Stepanavan, Armenia 🇦🇲
#1717
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Stepanavan is a picturesque town in the Lori Province of Armenia, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 11,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 30 Mbps, with options for fiber internet available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 480 AMD; local banks include Ardshininvestbank and VTB Armenia. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers such as VivaCell, Ucom, and Beeline. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely available, and major payment cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and a few small hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cash is common but cards are accepted in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, average price around $20-40 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses such as Gohar Guesthouse offer budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center near the main square. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Around the remote coworking space and cafes in the town center. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking space in Stepanavan offers basic amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like 'Darget' provide a conducive environment for work with WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local cultural and business events happen occasionally; check community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups organized by local expats, check Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Armenia's Yandex Taxi is popular and reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; it's best to explore on foot. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach but beautiful lakes and rivers nearby for relaxation (e.g., Lake Sevan, 1.5-hour drive). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Armenia's national airline is Armenia Air. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirFrance, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways operate flights from Yerevan. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well connected via the M6 highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Yerevan Station for regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local minibuses (marshrutkas) are available, no specific passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses available from Yerevan and Vanadzor. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Local medical center in Stepanavan, for serious issues, Yerevan’s clinics are better equipped. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local fitness center offering yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Stepanavan has a few small gyms; best to check for local offerings. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromat services available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yerevan-based apps serve Stepanavan. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khash and Lavash are must-try traditional dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; local markets provide fresh produce for DIY meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offering traditional Armenian pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets for fresh fruits and vegetables, with very budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Available options include local marketplaces and delivery from Yerevan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Basic grocery delivery services available from local shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; locals prefer gatherings in cafes or restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited, but Armenian beers are available in stores. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local eateries serve Armenian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer kebabs and other street foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international restaurants; local cuisine is predominant. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Stepanavan Dendropark and Kayan fortress. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local history museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby ancient churches, such as Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site). |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Historic churches in nearby villages. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals in summer; keep an eye out for local announcements. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Historic areas near the city center. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural center hosting occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets for fresh produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local folk music performances in town. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; local art is more traditional. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available from local chefs for traditional Armenian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Primarily in Yerevan; local art can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Armenian architecture can be seen in many older buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Stepanavan showcases traditional Armenian culture and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lori region is rich in natural beauty, explore nearby forests and mountains. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lori Berd Nature Reserve for hiking and wildlife watching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic routes through local valleys and hills. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Numerous viewpoints along nearby hiking trails. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Good areas in surrounding landscapes. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks may have designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office and courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronic shops provide basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Armenian language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local library available for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural center in the town offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Stepanavan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $55,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $70,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 18% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat tax rate for individual income at 23%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 36% for income above a specified threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Less strict; small businesses may benefit. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on local assessments; often low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% on property purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Stable environment with potential tax incentives for foreign investments. |