What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Alexandria

Relocating to Alexandria

With its mix of history and contemporary culture and a prime location on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is certainly worthy of consideration for any expatriate. It is a bustling city with plenty to see and do, and anyone looking to move to Alexandria will find a good selection of accommodation, meaning you can easily find somewhere comfortable to live.

About the City 

Alexandria is both the second largest city in Egypt and the country’s largest seaport. It is also the largest city that lies directly on the Mediterranean, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, particularly when coupled with some of the beautiful historic landmarks and structures that are so well preserved.

When considering relocating to Alexandria it is also important to note that it is one of Egypt’s largest industrial centers, due in part to the natural pipelines of oil and gas from Suez. It’s a sprawling city split into six districts, with a population of approximately 4.5 million, and despite the fame as a destination packed with ancient monuments it now combines this tradition with contemporary attractions and culture, making for an interesting and diverse place to live.

The Climate in Alexandria 

Alexandria’s climate sits between the hot desert of inland Egypt and the typical Mediterranean weather. Throughout the year you can expect warm temperatures, regulated by the winds that come from the north. Even in the coolest months of January and February average temperatures fall between 8°C and 18°C, while the summer months see this rise to between 23°C and 30°C.

Alexandria is one of the wettest cities in Egypt, but during the summer months you can still expect minimal rainfall, with the months of June to September very rarely seeing any precipitation. Occasional storms occur between November and March, with the possibility of hail and sleet during the coldest months. High levels of humidity are normal throughout the summer months, but the milder climate at this time of the year in comparison to inland Egypt can see large numbers of people travelling to the coast where it is cooler.

Finding Accommodation 

The expatriate community in Alexandria is not extensive, so when it comes to finding accommodation in the city you won’t find many existing districts. Anyone relocating with family should look at suitable schools for your language, and determine accommodation near this area due to very high traffic levels on the roads, but for single adults or couples there are interesting options across the city.

There are few reliable online resources for finding accommodation in Alexandria that isn’t targeted at tourists, so using local newspapers and support from international organizations is the best approach. Expect a selection of villas and apartments including a mix of more traditional and contemporary apartment blocks.