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I try to temper my enthusiasm when sharing stories of my life in Greece, mindful not to spark envy. But the truth is, I feel profoundly blessed. My 750-square-foot, one-bedroom home nestles in the shadow of the Acropolis, where I host nightly yoga classes on my rooftop deck. Under a canopy of stars, with the Parthenon glowing softly in the distance, I guide a diverse community of locals, expats, and travelers through mindful movements. Last summer, a new student from Barcelona joined, saying, “My friend raved about your classes!” Word of this magical experience is spreading, and I’m thrilled to be at its heart.
My days unfold gently, without the jarring buzz of an alarm. I fill them with passions: teaching yoga, exploring the Enneagram, writing about nutrition and wellness, and sharing my love for life in Greece. My schedule is flexible, allowing me to balance deadlines with leisure, rarely feeling the weight of stress. Evenings often end with a calisthenics session in a nearby park or lively drinks with friends at a Plaka taverna, where Mediterranean nights stretch long and warm. This rhythm, vibrant yet unhurried, is what I cherish most. For anyone inspired to follow a similar path, international real estate websites can be a useful resource to explore housing options in Greece and beyond.
In 2012, I left behind a structured life in San Francisco, where I worked as a Certified Public Accountant and Chief Financial Officer. My days revolved around spreadsheets, boardroom meetings, and relentless deadlines. Yoga was a weekend hobby, a brief escape from the grind. Looking back, I wasn’t truly living, just going through the motions. Only now, in Athens, do I understand the difference.
The move to Greece wasn’t a sudden leap but a series of deliberate steps. I had no ties to the country, yet an inexplicable pull drew me to Athens. In 2011, I visited for three weeks, immersing myself in an intensive Greek language course, a self-crafted “study abroad” adventure. The experience was exhilarating, so I returned later that year for two months. By 2012, I was ready to make Athens my home. Moving without a job or a partner waiting felt bold but not daunting. My prior visits had demystified the city, and the prospect of a fresh start was electrifying. Thirteen years later, that excitement still pulses through me.
My financial stability comes from a “portfolio career”, a blend of active and passive income streams that fuels my lifestyle. I purchased a small apartment in Athens, which I rent out on Airbnb, providing a steady revenue flow. I teach the Enneagram to businesses and individuals, both in-person and online, fostering personal growth and team dynamics. I host wellness retreats on sun-drenched Greek islands, blending yoga and cultural exploration. Passive income trickles in from my published books on wellness and my YouTube channel’s ad revenue. Freelance writing, covering topics from mindfulness to Mediterranean living, rounds out my income. Combined with the relatively low cost of living in Greece, these income streams allow me to thrive while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
This diverse approach ensures flexibility and security. The more I invest in writing and teaching, the stronger these streams become, setting me up for a sustainable future. Best of all, my work aligns with my passions, making every day feel purposeful.
“How did you move to Greece legally?” is a common question. I entered on a Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa, designed for non-EU citizens with sufficient external income. Greece requires proof of €3,500 monthly income from sources outside the country, deposited into a Greek bank account, along with valid health insurance and administrative paperwork. Renewals demand organization but aren’t overly complex. Many European countries offer similar visas, each with unique requirements. I file taxes in both Greece and the U.S., leveraging bilateral agreements to avoid double taxation. The process adds some paperwork but is manageable with diligence. For anyone considering a move, understanding visa and residency in Greece is an essential step toward building a new life here.
People often wonder if moving abroad alone led to loneliness. For me, the answer is no. Athens welcomed me warmly, and I quickly built a vibrant social circle. Platforms like Meetup, InterNations, and local yoga and expat Facebook groups connected me with others early on. I explored the city with new friends, from sipping coffee in Kolonaki to dancing at bouzouki nights in Psyrri. The family who owns the grocery store next to my apartment became my adopted family, even naming me godmother to their daughter, Alexia, a bond that grounds me deeply.
My friends are a colorful mix of Greeks and expats. The Greeks bring warmth, humor, and a zest for life, while expats offer global perspectives that enrich our conversations. I’ve found European values, emphasizing experiences over materialism, resonate more with me than the consumer-driven culture I left behind. San Francisco was good, but Athens feels like home.
Maintaining ties with my U.S. friends and family has been effortless, thanks to Greece’s allure as a travel destination. Visitors flock to Athens, staying for weeks to explore its history and charm. Long flights are offset by meaningful, unhurried visits. Technology keeps us close between trips, Zoom calls and WhatsApp chats bridge the distance seamlessly. My loved ones’ visits to Greece often turn into shared adventures, from hiking in Delphi to island-hopping in the Aegean.
To anyone dreaming of moving abroad, I recommend a gradual approach. Visit your dream destination multiple times, in different seasons, to understand its rhythms. Hire an online language tutor before you go to ease into the culture. Build a foundation by researching visas, costs, and local communities to minimize unknowns. A staged approach makes the leap feel less daunting and more like a natural progression.
If a place calls to you, trust that instinct. Moving to Athens was the boldest, most rewarding decision of my life. It’s not just about living somewhere new, it’s about creating a life that feels authentically yours. If you’re ready to take the first step toward your own journey, feel free to contact us for guidance and support.
I felt a strong, intuitive pull toward Athens despite having no prior connection. Visiting for short stints, first three weeks, then two months, helped me confirm it was the right place. Exploring the city and learning basic Greek made the transition smoother.
Athens is affordable compared to U.S. cities like San Francisco. A one-bedroom apartment in a central area like mine costs €500-€800 monthly to rent or €150,000-€200,000 to buy. Groceries, dining, and public transport are inexpensive, expect €50-€100 weekly for food and €1.20 per metro ride.
The FIP visa requires proof of €3,500 monthly external income, health insurance, and paperwork like a lease or property deed. It’s straightforward but requires organization. Annual renewals involve similar documentation. Consulting a local immigration lawyer can simplify the process.
Not at all! Platforms like Meetup, InterNations, and local Facebook groups connect expats and locals. Joining yoga classes, language exchanges, or cultural events helps build friendships. Greeks are warm and welcoming, often treating newcomers like family.
The FIP visa prohibits local employment, but you can earn income from external sources, like remote work, investments, or rentals. I combine Airbnb income, online teaching, writing, and passive revenue to support my lifestyle without a local job.
Private health insurance is required for the FIP visa and costs €100-€300 annually for basic coverage. Greece’s public healthcare system is accessible for emergencies, but many expats prefer private clinics for faster service. Pharmacies are well-stocked and affordable.
Teaching yoga here is rewarding, with a diverse community of students. My rooftop classes, set against the Acropolis, attract locals and travelers. Sessions cost €10-€15, and building a following through word-of-mouth and social media has created a tight-knit group.
Yes, Athens is generally safe. Central neighborhoods like Plaka and Koukaki are walkable and vibrant. Like any city, stay aware in crowded areas and avoid poorly lit streets at night. I’ve always felt secure, even living alone.
Basic Greek phrases help, especially for daily interactions. Many Athenians, especially younger ones, speak English, so communication is rarely an issue. I took an intensive language course initially and continue learning through apps and conversations with locals.
The blend of history, community, and lifestyle. Living beneath the Acropolis, teaching yoga under the stars, and enjoying long, lively nights with friends feels magical. Athens offers a slower, richer life that aligns with my values.
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