How to Make the Best Out of Life in Prague with Scott Horton
“Like many others, I came to Prague largely in part for a relationship and also grew very fond of the city and lifestyle here,” shares Scott Horton, a Texan transplant, as he calls himself, who has lived in Prague for over a decade.
For him, the benefits of living in Prague are abundant: the safety of the city, the cost of living, better tax rates, and no fear of medical treatment bills. “Other standout benefits of the city are the genuine disinterest of strangers, dogs being allowed most places, reliable public transport at all hours, and the blissful state of remaining at a 5-year-old’s language level,” Scott jokes.
As a music freelancer, he produces, mixes, and masters for other artists and writes and composes songs for film and TV. “Nearly all of my work takes place online from my home studio and for clients outside of Czechia,” he explains. While music is both his hobby and profession, Scott is careful to maintain a healthy balance between the two: “I’ve always been adamant about keeping my work and personal life separate to prevent burnout.”
In this interview, Scott shares with us his secrets of finding happiness, purpose and belonging in Prague that might inspire you on your own journey.
Making Friends and Finding Community in Prague
Scott has found most of his friends through karaoke and quizzes since he works from home. During the weekdays, his schedule is packed with activities. “I’m pretty consistently going to Salsa classes (Dance Different), Karaoke (Brix, London Underground), Pub Trivia (The Down Under, A Maze in Tchaiovna, Beckett’s) and Open Mics (The Globe, Coffice).”
“There are always spontaneous meetups to show up to if I’m in the mood for socializing like language exchanges or expat meetings (Czech Inn) or Couch Surfing meetings around town,” Scott says.
On the weekends, he likes to chill at home, but as someone who works remotely, he knows it’s important to get out and socialize to make connections.
Scott’s advice for those trying to find community in Prague is to try many different activities and meetups, even ones that may not initially interest you. “See what clicks. Don’t wait to go with a friend. Show up alone and you’ll usually find most people came alone and are easy to connect with. Keep going back so you become a familiar face and hopefully, you build friendships with a few people outside of the activity itself.
And if you have a furry friend, bring them along! “It makes meeting people much faster and easier,” Scott adds.
Balancing Life and Money in Prague
Scott prioritizes spending on international travel and unique experiences. “There are so many places to see and things I’d like to do. I’ve put a strong emphasis in my life on not procrastinating on these things by booking first and sorting out the details later.”
“I do still spend a bit on clothing, audio and photography equipment, and collecting perfumes. I find researching, buying, and waiting for products to arrive in the mail create a fantastic, superficial dopamine loop,” he explains.
To save costs, Scott cooks most meals at home, uses public transport, and does a lot of travel hacking with points and credit cards for hotels and flights. Since his early twenties, he has been sending some amount of income to retirement and investment accounts. “Which I can hopefully fill and deplete before my ultimate demise,” he laughs.
To balance finances and life enjoyment in Prague, Scott recommends checking skrz.cz for deals on food, travel, and experiences, and getting the BeerPass app for a free beer every day at select pubs.
Even though it gets chilly in the winter, he stresses the importance of going out and mingling to keep your mind in good shape. “Prague is nice because, unlike many other places, people don’t seem to overwork and do emphasize keeping an active social life and taking plenty of vacation. You can have a nice night out for 100-200 Kč,” Scott says.
Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Prague
Scott believes in finding meaning in consistent small actions. “For physical and mental health, I try and do 15 minutes of activity such as workouts, yoga, or pilates, but not more…I don’t want to sweat,” he grins. “I’ve also had weekly phone calls with my parents for years to keep us connected and informed.”
At home, he enjoys cooking with his partner, watching reality TV shows, and spending quality time with his dog, Zoey. “And when the rare opportunity strikes, I find fulfillment making some of my own music or playing drums to relieve stress,” he shares.
As for a recommendation for fellow Praguers, Scott suggests learning salsa and bachata. “It can open up a new world as it is a fun way to meet people through your school and there are social events nearly every night of the week somewhere in town.”
Exploring Prague: Scott Recommends
During the warmer months, Scott has a great idea for a fun day out: head to Velke Chuchle’s horse racing track. “Get dressed up fancy, place small bets, and enjoy a day at the races,” he advises.
Located just a short bus ride away, the track provides a refreshing escape from the city, making it the perfect way to spend a beautiful day and try something new.
Making the Most of Life in Prague
I hope you enjoyed Scott’s insights on living your best life in Prague. I know I sure did! This Texan’s unique perspective on finding your tribe, fulfilling your life with different activities, and taking small actions can truly make a difference.
So, why not take his advice and step out of your comfort zone? Connect with others, try something new, and explore all the amazing things this city has to offer. You never know, you might even discover a newfound sense of purpose and belonging here in Prague.
For more inspiration, check out our previous interview with Goran. And to support your Prague journey, I’ve personally crafted a Prague guide that reveals the city’s secret corners. If you’re ready to explore Prague’s wonders, grab your copy here 👇
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