Cyprus-Forum.com

[36510]

You told us what you don't care about but you should also tell us what you do care about. How important are these factors: Cost of property, availability of services (fast internet, doctors, large supermarkets...), nice views, quiet vs lots of things to do, do you want to live in places where other expats live (I assume you are British) etc etc

Fair enough: Cost of property obviously is one factor - but I´ll rent first anyway to see how I like Cyprus. Decent internet is a must (at least 6 MB/sec), just as quietness and clean air are. Having other expats around might be a plus but that´s not a decisive criterion (you guessed wrong by the way - I´m German). As I stated already I like riding my pedelec and would like a place where I can ride in my dog´s company, so a rural area might be best. So far I´ve been pretty healthy so hopefully distance to doctors won´t be much of a concern. Having a supermarket nearby would obviously be nice (especially a Lidl as I´d probably get the German stuff there I´m used to) but I guess I can´t have it all. Having a gym within reach (let´s say 30 km) would also be important. I´d like it a bit cooler, so a bit of an elevation wouldn´t hurt (not so much though as having to deal with snow in winter).

[Sotos]

If 30KM is "within reach" then most things will be within reach no matter where you live. For good internet you will need to avoid tiny villages. All urban, suburban and main villages have broadband. That said, if the small village is not in a remote area then you might be able to get good internet speeds via 3g or 4g wireless. A Lidl will be within 30KM from nearly everywhere, same with a gym. For the climate you want western Cyprus (Paphos) or the foothills of Troodos would be ideal. Check out villages around cities like Peyia, Tala etc in Paphos, Akrounta, Foinikaria etc in Limassol or Poli Chrisochous and surrounding villages. Pyrgos that was suggested earlier is very beautiful for short term holidays... but it might be a bit too isolated for somebody who is older.

[kurupetos]

You told us what you don't care about but you should also tell us what you do care about. How important are these factors: Cost of property, availability of services (fast internet, doctors, large supermarkets...), nice views, quiet vs lots of things to do, do you want to live in places where other expats live (I assume you are British) etc etc

Fair enough: Cost of property obviously is one factor - but I´ll rent first anyway to see how I like Cyprus. Decent internet is a must (at least 6 MB/sec), just as quietness and clean air are. Having other expats around might be a plus but that´s not a decisive criterion (you guessed wrong by the way - I´m German). As I stated already I like riding my pedelec and would like a place where I can ride in my dog´s company, so a rural area might be best. So far I´ve been pretty healthy so hopefully distance to doctors won´t be much of a concern. Having a supermarket nearby would obviously be nice (especially a Lidl as I´d probably get the German stuff there I´m used to) but I guess I can´t have it all. Having a gym within reach (let´s say 30 km) would also be important. I´d like it a bit cooler, so a bit of an elevation wouldn´t hurt (not so much though as having to deal with snow in winter).

Try Pissouri... it's between Limassol and Paphos and quite developed for a village. There should be a Lidl nearby.

There are many Brits living there... that's the only problem...

http://www.pra1911.com/

[36510]

There are many Brits living there... that's the only problem...

Not really, so far I´ve had pleasant experiences with them (apart from the drunkards at Mallorca). So I´ll look into this place once arrived. Thanks.

[Tim Drayton]

Will I be able to get by in English in the smaller villages?

While many people in Cyprus speak good English, it is a bit of a myth that everybody in Cyprus speaks English. The percentage of English speakers is much higher among the middle classes and in the big towns and cities. You could well find that in a very remote village just about nobody speaks English. As others have said, you could always chose to go to somewhere like Pissouri where British people now outnumber the locals and find yourself living in a little England. Certainly, if you want to have any contact with local people and local life, you will find it useful to learn a little Greek (assuming you are living in the Greek-speaking part of the island).

[CrookedRiverGuy]

Not really, so far I´ve had pleasant experiences with them (apart from the drunkards at Mallorca). So I´ll look into this place once arrived. Thanks.

Oh no, don't wake up GIG; you'll have to listen to her stories of drunk/smelly english/german ppl