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Khabarovsk
This city in Russia's Far East is a hidden gem, boasting stunning landscapes and a wealth of cultural heritage waiting to be uncovered. From its rugged coastline to its picturesque streets, there's no shortage of natural beauty and historical significance to explore.
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My Love Affair with Khabarovsk: Why I'm Hooked on This Russian City
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've got to admit, I never thought I'd fall for Khabarovsk, but this Russian city has won me over. From its crazy summers to its freezing winters, Khabarovsk's got a unique charm that's hard to resist. I've spent hours exploring its streets, and I'm excited to share my love affair with this city. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure-seeker, or just looking for a new travel destination, Khabarovsk's got something for everyone. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and friendly locals, it's no wonder I'm hooked on this Russian city. The Amur River runs through it, and the city's unique blend of Russian and Asian influences makes for a fascinating cultural experience. Plus, the locals are warm and welcoming, making visitors feel right at home.
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I'm a true native of the Primorye region, but Khabarovsk has stolen my heart. Born and raised here, I've developed a deep affection for this city.
*I never thought I'd need photos of the city, but here we are.
About Khabarovsk:
Khabarovsk is the largest city in the Russian Far East and was once its capital.
Khabarovsk is a city in Russia and the administrative center of Khabarovsk Krai. It's one of the largest political, educational, and cultural centers in the Russian Far East.
It forms a municipal formation, the city of Khabarovsk, with the status of a city district, as the only inhabited locality within its jurisdiction. Date of establishment: May 31, 1858. Population: 613,480 (2022).
I want to clarify that it's no secret that the owners of major enterprises in the Russian Far East are mostly from Moscow, and as a result, all the money flows to Moscow.
My associations with the city are: the sweltering heat in the summer, the freezing cold in the winter, the Amur River, the Radost shopping center, the international airport, the Musketeer coffee shop, the crowds of young people, the crazy insects, and the opportunity to earn a living.
I love the 'Coffe Plantation' in Radost
A BigSize mug is a must
The worst vegetable taco (?) in Radost
*Yes, I know that you can earn a good living in the Russian Far East, even in rural areas. But only if you work for yourself, not for someone else. Getting a good job with a decent salary is only possible through connections. But that's a topic for another time.
Life in Khabarovsk:
It's not easy to leave. That's not my opinion, but my friends who live here will agree. However, people from the area tend to leave Vladivostok more often than they do Khabarovsk.
I've been hearing comparisons between these two cities since I was a kid, especially around the time of the EGE exams when schools start deciding who's going to where for university. And of course, there are analogies drawn with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Apparently, Vladivostok and Moscow are all hustle and bustle, while Khabarovsk and St. Petersburg are more laid-back and have a more complex climate.
To be honest, I chose Vladivostok specifically because an astrologer told me it was the better choice, saying I'd end up in a bad crowd if I went to Khabarovsk. I'm not sure how much truth there is to that, but I've never regretted my decision.
The Heart of Khabarovsk-
Lenin SquareSo why do people leave the city?
It's a long way from civilization, high prices, and a lower salary (than in Vladivostok):
These points are identical to my article about Vladivostok. You can read it here:
Is it worth leaving Primorye, Vladivostok?
Climate:
The climate is monsoon-like. Not everyone can handle the long, windy winters and the hot, humid summers.
And let's not forget the recent trend of flooding during the summer months due to all the rainfall. Plus, there are forest fires on the left bank of the Amur River and smog from the Chinese side.
But what I do love is that Khabarovsk is one of the sunniest cities in Russia. You can get your vitamin D fix for over 300 days of the year.
Environment:
I've noticed there are a lot of cars in the city, especially Japanese ones. But despite that, I think the main culprit behind the city's poor ecology is actually China's neighboring regions. They've been dumping waste into the Amur River for over a decade, so don't even think about drinking tap water – it's not worth the risk.
Although, don't even think about swimming or fishing in the river, just enjoy the view. The pollution from all the factories and plants on the left bank of the Amur has had a devastating impact on the water quality.
Ecology by district:
The northern microdistrict is one of the cleanest areas.
The southern industrial area, on the other hand, is pretty polluted.
Migrants:
I'm all for world peace and love for people, but when it comes to these migrant scoundrels, I'm not a fan. I used to sympathize with them, but after working in the service industry, I've had my fill. I'm talking about the Uzbek, Tajik, and Kyrgyz migrants who come to work and then behave like animals. They take over entire industries that Russians don't want to work in (construction, working at places like Sambir, Remi, and Pyaterochka), but they treat locals with disrespect. Not all of them, but the majority.
My personal experience: I, my boyfriend, and my friend used to work in the food service industry. One of these migrant bums started hitting on my friend in broken Russian, and then he had the nerve to try it with me too. He thought it was okay because he worked with my boyfriend. In the end, we had to fend him off, and he threatened us with violence. It all worked out, but it was a close call.
Unorganized:
It's clear where all the money is going.
The city's rating took a nosedive in 2020, and in 2021, Khabarovsk was ranked as the worst city to live in Russia.
What could have made a difference? Bad roads in the Far East, lack of snowplows, poor quality of utility services and safety – classic problems. But between the lines, I'll remind you that in Khabarovsk, there are some of the strongest-willed people, and they've already spoken out against the current government to the whole of Russia. But I won't go into that, as it's not the focus of this post.
Education:
There are kindergartens and schools, but I'm not sure if there are enough, considering a group can have up to 35 kids (as you can imagine, it's hard to give each child the attention they need). For the 'gifted,' there's a paid lyceum.
You can get a normal higher education. The most well-known institutions are TOGU, DVGPU, KPI FSB, KHGEU, and KHGIK.
Most of my friends from my hometown went to DVGPU because it offers the opportunity to study a specific field even with lower grades. My parents also suggested it to me, but I chose to study Advertising and PR at a private university.
I added education to the cons because, in many ways, it falls short of what you'd find in Central Russia. Plus, the choice of specialties is much lower.
I like to end on a positive note, so I've left the pros for the end of the article.
So, why do people love Khabarovsk?
People:
I love strong people, and in Khabarovsk, they're exactly that – resilient and able to thrive in tough conditions.
And the mentality here is more my cup of tea, as people in the Far East are used to listening, whereas in Central Russia, everyone's always talking about themselves. Plus, 'ponaekali' (people who've moved from other regions) is a term used for people from other countries, not for those from other parts of Russia.
Landscapes:
There are plenty of beautiful locations in Khabarovsk. Maybe this is just the view of a photographer who can find photo opportunities even in a small village.
A Colorful View by the Waterfront
I've got to say, the city center is a real gem. I've been loving it since I was a kid, and my first impressions of the fountains still stick with me.
Habarovsk is also surprisingly clean and cozy. The waterfront and boulevard with ponds are a real treat. Plus, there's a massive ice rink and an arena.
Job Opportunities:
First of all, there's always work to be found in the city - not just manual labor or sales jobs. There's a real shortage of skilled professionals.
Secondly, I think the Far East has huge potential for making a living. It's all about the environment that's embracing the platform and its opportunities.
I'm not going to give examples, but the majority of my friends and acquaintances can afford good food, restaurants, and travel, and still manage to pay their mortgages.
Convenience of Being Close to Asia:
Back in my day, people had a pretty negative view of the Chinese. But now, most people see the benefits of being close to Asia. For one thing, many people who make a living on marketplaces often travel to China on their own to source products or find suppliers.
More Freedom:
Living in a city that's a bit off the beaten path means you get a lot more freedom to do your own thing.
When I was writing the title for this article, I was thinking about this exact point. The lack of red tape and regulations has attracted a lot of people who want to start their own businesses.
The Verdict:
If you're okay with a long, harsh winter and a short, sweltering summer, then Habarovsk might be the place for you. Otherwise, I'd say give it a hard pass.
I've got a friend who moved to Khabarovsk from St. Petersburg, and he was telling me about how the girls there are way more beautiful and confident. He said it's because of the difference in mentality between the two cities. In St. Pete, it's normal to strike up a conversation with a stranger, wish them a good morning, and it's not even seen as flirting. But in Khabarovsk, that's just not the norm. It's not about the character of the people, it's just the way things are done. Life is tougher in Khabarovsk, and the people are tougher too. But if you visit, you'll be treated like royalty, and people will go out of their way to show you around. And, of course, you've got to know how to flirt.
Thanks for reading!
Give me a thumbs up for trying, please. It's not hard, and it's actually a great motivator to keep doing more, better, and more often.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is Khabarovsk, and why should I visit?
Khabarovsk is a city in Russia's Far East, with a rich history and cultural significance. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or anthropology, with its unique blend of Russian and Asian influences.
What are the best things to do in Khabarovsk?
Khabarovsk offers a range of activities, from exploring its historic streets and architecture to visiting its stunning natural beauty, including the Amur River. You can also visit the Radost shopping center for a taste of modern Russia.
What is the weather like in Khabarovsk?
Khabarovsk experiences a unique climate, with sweltering heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. Be sure to pack accordingly, especially if you're visiting during these times.
Is Khabarovsk safe to visit?
Like any city, Khabarovsk has its share of safety concerns. However, the locals are warm and welcoming, and with some basic precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable visit.
Can I communicate with locals in English?
While some locals may speak some English, it's not widely spoken. It's a good idea to learn some basic Russian phrases to help you communicate and get the most out of your visit.
What are the best times to visit Khabarovsk?
The best times to visit Khabarovsk are during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months, when the heat can be unbearable.
Can I get around Khabarovsk easily?
Khabarovsk has a relatively well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. You can also walk or take taxis, but be sure to agree on the price beforehand.
Are there any cultural events or festivals I should attend?
Khabarovsk hosts a range of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Khabarovsk International Festival of Arts and the Khabarovsk Summer Festival. Be sure to check the local calendar to catch one of these events.
check_circlePros
- •The city's rich history and cultural significance make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or anthropology.
- •Khabarovsk's unique blend of Russian and Asian influences makes for a fascinating cultural experience.
- •The city's stunning natural beauty, with the Amur River running through it, is a sight to behold.
- •The locals are warm and welcoming, making visitors feel at home.
- •Khabarovsk's Radost shopping center is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of modern Russia.
- •The city's unique summer and winter weather patterns make for a thrilling experience, with sweltering heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter.
- •The city's cultural events and festivals are a great way to experience the local culture.
- •The city's natural beauty, with its mountains and forests, is a great place to explore.
- •The locals are friendly and welcoming, making visitors feel right at home.
- •The city's history and architecture are a great way to learn about the region's past.
cancelCons
- •The city's infrastructure can be a bit rough around the edges, with some streets and buildings in need of repair.
- •The heat in the summer can be unbearable, especially for those not used to it.
- •The cold in the winter can be biting, so be sure to pack warm clothing.
- •Some areas of the city can feel a bit run-down and neglected.
- •The city's economy is largely controlled by Moscow, which can make it feel a bit disconnected from the rest of Russia.
- •The language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Russian.
- •The city's public transportation system can be a bit confusing for visitors.
- •The city's nightlife can be a bit limited compared to other cities in Russia.
