growth, which creates an interesting situation in the market.

Additional information

Additionally, study the areas of Bulgaria where it is most convenient to live and purchase real estate on a long-term basis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, among the many aspects in which Varna and Burgas differ and resemble each other, your personal perception may be the deciding factor in choosing one of these wonderful cities. Each has its own unique character and charm. Varna, with its vibrant atmosphere and developed infrastructure, may attract those looking for an active urban life and numerous opportunities for employment and education. The energy of this city is felt at every turn, and it can surprise even the most seasoned tourists with the variety of its attractions and cultural events.

At the same time, Burgas offers a more calm and measured existence, which may appeal to families with children or those who value harmony and comfort. The cleanliness and tidiness of this city, along with the caring leadership that fosters its development, make Burgas an attractive place to live. And although it is talked about less than Varna, its quiet streets and beautiful beaches can win the trust of anyone who decides to spend more time here.

Let's not forget about the climate conditions, which, although slightly different, still provide a fairly comfortable vacation during the summer season. Both cities have their own history, full of rich cultural traditions, and are ready to offer unparalleled experiences to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in them. Choosing between them is not just a matter of location, but also of the lifestyle you want to lead.

The future of life in Bulgaria

As for future residents of Bulgaria, the infrastructure in both cities is well-developed, and quality roads, educational institutions, and medical facilities create excellent living conditions. Personally, I sincerely believe that:

• VarnaandBurgasThey can offer endless possibilities for both short-term vacations and long-term living.
• Everyone can find something special for themselves here.
• Both cities, with their incredible atmosphere, unique attractions, and distinctive charm, are waiting to welcome their guests with open doors.