I have always wondered, what makes this small spot between the mountains a good place to live, and what distinguishes it from other cities? I had many answers, while I was drinking a cup of tea, but I decided to limit them to ten reasons, which are as follows:
Connected community:
Here in Moulay Idriss, you feel that strong sense of a close-knit community, everyone knows everyone, and people support each other in times of joy and in times of adversity as well. Let me give you an example: When one of them dies, all the neighbors and relatives, even from other neighborhoods, go to the house of the deceased to console his family and sympathize with them, and contribute whatever money and effort they can to help them,The same applies to weddings and happy occasions, where this connection appears to you from the first sight.
Lower cost of living.
Unlike major cities, housing prices, utilities, and other expenses here are affordable; in addition to that, we are exempt from transportation expenses due to the small surroundings of the town, where you can reach all the necessary facilities on foot, without the need for a means of transportation.
Low congestion:
Due to the low population, and the lack of the need for means of transportation within the city’s vicinity, there is often no traffic congestion except in the case of religious or national events that the city knows, as the city receives visitors from all over Morocco. Less congestion means less time spent commuting and a more relaxed lifestyle.
The beauty of nature and outdoor activities:
Moulay Idriss is a jewel surrounded by stunning nature: mountains, forests, orchards, and water sources. All these elements contribute to the charm of the area, and open the way for many outdoor activities such as: hiking, camping, collecting herbs, watering from springs, running and playing sports. Which ultimately leads to a healthier and more active lifestyle, a stronger connection with nature and the environment and a greater appreciation for sustainability.
Low crime rates:
Crime is everywhere, this is what I always believe when I visit an area, there is always a bad person and a good one. But here in Moulay Idriss, the rate is lower compared to other cities, due to the small town, and people knowing each other, which constitutes a kind of societal control.
Better air quality:
There are no laboratories or factories, in addition to a limited number of transportation with a forest and green spaces, so how do you expect the air to be? Yes, it is clean air due to the low levels of pollution, which positively affects the general health of the population.
Attractive and charming atmosphere:
The charm and unique personality of Moulay Idriss, with its ancient buildings, narrow alleys, simplicity, and slow pace of life, creates a strange sense of nostalgia, and contributes to a more relaxed and pleasant living environment.
Unparalleled calm:
If you dive deep into the alleys of the town, you will notice the strange calm that hangs over the place, where there are no sounds of car engines and no noise of people as in crowded cities. This calm appears more at night, when the movement of feet is interrupted, which leads to a better quality of sleep. That , if two males of cats do not decide on a moonlit night to fight over a beautiful female during the mating season, Then you won’t be able to sleep. I’m just joking, this doesn’t always happen, and even if it happens once it’s okay, the sound of cats fighting always makes me laugh.
Less cluttered environment, for more productivity:
With all of the aforementioned advantages, and with fewer disruptions, there is no nightlife or distractions here. I consider Moulay Idriss an ideal and suitable environment to increase productivity and gather focus, to prepare for an important event: such as a doctoral research, a sports match, or crystallizing the idea of a specific project, etc.
Openness to the outside world:
Although it lies among the mountains as a village, it is not completely isolated from the outside world. The road is paved in the direction of the cities of Meknes and Fez, and from there you can take a train or bus to any other Moroccan city, including the capital, Rabat, or travel outside Morocco from Fez City Airport, Casablanca, or Rabat. Well, these were 10 reasons, from my point of view and my personal experience as a local, that make Moulay Idriss a great area to live. However, I should point out that these advantages remain somewhat relative, given that preferred lifestyles differ from one person to another, each according to his personal needs and preferences, and what he is comfortable with.