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They Ditched Florida for Greece — Here’s Why They’ll Never Return
From Theme Parks to Ancient Ruins: A Couple’s Big Move to Greece
Meet Jeffrey and Walter: 32 Years of Adventure
Jeffrey Davidson (62) and Walter Zak (57) have been together for over three decades. They met 32 years ago and, as Jeffrey puts it, "kind of knew that we were soulmates." For 30 years, they built a happy life in Orlando, Florida—right near Walt Disney World and other famous theme parks.
Important Point: Jeffrey calls their old life "the land of make believe." Now? "We stumble over ruins that are several thousand years old in every direction."
Both worked in hospitality, but as they approached retirement, they craved something new—not to escape the US, but to experience a different culture.
Why Not the Caribbean? The St. Martin Dream
The couple originally dreamed of retiring to St. Martin, a Caribbean island famous for Maho Beach (where planes fly incredibly low over the sand). But two big factors stopped them:
- High cost of moving there
- Hurricane risk—on an island, evacuation options are limited
Walter notes Greece has earthquakes and wildfires too, but "you at least have places to go."
The Greece Surprise: A 30th Anniversary Gift
Although Walter has Greek heritage, Greece wasn’t on their radar—until a 10-day cruise around the Greek islands in 2024 for their 30th anniversary. They also visited Thessaloniki, where Walter’s grandfather was born.
In just two weeks, they fell in love with:
- The relaxed pace of life
- The warm, welcoming people
- The incredible history and scenery
Important Point: Walter wisely said, "One trip does not make a life." They did serious research before committing.
The Golden Visa: Their Ticket In
Walter "started digging into things" and discovered the Greek Golden Visa program. This allows non-EU citizens to get EU residency by investing in real estate.
| Investment Range | Details |
|---|---|
| €250,000 – €800,000 | Depends on location, property type, and size |
This made the move financially feasible.
The Big Decision: "Sell the Corvette"
About a year after their trip, Walter asked Jeffrey to retire early and move to Greece. Jeffrey’s response?
"He told me we would move to Greece as soon as I sold my Corvette. And I did within a week. And then everything else started falling into place."
They also sold their three-story townhouse and dramatically downsized their belongings.
Finding Home: Akrata, Peloponnese
They considered Thessaloniki but chose Akrata in the Peloponnese (a rugged peninsula in southern Greece) for warmer weather. They bought a home in the village of Platanos—sight unseen—for €400,000 (≈$461,000).
Important Point: "We are Florida boys in our blood. So Greece will still get a little colder than we’re used to," admits Walter.
The Move: 10 Suitcases and a Shipping Container
In April, they flew to Athens with 10 suitcases. The rest of their belongings followed in a shipping container. Friends and family were surprisingly supportive: "Go. Do what you want. Whatever. We’ll see you soon."
The First Months: "Figuring Things Out Every Day"
Settling in wasn’t instant. Their daily checklist included:
- Getting new cell phones
- Installing home internet
- Buying a car
- Finding where to buy propane gas
- Learning local customs
"Every day was like, ‘What did we learn today?’ We’re still doing it," says Walter.
They’re glad they moved in their 50s/60s—starting over in their 70s would’ve been much harder.
Embracing Greek Culture: The Good & The Adjustments
What They Love
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Slow dining | Dinners last hours; servers don’t rush you out |
| Forced relaxation | "Everything you see around you is forcing you to slow down" |
| Local hospitality | Restaurants recognize them: "Come right over, best table for you" |
| Warm locals | People "light up" hearing they’re full-time residents (not "part-timers") |
| Walter’s heritage | Locals embrace him: "You’re Greek!" |
The Adjustments
- Late dinners: Greeks eat around 9–10 PM, not 7 PM
- Mesimeri (siesta): Shops close 2–5 PM daily
- Sunday closures: "Everything’s pretty well shut"
- Language barrier: Greek is tough ("like going back to grade school"), but most younger people speak English
Life Now: No Regrets, Just Sunsets
Four months in, they’re settled in a home with:
- Main house: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Guest apartment: 1 bedroom, full facilities
- Stunning views of the Gulf of Corinth
"It was the perfect location. The perfect price, and it just has worked out beautifully for us," says Jeffrey.
They haven’t returned to Florida, but family visits are longer and unrushed—no more "helter skelter go, go, go."
The Verdict
Jeffrey: "He can go. I’ll stay."
Walter: "Never, never say never."
But for now? They’re exactly where they’re meant to be—surrounded by ancient ruins, warm neighbors, and a life that finally lets them slow down and smell the roses.
Summary
- Who: Jeffrey (62) & Walter (57), together 32 years
- From: Orlando, Florida (near Disney World)
- To: Akrata, Peloponnese, Greece
- When: April 2024
- How: Greek Golden Visa via €400K home purchase
- Why: Craving culture, history, slower pace—not escaping US
- Result: Happy, settled, learning Greek, loving the lifestyle
FAQ
1. What is the Greek Golden Visa?
It’s a residency-by-investment program. Non-EU nationals buy property (€250K–€800K) and get 5-year renewable EU residency. It doesn’t grant citizenship automatically.
2. Did they speak Greek before moving?
No. They’re learning now (took a week-long course), but find it challenging. Most younger Greeks speak English, so daily life is manageable.
3. Why Akrata and not a bigger city?
Warmer weather (they’re "Florida boys"), fewer expats (they wanted authentic Greek life), and a beautiful coastal setting with ancient sites nearby.
4. What’s the biggest culture shock?
Time culture: Late dinners (9–10 PM), daily 2–5 PM siesta (mesimeri), and Sunday shutdowns. Also, restaurants don’t rush you—meals last hours.
5. Do they regret the move?
Not at all. They feel "incredibly lucky" and say the slower pace is exactly what they needed after decades of hustle. Family visits are now quality time, not rushed chaos.
