Two years ago, Greece was just a vacation destination for Jeffrey Davidson and Walter Zak. Today it is home. A Florida couple who spent three decades building a life near Orlando decided to retire early and move to the Peloponnese after one trip to Greece changed their plans for the future. Their story, reported by CNN Newsource, is an unusual case of how a vacation can lead to a total lifestyle change. Now living in the coastal area of Akrata, the couple has swapped Florida’s theme-park vibe for ancient ruins, seaside views and a slower pace of everyday life. They bought a house in the village of Platanos for 400,000 euros, or about $461,000 US, without ever seeing it in person before they bought it.
From Florida to Greece
Jeffrey, 62, and Walter, 57, met 32 years ago and lived most of their adult lives together in Florida. Both worked in hospitality and had a comfortable life but as retirement loomed they started to think about living abroad. It was no flight from the United States. Instead they wanted to experience another culture and create a different kind of daily life. Their first choice was the Caribbean island of St. Martin, where they used to go and have a great time.” But the expense of relocating there, and the fear of hurricanes, made them change their minds.
A holiday that altered their plans
For the couple, Greece had not been a leading point for possible retirement locations. That changed in 2024 when the couple visited the country to mark their 30th anniversary. The trip was two weeks of exploring Greece, including a 10-day cruise around the Greek islands and a visit to Thessaloniki, the birthplace of Walter’s grandfather. The trip gave them an opportunity to experience the culture, people and pace of life of the country. Instead of deciding to move immediately, they spent the next year investigating whether a permanent move was a realistic option. Walter dug into the financial and legal requirements and found that they could potentially qualify for Greece’s Golden Visa program through a qualifying real estate investment. The couple took the plunge about a year after their trip.
Selling their life in Florida
The decision was more than two plane tickets. Jeffrey sold his Corvette a week after agreeing to retire early and move. The couple also sold their three-story townhome in Florida and scaled back greatly on the amount of belongings they planned to bring with them. They viewed a few properties, and settled on Akrata, in the Peloponnese, for its milder climate and proximity to the sea. Then came one of the biggest leaps of faith, buying their new home without seeing it in person.The Platanos property was listed at €400,000 fully furnished with one bedroom main house and a separate one bedroom guest apartment. The property also has views over the Gulf of Corinth.
Beginning again from the ground up
When the couple finally landed in Greece in April, they had only 10 suitcases with them. The rest of their stuff came later in a shipping container. The first few weeks were filled with practical challenges. From obtaining mobile phones and internet service, to purchasing a car, to figuring out everyday necessities like where to get propane. These challenges were not viewed as reasons to regret the move, but rather as part of the learning process. “Every day there’s new things to learn, from local services to how businesses operate. They thought it was easier to make the transition because they relocated while they were still young enough to adapt.
Greek way of life education
One of the biggest adjustments has been getting used to the slower pace of life in Greece. The couple found that dinner was usually served much later than they were used to in Florida. Locals usually eat later in the evening, so if you go to a restaurant around 7 p.m. you will probably find the dining room nearly empty. They have adapted to the mesimeri, the traditional afternoon break when many businesses close for several hours. Sundays can be particularly quiet with many establishments closed for the day. At first, the differences made Greece feel like a foreign place. But the slower pace gradually became something they valued most.
Understanding the local culture
The couple purposely selected a city with relatively few foreigners because they wanted to live Greek, not replicate their American lifestyle abroad. They have begun learning Greek and have just finished a week-long language course. They have struggled to learn the language, but they keep practicing whenever they get the chance. English is widely spoken, especially by the younger generation, which has helped them to cope with daily life. They have befriended local residents and become regulars at nearby restaurants where they enjoy long meals and a relaxed approach to dining.
A new chapter for Greece
Four months later, Jeffrey and Walter were still acclimating to their new environment, but they already felt the decision had paid off. Their house is a quiet base from which to explore nearby towns and cities, including Athens. Friends and family have also visited, giving the couple a chance to spend time with loved ones without the hectic schedules they had grown accustomed to in their previous life in Florida. They don’t intend to leave the United States permanently, at least for now. After decades in Florida, the couple seems to have found what they were looking for: a quieter place to live, a new culture to embrace and the freedom to slow down and enjoy retirement on their own terms.Image Courtesy: CNN Newsource
