Remain Calm

Thanks for the frank assessments, @Fat is a type of crazy and @save the frogs. The air quality issue is disappointing to pick up as a persistent theme. As is the sidewalk/pedestrian safety point. We love the grittiness of living in these environments... to a point! Apropos of nothing, also plan to check out Albania in a few months.

Great insights also, @kinyara. But at least Pattaya might offer a convenient place to escape with a beach vibe without having to get on a plane. Will continue the quest for the walkable ecosystem in Asia that ticks the boxes. Shall return as we explore. 🙏🏼

Despite what I gather was an abortive post, remain curious about your handle @Fat is a type of crazy 😀

Indeed -- it looks extremely promising for a getaway! Thanks so much for the tip @bkk6060

Thank you for this bracing gust of reality, @jacko45k. Air is pretty important and may obviate a lot of my pretenses of living a healthy lifestyle after 15 years of "smoking" the pollution in Bangkok.

Simply brilliant, @newnative! Appreciate also learning about your journey from the sea view 1BR condo to your spacious villa, and your big-picture assessment of Pattaya. We've got some exciting research ahead. We will aim to stay in Wongamat and assess the area. Particularly keen to identify any walkable neighborhoods and to compare the beach to other beaches around Thailand. All the best!

Truly grateful, @Ralf001 and @HappyExpat57. Great ideas also. Will research! 🙏🏼

Thanks for sharing this thread @CharlieH — some colorful reading. Will research JV Mansion and possibly Bright House. Somebody also reached out with a Riviera Jomtien suggestion. A great sea view with balcony, good gym, walkable neighborhood, and a kitchen all remain important. Thanks again. 🙏🏼

Greetings from Bangkok. We’re exploring options for a month-long rental in Pattaya, but with a bigger goal in mind: we're searching for a place to eventually call home in retirement. We love Bangkok—its energy, culture, and convenience—but we’re craving more of a beach or mountain lifestyle with cleaner air. Here’s what we’re looking for in a potential long-term base: Seaview or mountain view with a balcony Secure building World-class gym nearby Walkable neighborhood ecosystem (cafés, grocery, gym – minimal car/moto reliance) Good air quality Access to quality groceries and organic food (we splurge on food) Proximity to town—urban access without being in the heart of nightlife College-town feel a plus (we’d love to plug into volunteer opportunities) Hospital reasonably nearby We’re open to paying a premium for a place that ticks these boxes We’ve searched globally—Boracay, Baguio, Da Nang, and Nha Trang each had pieces of the puzzle. We’ve also explored Phuket, Samui, and Hua Hin and haven’t given up on any of them—we’re still actively exploring all three as we have this feeling that we have not idnetified the right areas yet. But we’d like to give Pattaya a proper look, especially the places where there is a walkable ecosystem. (I seem to recall that some condo buildings have attempted to build these kinds of neighborhoods around them, for example.) If you know of neighborhoods, buildings, or hidden gems that might fit in Pattaya (and beyond), we’d be grateful for your wisdom.