From Santiago to Reno: How Living Abroad Redefined One Woman's Ideal Home

Sometimes, it takes a journey halfway around the world to understand where you truly belong. For Jenna DeLaurentis, living in Santiago, Chile, was that transformative experience. Her time there reshaped her vision of the perfect city, leading her from the bustling streets of Santiago to the more serene setting of Reno, Nevada.

The Journey Begins in Santiago

Raised in the Midwest, Jenna's dreams initially gravitated towards iconic American metropolises like New York City and Chicago. She longed for the opportunity, the endless entertainment, and the vibrant life that large cities promised. However, a study abroad program in Santiago, Chile, set her on a vastly different path. Jenna arrived in Santiago with plans to improve her Spanish and explore South America, but the experience offered much more than academic enrichment.

During her five-month stay, she was captivated by the city's unique blend of urban life and breathtaking natural landscapes. The towering Andes Mountains provided a striking backdrop to the cityscape, contrasting sharply with the flat horizons of her Midwestern roots. It was in Santiago that Jenna realized her love for proximity to nature, a revelation that would later steer her away from the urban giants she once idolized.

Revelations and Rediscoveries

Jenna's time in Chile fundamentally changed her perception of city life. Santiago, with a population exceeding 7 million, offered countless attractions and a reliable public transportation network. Yet, its vastness came with drawbacks, endless hours spent commuting and a persistent battle with air quality issues.

In contrast, smaller cities like Viña del Mar and Punta Arenas, with their charm and accessibility, resonated more with her. The vibrant, yet manageable pace of life in these towns appealed to Jenna. This newfound appreciation for smaller urban settings became a cornerstone in her quest for an ideal living environment.

When her stay in Santiago concluded, Jenna returned to the United States with fresh perspectives. Her priorities had shifted significantly. She now sought out smaller cities that promised not only convenience but also closeness to nature. Reno, Nevada, with its mountain views and sunny climate, emerged as the unexpected answer to her search.

Choosing Reno: A New Chapter

In 2023, Jenna finally settled in Reno, a city with a population around half a million, small enough to avoid the congestion of major urban centers, yet large enough to offer a variety of activities. The city's proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe provided easy access to hiking, cycling, and skiing opportunities. It was a stark contrast to her original dreams, but one that felt right.

Reno's climate, boasting over 250 days of sunshine each year, was another draw. Having grown up in a predominantly cloudy region, Jenna relished the vibrant energy that consistent sunshine brought to her days. It was a climate reminiscent of the temperate Mediterranean weather she enjoyed in Santiago.

But here's the thing: this move wasn't just about finding a place to live. It was about embracing a lifestyle that resonates deeply with personal values and desires. Jenna's story is a reminder that sometimes the most profound insights come from stepping outside our comfort zones.

So, what does her journey mean for others contemplating a change of scenery? It suggests that priorities can evolve in unexpected ways, and sometimes, the best opportunities lie where we least expect them. In an era where remote work and flexible living arrangements are increasingly common, Jenna's experience importance of aligning our living environments with what truly matters to us.

Ultimately, Jenna found her home not in the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of New York or Chicago, but in the mountain breezes and sunny skies of Reno. Her journey is the transformative power of travel and the unexpected paths it can reveal.