US family considering a move to Cyprus

kidoodle designs · #1 (**permalink**) 8th July 2008, 09:58 PM

My husband, our two children (7 and 5) and I are considering a move from the US to Cyprus, specifically the Pathos area. Any informantion reguarding schools and possible locations to check out homes would be greatly appreciated! many thanks, Monica

BabsM · #2 (**permalink**) 9th July 2008, 04:59 AM

Hi Monica. Welcome to the forum.

The Paphos district is large and covers different types of location. What kind of location would you like for your home? By the sea? In the mountains? Town? Village? Are you looking for an apartment, a small townhouse or a larger property with lots of land?

As regards schools, were you thinking of sending your children to an private school or the local Cypriot school?

Babs

Veronica · #3 (**permalink**) 9th July 2008, 07:52 PM

Apart from the questions Babs asked there is also the question of whether you will be wanting to rent or to buy a property.
Rental properties are easier to find in and around Paphos town but if you are considering buying there is much more scope for choosing the area you want to be in.
If you are considering buying then it is a good idea to take a really good look around before deciding on the right area for you as it is not easy to resell if you make a mistake so could be stuck in an area you dont like for a long time before finding a buyer.
Basically look before you leap.
<snip>

Veronica

kidoodle designs · #4 (**permalink**) 9th July 2008, 10:54 PM

Thank you so much for replying! We have never been to Cyprus, it would be a company relocation, so I am not sure how they are willing to help us with housing. Ideally we would purchase a single family home, not too far from a town/ village. In addition we'd like to be in a neighborhood with other families. in terms of schools i think we are talking about private options. I have seen info about the international school, is there another and what are your opinions on the schools? As I mentioned earlier we have never visited Cyprus and have only seen the lovely photos on the internet. I was also wondering about your weather, of course the temps on the internet seem wonderful, I am curious about the humidity and your summer climate....truly, any information would be helpful!!! Thank you both for replying. Anxiously yours, Monica

Veronica · #5 (**permalink**) 10th July 2008, 06:30 AM

Hi Monica,

There is a new American Academy planned for paphos which will be located not far from Mandria and Timi area. The build is due to bestarted soon.
The existing international school in Paphos has very good reputation.
If you want your children to go to private schools such as the international school or the American academy you would be best living close to Paphos.
The South East side of Paphos would be best for you as you would not have to negotiate the town to take your children to school.
This area is also very handy for the airport. We live in the lovely village of Konia which is close to town and the general hospital and only 10 minutes drive to the airport.
The weather here is great (one of the reasons we moved here). It does get very hot in July and August but we have found that if you are sensible it is not a problem. We do not use our airconditioning, preferring to use fans and we never have any problem.
Paphos has the best climate on the island being cooler and less humid in the summer than other areas and warmer in the winter so for full time living it is great.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you like and I will try to answer them for you.

Regards
Veronica

Deborah in Paphos · #6 (**permalink**) 12th July 2008, 11:24 AM

Hi Monica,
I have moved to Cyprus recently from Georgia and faced the same difficulties with education. Where are you coming from in the U.S.? I wound up getting a villa in Peyia, my Dad and my Brother both live here and it really is pretty. Anyway take a look at another option for education that may work for you. I am unable to put a URL on this website until I have posted 4 times. In the search bar you can put in TheProgressiveAcademy (com) put it all together and it should take you there.

There are not alot of Americans here, I have only met 2 others,
Good Luck
Deborah

kidoodle designs · #7 (**permalink**) 17th July 2008, 01:23 AM

We are moving from NW Arkansas, Bentonville, home of Wal-Mart. We will check out the school.
General question for the group is that we have been encouraged to rent (at least for awhile) what is a good site to do that? Some of the sights people have attached below their entries have been very helpful but we are looking for a home that will accomodate 4 people (two adults and 2 children) and a 75lbs yellow lab. Pool is a must and enough room so we are not tripping over each other. Choices seem limited. Is that the way it really is?

BabsM · #8 (**permalink**) 17th July 2008, 05:54 AM

Hi Monica,
No, choices are not limited. The links you have used from these postings are members' personal sites. There are plenty of other sites that allow you to search for rentals, its just that forum rules don't allow advertising other than a single link to a personal website as part of the signature of established users.

There are a number of big estate agents in Cyprus, most of whom rent out their properties, also lots of private owners advertise their properties on the web independantly. I suggest you use a web search engine and see what you can find. You could also try looking on the Cyprus Mail and Cyprus Weekly websites. You could also try looking for sites that advertise holiday rentals.

BabsM

Deborah in Paphos · #9 (**permalink**) 17th July 2008, 06:04 AM

Hi,

I didn't have any problem finding a place with the same requirements as you are needing. If you would like to give me a call...I have a Florida number forwarded to me and you won't have to pay international fees (772) 933-5099. Keep in mind we are on Cyprus time, I stay up quite late as I do business in the States still, so I'm up our time here until about 12-1am.

The only thing I didn't have that you do...is a dog. I looked at about 10 homes and I heard quite a few times, "You don't have any dogs do you?"

I'm a dog lover and I know they are a part of the family but just be prepared.

Hope to hear from you,
Deborah

theresoon · #10 (**permalink**) 18th July 2008, 08:37 PM

Hi Kidoodle,

I have just moved to Nicosia from NYC at the beggining of the month and already found a brand new huge house for 700euros. Of course this is in Nicosia but still everyone was telling me min.1,100 for much smaller place. then I found a paper called golden deals or something like that - there is actually two of them. They are in Greek but if you come to check out the place first I am sure you will find someone to check them out for you. I only made about 5-6 calls and saw two houses before deciding on this one. I think unless I paid much more I would have the space for all my US made furniture and kids toys.

good luck
Dina
QUOTE=kidoodle designs;36830]My husband, our two children (7 and 5) and I are considering a move from the US to Cyprus, specifically the Pathos area. Any informantion reguarding schools and possible locations to check out homes would be greatly appreciated! many thanks, Monica[/QUOTE]