Moscow, the capital and most populous city of the Russian Federation, echoes with a revolutionary fervor as faded as the pastels of its minarets and domes. The city now houses more billionaires than any other city in the world, wealthy off the back of the former communist states’ privatized assets. With a burgeoning elite comes a higher standard of living, which itself elicits a hefty price tag. These days, Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world for expats to live in. Medieval Moscow's original design of concentric walls and intersecting radial thoroughfares has shaped the city’s growth over the centuries. While incredibly picturesque, this layout, combined with Moscow's rivers, has weighed heavily on current day traffic congestion. Minimizing time spent navigating Moscow’s chronic rush hour will therefore be a major factor influencing your housing choices. Areas within the Garden Ring road, such as Arbat-Kropotkinskaya, are very popular. Tverskaya Street, the main shopping street of Moscow, is highly sought after by young professionals given its proximity to nightlife, cafes, restaurants and theatres. Planned communities beyond the city outskirts, such as Pokrovsky Hills, are also becoming popular among families due to their proximity to international schools. Like any major city, Moscow has its shortcomings. Its upsides however, are numerous, and the unique experience of living at the nerve center of Russia is priceless. Moscow’s metro (underground railway) is nothing short of magnificent. The city’s famous Red Square, dusted with snowflakes, and the enchanting Izmailovo Market will steal your heart. Characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, hard winters, by its irrepressible energy, its stoic inhabitants, and not least by its exotic Eastern influence juxtaposed with Orthodox Christian leanings, Moscow’s magic will not be lost on you.