Not just pretty in photos
For us, the South Goa house hunt is not just about finding somewhere pretty. It has to work for remote work, two dogs, heat, monsoon, practical access, family life and the rhythms of actually living there.
The current test is simple: can we imagine an ordinary Tuesday there? Not a holiday. Not a highlight reel. An ordinary working day with calls, dogs, heat, groceries, laundry, admin, walks and dinner.
The current checklist
Garden and shade for the dogs. Reliable internet and power for remote work. Water, drainage and monsoon reality. Road access and daily errands. Dog safety, boundary walls, gates, nearby roads and vet access.
A good home is not just the building. It is the loop around it: markets, shops, vets, pharmacy, fuel, doctors, cafés, beaches, family, friends and routines.
Still working it out
We are still learning which areas fit the life we want, what the tradeoffs look like, what rental or property expectations are realistic, and what we will only understand after seeing places in person.
So this list will change. That is the point of keeping it public.