Big City Burnout to Mediterranean Bliss: We Found Our Place in Paphos

Big City Burnout to Mediterranean Bliss: We Found Our Place in Paphos
Coastal Paphos, where Ian lives, is a short scenic drive from the spectacular ruins of Kourion, a 3,000-year-old city|©iStock/Freeartist

Slowing down doesn’t feel like compromise—it feels like luxury.

After 20 plus years in fast-paced cities like New York and Abu Dhabi, we realized we were craving a change of pace. In Paphos, Cyprus, we found room to breathe.

I retired in 2022 after nearly a decade living and working in the UAE. We’d moved there in 2014 from New York City, chasing opportunity, sunshine, and a little adventure. Abu Dhabi delivered all that and more—a vibrant international community, great schools, and incredible travel access to Asia and Africa.

But as retirement approached, the conversation shifted. Where could we go that would still feel like an adventure, but offer a gentler pace and a strong quality of life for our teenage children, then 14 and 16? We looked hard at Southeast Asia—including five trips to Thailand and Malaysia — but ultimately decided they were just a bit too far from the US for regular visits with family.

We began exploring Europe instead.

We knew we wanted a lifestyle where we could enjoy the outdoors year-round, good healthcare, fresh foods, and access to the rest of Europe. Cyprus landed on our radar.

My wife has a saying, "Follow the Brits." Cyprus has long attracted British expats—thanks in part to its long history as a former British colony—an influence still felt today. Most commercial signs are in English, and we have no problems finding English-speaking services. That gave us confidence it would be a soft landing.

We watched YouTube videos, scoured forums, and reached out to friends of friends who had lived here. I sent my wife and kids on a test trip, then followed up with my son to see it for myself.

From Apprehension to Contentment

Initially, we were a bit concerned. Paphos is a small city, just 50,000 people year-round. Would it feel too quiet? Would the tourist season be overwhelming? Could we live without Amazon? But once we settled in, we realized our fears were unfounded.

Yes, there’s a wave of tourists in summer, but they tend to stay in one area of town. The rest of Paphos remains laid-back, familiar, and welcoming. And that smaller population? It actually creates a sense of connection we hadn’t felt in a long time.

People here remember your name. As an American with a Brazilian-born wife, we’re welcomed. That said, if you’re looking for buzzy nightlife, trendy restaurants on every corner, or constant big-city stimulation, this might feel a bit too sleepy. For us, though, the quiet was part of the appeal.

A Typical Day in Paphos

Our days now begin early. We drop our son at school around 7:00 a.m., then head straight to the Paphos Promenade, a seaside walkway, for a five-mile stroll along the coast. It’s a daily ritual that clears the mind and sets the tone for a calm, productive day. Afternoons are filled with our son’s guitar lessons, sports practices, tutoring, and the usual whirlwind of teenage life. Our daughter is now in university in Amsterdam.

We rent a spacious 4,500 square foot, four-bedroom, four-bath home with views and a pool for €3,500 a month (about $3,800). It’s just under two miles from the sea… and perched at a 500-foot elevation. Our pool deck faces west, and every evening we watch the sun melt into the Mediterranean from our patio. It never gets old.

My wife and I each have our own home office, and the kids have separate bedrooms. It’s spacious, peaceful, and comfortable—exactly what we hoped for when we envisioned this chapter of life.

What We’ve Grown to Love

Ian rents this spacious home with a pool roughly two miles from the sea for €3,500 a month.
Ian rents this spacious home with a pool roughly two miles from the sea for €3,500 a month.|©Ian Bond

It’s hard to overstate how good the local produce is. Cyprus is blessed with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and we find ourselves cooking more and eating better without even trying. It’s really inexpensive too.

The pace of life is slower here—deliberately so. Shops close on holidays, people take time off with family, and the culture simply doesn’t glorify busyness. That took some adjustment at first—especially when we’d forget a holiday and find everything shuttered—but now we’ve come to respect and even admire it.

The community has also been a pleasant surprise. We’re fairly private people and tend not to seek out a big social life, but we’ve built meaningful relationships through our son’s school and with local shopkeepers and restaurant owners. Our landlords are kind and generous too.

If there’s one modern-day frustration, it’s that online shopping and shipping can be slower or more expensive than we were used to in the US. It’s a small inconvenience, but worth mentioning for anyone who’s accustomed to two-day shipping.

The Financial Side of Paradise

We estimate our cost of living to be about 30% lower than what we’d spend in the US (we’re originally from Florida). But that’s not our main goal. We didn’t come here to "live on the cheap." We came here to live well—and Cyprus allows us to do just that.

We eat out when we like. We travel within Europe. And we do it all without financial stress. Frankly, in local terms, we feel quite wealthy here. Why?

The average Cypriot earns well under €2,000 ($2,150) a month. That contrast gives us perspective—and gratitude. We try to spend consciously and generously within the community.

Healthcare is another pleasant surprise. We’ve had only minor needs so far, but a doctor visit costs about €30. We joined a private medical clinic at the suggestion of some British expats for €150 per person, per year but converted to per visit because we rarely used it. Many European-trained doctors choose to work in Cyprus for the lifestyle, and the country has a strong reputation for medical tourism.

No Bureaucratic Nightmares

We hold Italian (EU) passports, so the residency process was refreshingly straightforward. We were legally settled within a few months.

For Americans considering Cyprus, the Category F visa is one of the most accessible options—it requires an income of just €10,000 ($10,700) per year. That opens the door to retirees or remote workers who want to enjoy European living without the high cost of Western Europe.

Reflections and Advice

We’ve now been here three years, and we just signed a lease for two more…

Our lives have changed in ways both subtle and profound. The slower rhythm, daily contact with nature, and healthier food have improved our well-being in ways we didn’t fully expect.

Socially, we’re still in control of our time and energy—we don’t feel pressure to conform or over-socialize. And financially, we live with ease and peace of mind.

If I could go back and advise myself before the move, I’d say, "Don’t worry so much."

I spent six to seven years researching a place to live after the UAE, considering every angle. The work was worth it; we landed in the right spot. But the stress wasn’t necessary. We could have just followed my wife’s wisdom: Follow the Brits. They seem to know where the good life is.

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