While this thread has gone off subject slightly towards the end it does bring a number of interesting points to the table which need to be considered when moving to Cyprus, or anywhere else in the world. The initial poll regarding the views of readers of the forum has only received seven votes so far with 42.86% suggesting life on Cyprus is good, 42.86% not sure and 14.28% suggesting Cyprus is not as good as they expected, so the opinion of forum readers is very much split. However, the comments from various posters offer very different angles on a move overseas and in particular to Cyprus.
A brief history of Cyprus
For many years Cyprus has been a troubled land with the north and south of the country split in the middle and various frictions arising over the years. While there have been military conflicts in the past it would appear that both the north and south authorities are more keen than ever for to ensure that life on the island is as enjoyable for everybody as possible. Talks have been ongoing and are planned for the future to try and reach a long term resolution.
The north of the island was very much cut off from the developed world for many years although recently a number of airlines have introduced direct routes and the area has seen significant growth in recognition around the world. The tourist market and the property market dominate the economies of the north and south of Cyprus and have attracted a substantial number of expats to the region.
Reasons for moving
The thread has brought out a specific number of reasons why people may want to move to Cyprus including the fact it is a fairly secluded country, the weather, employment and retirement. One particular post on the site has suggested that Cyprus has become something of a bolt-hole and a total change of scenery from the UK. While this particular observation may be in a little tongue in cheek it is interesting to see the different attitudes to Cyprus from those who have uprooted their former lives.
Attitudes to moving
There is something of a conflict on the thread regarding life on Cyprus and the pros and cons of the local culture, local economy and local way of life. While the vast majority of posters to the thread suggest that life on Cyprus is very good in general, although it is not perfect by any means, there are some who appear to dislike the region for whatever reason.
Again this has brought out a number of important factors for anybody who is moving abroad as some people seem to be fairly narrow minded in their opinions of the region, whether they have actually experienced it or not. In general the media has for some time now been portraying Cyprus in a far better light than some years ago when hostilities were still ongoing, but there is a suggestion from some parties that this is something of a blinkered opinion.
The bottom line is that when you move to a new country it is up to you to grasp the nettle and appreciate the local culture and way of life, remembering why you actually moved in the first place. The opinions and attitudes of those who have moved to Cyprus appear to vary widely depending if those involved are single or have a family. They are obviously greater implications and issues when a family move overseas to somewhere like Cyprus although many of these should have been addressed before the move was even considered.
Using the forum
While this particular thread has gone off subject towards the end it has proved useful to those looking toward Cyprus and the fact that life in an overseas country will never be exactly the same as the country you left – then again you need to consider why you left in the first place. This offers the perfect opportunity to ask questions of those who have moved to Cyprus and possibly returned home or still live there. Obtaining a balanced opinion of a potential location for your next stage in life is vital and you should consider both the negative aspects and the positive aspects in a similar fashion.
Unfortunately this particular thread has been closed recently after it became something of a “dating thread” but the issues which were addressed are still valid to this day.
The Cypriot economy
The economies of Cyprus vary widely between that in the north and that in the south although tourism and property play a vital role in both areas. There is some comment on the thread regarding employment and the fact it can be very different to places such as the UK, with long hours and less socialising time. However this has attracted a response suggesting that in time it will become easier to balance your working life and your social life in Cyprus. These are both vital elements of any new life overseas and should be considered carefully.
Property in Cyprus has risen in value over the years although Northern Cyprus still has a potentially significant cloud hanging over it. It would appear that many of those forced out of the region in years gone by may well look to reclaim their “property” in due course which could cause issues with those who have recently acquired these properties. The subject of property and land ownership has been ongoing for years and many disputes have actually ended up in court although there has been no real direction from the judiciary.
Conclusion
While this thread has been somewhat cut short in its prime it does cover a number of vital issues for those looking to move overseas. It is essential that you go into a new land, having done your homework and knowing what to expect, with an open mind with regards to local culture, local economy and the local people. If you move to places such as Cyprus it is vital that you embrace the local culture while also being true to yourself.
Cyprus has improved dramatically over the last few years and as tensions between the north and south continue to subside there is speculation that the country will be united again at some stage in the future. If this were the case, and assuming the warring factions can be kept apart, the potential for a significant uplift in both the economy and property prices would seem a good bet.
Cyprus has so much to offer but will likely be very different to your homeland and you need to go in with an open mind and an ability to adapt to your surroundings. The vast majority of those who have posted on the thread are more than happy with their lives in Cyprus although there are a few suggesting it is not quite like it said in the “brochure”.
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My husband,two daughters aged 10 and 7 and myself have been living in South Africa for the last 2 years.We are thinking of moving to Cyprus in the very near future to get away from the crime here.We do love this country and every other aspect of living here is wonderful.Is there any part of the island that is more suited to very laid back people,people that like to chill and people like us who have adopted an almost bohemian way of life.I will home school the children so being near a school is irrelevant.We just really want to be around like minded families and enjoy life!
The local culture of Cypus has been successfully destroyed by the expats recruited from the British and American lower middle class, unable to speak the language of locals, or to live according to the local way of life. McDonalds, Pizza Express, real English fish and chips – that’s Cyprus. The Northern part is better, with its authentic Turkish culture.