Watching a favorite cafe close because of nomad crowds gave me pause

I was based in Lisbon for a remote work stint last year. My go-to spot for coffee shut down after rent doubled. The owner said long-term customers left as prices rose to match tourist spending. I realized my daily visits there were part of the demand pushing locals out. It's a tough spot when your lifestyle hurts the places you love. Now I try to support businesses that serve residents first. Think about where your money goes in these popular destinations.

4 comments

4 Comments

paige3313mo ago

That's a really tough spot to be in. It's sad to see it happen in so many cities now. Your way of thinking about it now makes a lot of sense.

jana_jones2mo ago

Yeah, the "losing local culture" thing is real. My buddy had his favorite comic book shop close, the one with all the weird indie stuff. Now it's just another cell phone repair place. He was so bummed.

sage3083mo agoMost Upvoted

Idk, @paige331, but it feels like we're losing local culture everywhere.

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danielnelson3mo agoMost Upvoted

Totally, it hits you right in the gut. There was this amazing old diner in my neighborhood, family run for like 50 years. It got bought out last year and turned into another bland Starbucks. Now every main street just has the same five chain stores. You drive through towns and they all blur together, losing the stuff that made them feel like home.