What Living in Jordan Is Really Like: A Local’s Perspective
Last edited: 21st of August, 2025
Introduction: First Impressions
I came to live in Jordan with my family when I was nine (I’m 21 now, for perspective). I remember feeling like it was the most exciting moment of my life, no sarcasm, that’s exactly how it felt. But as I started actually living here and adapting, things hit differently. Coming from Germany was like a slap in the face [adapting to a new culture]. Classmates weren’t very welcoming at first, nature walks and park time weren’t daily anymore, my favorite chocolates and cereals were hard to find, and school suddenly felt a lot harder. In Germany, it’s more about being a kid before academics really kick in. So yeah, not the best first impression as a nine-year-old, but over time, things started to get better.
Daily Life & Culture
When it comes to my daily routine, it’s currently quite repetitive, just like everyone I know. On a university day, I wake up, pray, and recite the athkar either on the way to university or at home, have breakfast, or usually don’t, and start heading out. I take whatever lecture, lab, or evaluation I have and return home feeling a bit tired, depending on how hot the weather is, because this year (2025) it was HOT. I talk with family members at home and usually go out to a cafe to study or work. On a more fun day, I meet with my soulmate and best friend I have known since fourth grade, and we vent about all things, food, business, morals, and politics [personal connections and reflections] (you could say we talk about the socioeconomic state of the world right now, iykyk).
Jordan is very diverse and versatile when it comes to culture and traditions, depending on the region or city you live in or come from. As a Palestinian Jordanian, I could talk about culture and traditions for a hot minute, but for now, I’ll say my favorite thing is the culture of kindness and respect here. Being hospitable and generous is normal and even a duty to those around us, both in a religious and cultural sense [culture of kindness and respect]. I agree that on the surface, some people here can seem rude, maybe they are, but I don’t remember any actual rude encounters in my life here. Alhamdu lillah.
Food, Cafés & Social Spots
If there’s one thing you should move here for, IT’S THE FOOD (usually halal, might I add). There are so many good restaurants; most I’ve tried are good. We often joke about how food is the only source of entertainment in Jordan, which I can see for sure. I can’t even give you one good one because the list would be too long, but I can tell you that you should definitely give it a try! Not only is the food exceptional, but cafes are basically uni students’ second home at this point [study and social spots]. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, but it’s what I’ve seen and experienced with those around me. I feel sort of connected to the people here when I go out and study. It’s like we’re all here with similar determination and different goals for the same purpose: success (whatever that is to you). If you want to know more about any of these topics, from a local living here, feel free to write it in the comments. I’d love to know what you think :).
Challenges & Surprises
There are always two sides to a coin. One of the most difficult things I’ve tried to adapt to is moving here. I was only nine, but I still remember how hard the first few years were. When I came, I was in fourth grade. It wasn’t until about tenth grade that I started feeling like a part of this wonderful group of people. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not about the people or anything here, it’s just the fact that I had completely different expectations, and moving from a place like Germany to a place like Jordan was super different. Now I’m realizing, it’s the best thing that ever happened in my life, but I cannot deny that it took some work and healing to see things. There’s one thing I just remembered I should probably mention: I barely spoke any Arabic. One time, I was in fourth-grade English class and wanted to go to the bathroom. My iconic English teacher thought she could not let me go without asking in English, which I also didn’t know how to speak. So she started saying it word by word for me to repeat after her. Can I… go to… the … bathroom..? I cannot forget that moment, but now that I look back, I remember the awkward silence in class and start laughing to death with my girl friends whenever this story is mentioned again.
Hidden Gems & Things You’ll Love
With time, I realized that I’m someone who can be happy anywhere good people are around. For me, good-hearted people make places feel like home anywhere. You’ll enjoy the sense of freedom and chaotic energy you feel here, if that’s what you like. Lots of people criticise the driving here, but I love driving in Amman. Yes, it’s chaotic and overwhelming sometimes, but I love driving in traffic, putting on some quran/nasheed, and opening the window to feel the air. It’s easy for me to get excited. If that’s not the case for you, and you want places you can visit in Jordan, there are plenty to look out for! Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Dead Sea, Dana Nature reserve, Wadi Mujib, Desert Castles, Umm Qais, [Why I Love Blogging in Jordan] and so much more. As I’m writing this, I feel like there are too many places and I’d love to write a separate blog about the top spots in Jordan soon.
Conclusion: Reflections & Advice
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to live here and have experienced everything I have. Whether you’re visiting or moving here, here’s what to expect: a place full of contrasts, surprises, and stories waiting to be discovered. From the bustling streets and local flavors to quiet corners perfect for reflection, Jordan will challenge you, teach you, and maybe even change the way you see the world [experiencing life in Jordan]. Stick around, I’ll share what it’s really like living here, the ups, the downs, and everything in between, whenever I can! Leave a comment to share your perspective on visiting or moving to Jordan with everyone reading, and help me and others learn more about this place from your personal experience. If you need some advice on where to go while staying/touring in Jordan, I found this page called Wandering Everywhere, which will help you tour Jordan, specifically Amman, like a local. [Exploring Amman Like a Local]
