Moving abroad with your family is a huge deal—exciting, challenging, and full of unknowns. When my family and I first decided to move to Moscow, we had so many questions: Where will we live? What’s everyday life really like? How will our kids settle in? Over time, we figured out a few things that would have made our transition much smoother if we’d known them earlier. And while there were definitely bumps along the way, Moscow turned out to be a surprisingly welcoming city for families.
Here’s my honest, real‑world guide to the top things expat families should know before moving to Moscow.
1. Moscow Has a Really Supportive Expat Community
One of the first things that surprised us was how welcoming the expat scene is here. There are groups and online communities for almost everything—from parents with toddlers to hobby groups and language exchanges.
Why this matters: When you’re new in town, having people who understand what you’re going through is priceless. We made friends at playdates, local clubs, and even parent‑led activity groups that helped us settle in faster.
2. Choosing the Right School Is a Top Priority
For us, the biggest decision by far was choosing the right school for our kids. When we first moved here, our kids were nervous about starting school in a new country. The thought of adapting to a completely new environment—a different language, culture, and education system—was overwhelming. So, we knew that finding a school that could provide stability, familiarity, and the right kind of support was essential.
We specifically looked for international schools because we wanted an environment where our children would continue their education in English and feel connected to their cultural roots. We didn’t want the language barrier to become an obstacle, especially in the early years when foundational learning is crucial. With so many international schools in Moscow, we focused on finding one that would offer an English‑based program with a nurturing approach.
The one that really worked for our family was the British International School, especially for our younger child. Highly recommend their English kindergarten in Moscow—it was one of the best decisions we made. BIS focuses on early development, play‑based learning, and ensuring that kids feel comfortable in their new surroundings. It gave our children the chance to thrive, while also providing a sense of continuity in their education. Seeing our child gain confidence in such a supportive environment made the transition so much easier for all of us.
3. Finding the Right Neighborhood Makes Daily Life Easier
Moscow is huge, and every area has its own vibe. Some districts are more residential and quieter—perfect for families—while others are busier and more central.
What helped us most was choosing a neighborhood that:
- was within a short commute to school;
- had parks, playgrounds, and family‑friendly cafés nearby;
- felt safe and walkable.
We spent a weekend exploring different areas and talking to other parents—that made our decision feel a lot more confident.
4. Learning (or Trying to Learn!) a Bit of Russian Goes a Long Way
True story: the first few trips to the grocery store were interesting before we knew any Russian 🙃.
A lot of people in Moscow speak English, but everyday interactions—taxi apps, markets, signs—are mostly in Russian. Even trying a few phrases before you arrive makes a difference:
- Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)—Hello.
- Спасибо (Spasibo)—Thank you.
- Где…? (Gde…?)—Where is…?
- Сколько стоит?
- Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)—Please.
- Извините (Izvinite)—Excuse me / Sorry.
- Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy govoryte po-angliyski?)—Do you speak English?
Taking a basic language course together as a family not only boosted our confidence, it also helped our kids pick up language skills faster through everyday play and conversations.
5. Moscow Has So Many Family‑Friendly Activities
Once you’re settled, you’ll realize Moscow isn’t just a big city—it’s full of green spaces, museums, and kid‑friendly places that rank with some of the best in Europe.
Some of our favorites:
- Parks with playgrounds and biking paths.
- Museums with interactive kids’ exhibits.
- Weekend markets and seasonal fairs.
- Open‑air festivals and outdoor events.
Plan to explore with a stroller (or comfy walking shoes)—you’ll find something fun every weekend.
6. Logistics Matter—So Plan Ahead
There are a few practical things that are easier when you prepare early:
- Healthcare: We signed up for international health insurance before we left. Moscow has excellent medical facilities, but having coverage gave us peace of mind.
- Public Transport: The Moscow metro system is amazing—clean, fast, and safe. We quickly learned routes that made school runs and weekend outings simple.
- Cost of Living: Some things are surprisingly affordable; others—like international schooling or imported goods—can be more costly than you expect. Budgeting and local advice helped us balance everything comfortably.
7. Navigating Food and Beverages in Moscow
When we first arrived in Moscow, we were curious about the food scene. Would our kids adjust to local dishes? Fortunately, we found that Moscow offers a wide range of food options for expat families.
Supermarkets
Moscow has plenty of international and local supermarkets. Stores like Azbuka Vkusa carry many Western brands, while Russian markets offer fresh produce and traditional ingredients for dishes like borscht and pelmeni.
Eating Out
Moscow’s restaurant scene is family-friendly, with many offering both international and Russian options. Kids quickly warmed up to Russian food, especially the hearty soups and pastries. And, of course, you’ll find plenty of cafes and fast food chains that cater to familiar tastes.
Coffee Shops and Cafes
Coffee culture is big here, and many cafes offer kid-friendly menus with pancakes, milkshakes, and juices. They’re great spots for parents to relax while the kids unwind.
In short, whether you’re sticking to familiar foods or eager to try something new, Moscow’s food scene has plenty to offer for the whole family!
Personal Tip: If you’re looking for a great place to try local Russian pastries, head to Café Pushkin. It’s an iconic spot in Moscow, perfect for families—the kids loved their traditional Russian blini, and it’s an easy place to enjoy a cozy meal together.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Moscow was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. It wasn’t perfect—there were moments of confusion and challenge—but with every day we felt more at home.
I hope these tips help you. And don’t worry, Moscow has more warmth and opportunity than you might expect!
And yes, Moscow winters can be tough—but once you’re geared up in the right winter clothing and realize how cozy the city gets indoors, it’s not as daunting as it seems. Plus, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hot cup of tea in a cozy café after a brisk winter stroll!
