When I first told my friends that I wanted to rent an affordable apartment near nature, public transportation, and shops, they said I was dreaming and it couldn’t be done. Most apartments near nature have luxury price tags, and they’re often not near amenities like public transport and shops. (Because, apparently, the monied sniff at such plebeian things near them, apparently.) And apartments that are near town centres are often not near nature.

But I was determined to find a place that was cheap, walkable, and surrounded by greenery. At first, friends directed me to gorgeous apartments with stunning hill views, but they were far from city centers and completely unwalkable. (Meaning not walking distance to shops.)

While those places were beautiful, I knew I’d be unhappy there because I love walking. I love being able to do everything I need on foot. Being isolated in a car-dependent area would make me miserable—and I know this from experience.

A few years ago, I lived in a breathtaking place in Penang. It was near the beach, on top of a hill, with views of the ocean and lush greenery behind me. Monkeys would sometimes visit in the mornings. It was idyllic—at first. But I quickly realized how isolated I was. Without a car, I relied on taxis, but the area was so remote and traffic-prone that getting a ride was often impossible. The nearest shops were 4-5 kilometers away, and I couldn’t walk anywhere. I felt trapped, unable to do things independently. Sure, some people might say, “Just get a car,” but I’m someone who values walkability. I don’t want to depend on a gas-guzzling machine. I knew I’d be happier in a place where I could walk to everything.

This philosophy was reinforced when I read Happy Cities by Charles Montgomery. The book highlights how people are happier in places with easy access to community. You could live in a fancy skyscraper, but if you’re isolated and unable to connect with others, you’ll feel lonely. For me, the key to happiness is living in a walkable city where it’s easy to connect with people and access amenities.

That’s why I’m so passionate about my current lifestyle. I live in a walkable part of town, and it’s transformed my life. I’ve lost weight, gotten healthier, and my friends say I have a glow in my cheeks. I’m happier than ever, and yes, I managed to find an affordable apartment. By U.S. standards, I pay just $300 a month for a three-bedroom place. Even by Malaysian standards, it’s a steal at 1,200 Ringgit. I rented it unfurnished during the pandemic when prices were low, and though it was run-down at first, I refurbished it myself. Now, it’s my little oasis.

My apartment is on a hill, surrounded by nature, with two balconies. One overlooks the city, and during festivals like Chinese New Year, I can watch fireworks light up the horizon. I’m also just 1,500 steps (about 10 minutes) from the nearest light rail transit (LRT) hub. While I usually drive to the LRT to avoid sweating, I love knowing I could walk there if I wanted to.

The best part of my neighborhood is its walkability. I’m just a few hundred steps away from charming cafes where I can work or read in the morning. If I need groceries, I can walk to the nearest business center. It’s exhausting in Malaysia’s heat and humidity, but it’s a great way to stay active. Sometimes, I’ll walk to the business center for dinner and back, which helps me burn off calories and regulate my blood sugar.

My neighborhood also has playgrounds with exercise equipment, so I can do outdoor bodyweight workouts when I don’t feel like going to the gym. Living this way has helped me save money, too. I’m not car-dependent, so I spend very little on gas—about 50 Ringgit every two to three months. I grow my own vegetables and cook big meals that last me all week. Life is simple, affordable, and fulfilling.

I’ve heard some people criticize 15-minute cities as dystopian, but I can’t help but chuckle. My experience has been the opposite. Living in a walkable town has made me healthier, happier, and more connected to my community. And it’s not just a European thing—I live in Malaysia, where there are plenty of walkable towns and neighborhoods.

If you’re considering a move, I encourage you to think about walkability. Living in a place where you can walk to shops, cafes, and public transit isn’t just convenient—it’s transformative. You’ll save money, stay active, and feel more connected to the world around you. For me, it’s the perfect way to live.