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Pros and Cons of Living in Athens, Greece | Expat Exchange
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Crowded Market in Athens, Greece

Pros and Cons of Living in Athens

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 14, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Athens, Greece include its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant nightlife, its Mediterranean climate, and its proximity to the sea. On the other hand, the cons of living in Athens include its high cost of living, its air pollution, its traffic congestion, and its lack of green spaces.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

What are the pros and cons of living in Athens?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Athens responded:

"I love the area where I live and honestly I wish there was more incentives for homeowners / landlords to rent out their place to locals rather than use them for Airbnb. It is nearly impossible to find a nice modern place for a decent rate in the area. and I understand why they do it because owners pay a much lower tax rate to rent out to tourists vs locals. They should do something about that because it's a big problem," said one member in Athens.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the rich history and culture of Athens, with its numerous archaeological sites, museums, and ancient monuments. They appreciate the relatively low cost of living, which allows for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, is also a big draw for many. The food scene in Athens is diverse and delicious, with an abundance of fresh produce, local cuisine, and international options. The city's vibrant nightlife, with its lively bars, clubs, and music venues, is another attractive feature. Additionally, the friendly and hospitable nature of the Greek people makes it easy for expats and digital nomads to feel welcome and at home. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may dislike the bureaucracy and inefficiency that can be encountered when dealing with government offices and paperwork. The Greek economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, which can lead to job insecurity and limited opportunities for career advancement. The public transportation system in Athens, while extensive, can be crowded and unreliable at times. Air pollution and traffic congestion are also common issues in the city. Finally, the language barrier can be a challenge for some, as not everyone in Athens speaks English fluently, making it necessary for expats and digital nomads to learn some Greek to navigate daily life more easily," remarked one expat in Athens.

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What do expats in Athens appreciate most about the local culture?

"Friends and family are not casual relationships here. They will bend over backward to help and support you in whatever way they can. One just has to learn to ask and accept that help," explained one expat living in Athens.

"Expats in Athens appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is steeped in history and tradition. They enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who are always willing to help out and share their culture with visitors. The city's vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants, is also a major draw for expats. Additionally, the city's stunning architecture, from ancient ruins to modern buildings, is a source of awe and admiration. Finally, the city's Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and hot summers, is a major plus for expats looking to enjoy the outdoors," said one expat in Athens.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Athens often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Greek is the official language of the country, and many locals may not be able to communicate in English. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate for those who are not familiar with them. Expats may also find the pace of life in Athens to be slower than what they are used to, as well as the fact that many businesses close for extended periods of time during the summer months," said one expat in Athens.

"Realizing that the sense of humor and level of tolerance for foreign ideas of many of the locals is very different from mine," said a person living in Athens.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Crowded Market in Athens, Greece

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