Mirela Redzic was born in Sarajevo and moved to Michigan at 15. Years later she and her family moved back to Sarajevo for good. We spoke with Mirela, a real estate agent and Instagram creator, about why they went home, how their kids adjusted, and what it was like to buy and renovate a home in the city. She spoke to us in late 2023, so when she says "6 years ago", that's around 2017.
Coming home to Sarajevo
Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? Where do you live now?
My name is Mirela Redzic. I was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and moved to Michigan when I was 15 years old. We decided to move back home 6 years ago and that was the best decision for our family. We live in Sarajevo now. I am a real estate agent here in Bosnia, as well as a content creator on Instagram.
"This is home. I could not imagine living anywhere else but Sarajevo."
What attracted you to the area you live in now?
This is home. I could not imagine living anywhere else but Sarajevo. I was nostalgic for 17 years and just wanted to experience what it would feel like to live in my home city with my own family. Sarajevo is not a big capital city, and it's perfect for a family life. The location is more than perfect, 40 minutes away from the mountains and 3 hours away from the Adriatic Sea.
What has been the most challenging part of the move?
The most challenging part was telling our families we were moving. Other than that, we haven't had many difficulties. The kids had to learn Bosnian. I think that was the most challenging for us.
Family life in Bosnia
How has your family adjusted to life in Bosnia?
Our kids love it here. They have that childhood we used to have. We don't need to drive them around like we had to in the States. They are much more independent now and they absolutely love it.
What are some unique aspects of life in Bosnia that you wouldn't find in a place like the USA?
More quality time, definitely. We have more time to enjoy life because we don't waste time on driving like we did there. Everything is close by here, and with public transportation the kids can go places without us too.
Buying and renovating a home in Sarajevo
Have you purchased a home? If so, how was that process?
Yes, we purchased a home right away and the process was pretty simple. It only took some time to find that perfect place for us. We wanted to be close to the center of the city.
Have you renovated your home? If so, how was the experience? Was it difficult to find help?
We had to completely renovate our home but it was so worth it. The experience of renovating was like everywhere else, but luckily we were done in less than 6 months.
Mirela's advice
What advice would you give to someone considering moving to Bosnia or another Balkan country?
I tell everyone who asks me to stay here for a month and see for themselves if they could live here. For us it was easier because this is my birthplace and I spent 15 years of my life here before moving to the United States. I used to come and visit all the time, so it always felt like home.
Many people who came to visit once came again... and some moved for good. I've met people from the States, Western Europe and Asia who live here now, and they absolutely love it.
Follow Mirela on Instagram: @property.estateservices
Thinking about the Balkans?
Mirela's advice works anywhere in the region: spend a month there before you commit. If her story has you looking at this part of Europe, SOBA lists homes in three of Bosnia and Herzegovina's neighbours, Homes in Croatia Croatia, Homes in Serbia Serbia and Homes in Montenegro Montenegro, plus Homes in Slovenia Slovenia a little further north. As Mirela says, the Adriatic is 3 hours from Sarajevo. For more on buying in the region, start with our Balkans guides Balkans guides.