Kathleen O’Donnell, an American expatriate, finds herself at home in Greece, a country she believes offers a quality of life and community she can’t find in the United States. O’Donnell, who moved to Greece full-time in 2022, shares her thoughts on why she doesn’t plan to return to the U.S. permanently.
Kathleen O’Donnell, 39, first visited Greece during an extended trip across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia between 2018 and 2019. The moment she arrived in Greece, she felt an immediate sense of belonging, prompting her to relocate from the U.S. later in 2019. Now, she lives in Greece and is content with her decision. ‘The longer that I live here, the happier I am,’ O’Donnell stated, noting her growing affection for her new home.
Despite her love for Greece, O’Donnell still visits the U.S. occasionally. Yet, she remains doubtful about ever moving back permanently, citing reasons such as the U.S.’ isolated nature and lack of community. Having visited about 30 countries, she believes that few places offer the same quality of life she experiences in Greece. She remarked, ‘The lack of sense of community is really what gets me. It’s a very isolated society.’
O’Donnell also emphasized how this is a favorable time for individuals interested in relocating to other countries, with many places like Brazil, Italy, and Thailand offering digital nomad visas.
O’Donnell appreciates several aspects of living in Greece, particularly the food quality and affordability. She enjoys shopping at her local farmers market despite its noisiness because it gives her a chance to get acquainted with locals, a testament to Greece’s community spirit. According to O’Donnell, even Athens, a bustling metropolis, has a unique charm resembling small villages where residents get to know each other.
However, not everything in Greece is perfect. O’Donnell finds the process of acquiring a residence permit lengthy and restrictive. ‘It’s pretty frustrating,’ she expressed, concerned about the limitations on travel during the application period. Purchasing property has also proven to be cumbersome, with O’Donnell’s attempt to buy a simple one-bedroom apartment extending for more than two years since December 2021.
Despite these challenges, O’Donnell remains enthusiastic about her life in Greece, fondly acknowledging that Athens is a vibrant city, albeit car-centric. Even with the difficulties in getting around due to her preference for walking, she still cherishes her life there, citing her overall happiness and improved quality of life compared to her life in the U.S.
In summary, Kathleen O’Donnell’s story illustrates the profound impact of feeling connected to one’s community and environment. While challenges exist, her experience in Greece highlights the benefits that can come with choosing a lifestyle that prioritizes community and well-being over the fast-paced, often isolated lifestyle found in the U.S. For now, Greece remains her cherished home.
Source: Businessinsider
