What words come to your mind when you hear the word Goa?
Beaches
Nightlife
Partying
Well, you are not wrong. Goa offers this and so much more to its inhabitants. And if you are planning to move to Goa, you must weigh your pros and cons. Sure, there are amenities which make Goa worth living in. However, there are some things you should get a heads-up for.
Moving and buying a second house in Goa is increasingly becoming a hot trend among many city dwellers who often feel exasperated by the frenzies of urban life. The metropolitan cities are getting congested with each passing day, and the never-ending pollution problem can be some of the main reasons behind this decision.
Also, with the rise in luxury real-estate projects in some of the best locations in Goa, accessibility to sophisticated living close to nature’s galore is no longer a distant dream. So, what makes Goa a worthy place to move in, and what can a potential homeowner expect? Read on.
The Weather Report: The tinsel state of Goa does get hot and humid in the summers but not to the point where it’s incredibly unbearable. It features a tropical monsoon climate close to the Torrid Zone. May is the hottest month when the temperature goes up to 35o Celsius. You can take refuge in shacks and cafes in the afternoons and enjoy the swaying cool sea breeze. Evenings are much more relaxed and perfect for taking long walks on the beach. It is still better than Delhi, where temperatures rise to 45o Celsius. The rainy season can be both a relief and trouble when some rivers rise. It’s a relief as it gives an escape from the scorching heat, and people often enjoy boating. Problem because there may be a few bottlenecks due to water logging. But overall, the Goan weather is quite delightful, pleasant and stable throughout the year.
A cultural melting pot: Due to its history, Goa has been heavily influenced by Portuguese-Konkani culture. At the same time, you’ll be astonished by how cosmopolitan Goa’s social outlook is. People here are open-minded and carry a liberal personality. Visitors from other places bring a piece of their culture and infuse it with the Goan spirit. Here you will find people belonging to different religions, cultures and backgrounds. As a result, Goa has something for everyone, and despite the differences, there is a strong feeling of community here.
Delectable Cuisines: Having the advantage of being a cultural melting pot, Goa is home to some of the tastiest eclectic worldwide cuisines. If you are a seafood lover, make sure to get your hands on some of the freshly cooked fish and lobsters. Also, the spicy Vindaloo is a signature curry-based dish that you must try. Apart from the meat dishes option, Goa offers a lot of vegan food options as well. So, do not worry if you are a vegetarian or vegan; Goa got you covered.
Susegad – A way of life: One of the fundamental cultural aspects of Goa is Susegad. The meaning of susegad can be interpreted from author Clyde D’Souza’s book Susegad: The Goan Art of Contentment (2021) as one who is satisfied with his hard work and operates in life with a sense of contentment. The word is a derivative of the Portuguese term sossagado, meaning quiet. Many people confuse this term with laziness and idleness, but for Goans, its meaning is tied to “not running away after money all the time and practising contentment”. Taking an afternoon siesta on a hot summer day is a way of practising susegad!
Welcoming and Gregarious People: Unlike the big cities where nobody has time for anyone, people in Goa are much more unperturbed and laid-back. No matter where you go, the amicable Goan people will be ready to offer generous help if you are in trouble. Also, it’s common for people and tourists to smile at each other and exchange greetings gently, so don’t be startled by that. Connect to people here and forge friendships on a personal level.
A perfect rural-urban balance: Somehow, Goa perfectly strikes a harmonious balance between rural and urban life. Goan people still protect their traditional customs and rituals and live a holistic rural life of equanimity. But, on the other hand, the plethora of restaurants, the carnivals, the clubbing culture, music festivals and the availability of modern facilities would not make you miss your urban centres. As a result, many city dwellers have moved to Goa and admired its perfectly balanced rural-urban beauty. It’s unlike any other place.
Safe and secure neighbourhoods: There are plenty of areas in Goa, like Candolim, Calangute, Saligao etc., that are considered very safe and secure, but it is still advisable to choose a home in gated colonies with 24×7 security to ensure an extra layer of protection for you and your loved ones.
Lush greenery with Flora and Fauna: According to a National Forest Survey, approximately 60 percent of Goa’s land is covered with lush green forests. It is home to one National Park and six Wildlife sanctuaries. You will also find spice plantations of cardamom and black pepper and unique flowers like Abolim, Blue Mistflower, Orchid tree, and Glory bower blooming beautifully, adding to the beauty of Goa.
Adventure Sports: A perfect place to challenge one’s daredevil spirit, Goa offers a variety of water and land adventure sports to give you an adrenaline rush. Choose whichever sport floats your boat and savour the thrill by going go-karting, kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving, and jet skiing. One can also go on hiking trails and engage in cycling tours.
Work hard but party harder: Goa truly lives by this philosophy; with a pulsating nightlife and robust music festivals, people in Goa live life to the fullest. In addition, two of Asia’s biggest EDM festivals – Sunburn and Supersonic make their annual appearance in Goa’s music scene. Music is in the DNA of the Goan people, so get used to it.
After going through the above mentioned points, you may know what your future life will look like in Goa. Of course, when Goa gets too touristy, you may witness rare bottlenecks and a few inconveniences here and there. But having to move into a luxury property of Veera Group, there is hardly anything to worry about.