14/06/2026
Why is Montenegro so safe?
When we moved from the Netherlands to Montenegro in 2019, we expected breathtaking nature, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and a slower pace of life. What we did not anticipate was how much we would come to value something that has become increasingly rare in many parts of the world: a genuine feeling of safety.
Of course, safety is not just about crime statistics. It runs much deeper, rooted in centuries of tradition, strong family bonds, and a way of life that has remained remarkably intact.
Montenegro is a small country of just over 600,000 inhabitants. In a place this size, connections run deep. The person you meet may be someone’s uncle, your neighbour’s cousin, your child’s teacher, or your tennis partner. People know each other and families are interconnected.
Family is at the heart of Montenegrin society. Multiple generations often live close to one another, sharing daily life and responsibilities. Children grow up surrounded not only by parents but also by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbours who all play a role in their upbringing.
Honour and respect still matter here. Not as abstract ideas, but as values that are lived every day.
The result is something you feel before you can explain it. Homes left unlocked. Car keys left in the ignition when someone briefly steps away. Children enjoying a level of independence and freedom that has quietly disappeared in many parts of Western Europe.
Our own children have lost phones and wallets on several occasions over the years. Every single time, they were found and returned. These small moments say more about a society than any statistic ever could.
This is one of the conversations we often have with our clients considering a move to Montenegro. Through The Robert Collection, we help Western Europeans and Americans navigate the realities of relocating here, from finding the right home to understanding the culture and everyday life.
If you are curious about what living in Montenegro is really like, we are always happy to share our experiences: +382 67 057 819.
Photo: our boys in 2019