The Best Places to Live If You Love the Cold

For some, the ideal life involves sun-drenched beaches and year-round warmth. But for others, true happiness is found in the crisp air, sparkling snow, and cozy atmosphere of a cold climate. If you find joy in winter landscapes, invigorating outdoor activities, and the unique culture that thrives in frosty environments, there are many places around the world that could be your perfect home. These locations offer more than just low temperatures; they provide a lifestyle built around the beauty and challenges of the cold.

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

When you think of cold in the United States, Alaska often comes to mind, and for good reason. Fairbanks, located in the state's interior, is a prime destination for those who truly embrace winter. The season is long and profound here, with average winter temperatures frequently dropping well below 0°F (-18°C). This extreme cold is not just endured; it's celebrated. The city is one of the best places on Earth to witness the aurora borealis, the magical northern lights that dance across the dark winter sky. Life in Fairbanks is deeply connected to the outdoors. Residents enjoy a wide range of activities, from dog sledding and cross-country skiing to ice fishing and snowmobiling. The city hosts the World Ice Art Championships, an event that draws sculptors and visitors from all over the globe to see massive blocks of ice transformed into stunning works of art. Beyond the winter festivities, Fairbanks has a resilient, close-knit community spirit forged by a shared love for its wild, beautiful, and demanding environment.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, offers a unique blend of vibrant culture and dramatic, chilly landscapes. While its coastal location means winters are milder than in places like Fairbanks, they are still long, dark, and snowy. The average January temperature hovers around 32°F (0°C), creating a perfect setting for a winter wonderland. What makes Reykjavik so special is its access to some of the world's most breathtaking natural phenomena. Glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs are all just a short drive away.

Living in Reykjavik means you can spend your weekends hiking on a glacier and your evenings enjoying the city's renowned music scene or world-class restaurants. The long winter nights are brightened by the frequent appearance of the northern lights. Icelanders have a deep appreciation for nature and community, which is reflected in their sustainable practices and cozy, welcoming cafes. The city is powered almost entirely by geothermal energy, making it a forward-thinking place to live. It's an ideal choice for someone who wants the amenities of a modern city alongside unparalleled access to raw, untamed nature.

Trondheim, Norway

Nestled on the coast of central Norway, Trondheim is a city that perfectly balances history, innovation, and a love for the cold. As Norway's third-largest city, it has a lively, youthful energy thanks to its large student population, yet it retains its historic charm with colorful wooden houses lining the Nidelva River. Winters in Trondheim are cold and snowy, with average temperatures in January falling to about 25°F (-4°C). This climate is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by forests and hills with extensive networks of cross-country ski trails, many of which are illuminated for night skiing. The nearby Vassfjellet ski resort offers excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding. Norwegians embrace the outdoors in every season, and their philosophy of friluftsliv (open-air living) is a core part of the culture. This means that even on the coldest days, you'll find people outside enjoying the fresh air. Trondheim offers a high quality of life, combining stunning natural beauty with a thriving cultural scene and a community that knows how to make the most of a long winter.

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

If you desire a European feel without leaving North America, Quebec City is an unmatched destination. As one of the oldest European settlements in North America, its historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture that look especially magical under a blanket of snow. Winters are famously cold and snowy here, with an average of over 10 feet of snow each year. The residents of Quebec City don't just tolerate winter; they revel in it. The city hosts the world-famous Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec), a massive celebration featuring ice canoe races, snow sculptures, night parades, and an ice palace. The lifestyle is active, with opportunities for skating, skiing, and snowshoeing right in or near the city. Just outside the city limits, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham Mountain Resort provide fantastic skiing and snowboarding. The unique blend of French-Canadian culture, rich history, and a wholehearted embrace of winter makes Quebec City a truly special place for any cold-weather lover. Choosing to live in a cold climate is about more than just temperature preference. It's about embracing a different rhythm of life—one that finds beauty in snow-covered landscapes, community in cozy gatherings, and adventure in the crisp, cold air.