most popular places for ex pats to live in the girne district

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 16:55

Hi everyone

I plan to move to kyernia/girne soon,i have lived in the south in paphos before,but would like to give the north a go.I would like to get some understanding of the best places to live.

I'M looking for somewhere which is fairly close to the harbour,or at leat a short drive away 5/10 mins,im looking for somewhere where i can have my own quiet plot,but at the same time plenty of neighbours near by,it would be great if there are lots of ex pats there already.

I do like the the moutain views or even living in the mountains but by the looks of things they are to far away.

So my main critreria is other ex pats,closeish to the harbour,pub restaurant shop nearbye,lots of people living in the area but still a plot with privacy.

I have seen lapta and arapkoy which seem okay but there is very little on the internet about these places.

It would be a big help if anyone can suggest areas or give me information on areas with ex pats



thanks

ozkent


Joined: 08/05/2010
Posts: 111

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 17:49

Try Ozankoy mountain and sea views plenty of bars and resteraunts the poets village 2 miles to new harbour plenty of happy hour folk, 3 miles to girne and there are some lovely villas for sale.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 17:58

arapkoy also has a good ex pat community , 15 mins to the harbour , set in the mountains , gorgeous .

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 18:16

karsiyaka every time for me unspoilt and beautiful

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 18:46

If you are thinking of living in the north, rent a property don't buy.

TheScarlets



Joined: 14/04/2009
Posts: 877

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 20:26

Karaoglanoglu is a great place to live, close enough but far enough for peace an quiet. Only a short dolmus or drive away.

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 22:24

thanks guys this i really helpfull

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
06/06/2011 22:24

Hi roy

would you be kind enough to tell me more about your village if you have the time.

Zoots


Joined: 05/02/2011
Posts: 669

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 01:51

Upper Kyrenia town would probably meet your requirements and is still easy walking distance to the old harbour. Milopetres behind the power sub-station or even more quaint and traditional, the old Turkish quarter up from the law courts. Good eateries and other amenities in the area too, and close to the centre.

dandd3


Joined: 10/06/2010
Posts: 326

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 03:35

I think karaoglanoglu is the best place to live . 5 minute drive into town quite little village but lots of people :D

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 05:13

Msg 9

About the most sensible, helpful, constructive post you've ever made!



Richard

bondi


Joined: 12/07/2007
Posts: 116

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 06:23

With all this information coming in why not rent a property for a short while, settle in and get to know a few people and different watering holes, then you will get an idea where you want to live.

Jefferson


Joined: 17/05/2010
Posts: 360

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 06:33

Message 12. Take this advice and avoid a lot of the pitfalls.

dekski


Joined: 08/11/2008
Posts: 142

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 06:56

Go for Alsancak,

It has all you ask for but is 20 minutes from the old harbour. Plenty access to lovely beaches, Escape being the best, great ex-pat community feel but still private plots, lots of housing choice to suit all budgets and a range of restaurants and facilities. Try renting here to start off.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 07:48

I think that unfortunately you are likely to get either positive answers about a certain area or negative answers about the whole island.

I could point out the area that I prefer but that is based on my having lived there for a couple of years and the community around me is great for the most part.

I could tell you where I would not want to live but that would be based on short time experiences in those areas or on my understanding of the communities there based on individuals which is completely unfair.

As mentioned above, I would suggest, if it is practicle for you to rent for a reasonable period in a reasonably central area and then start to expand your knowledge in either direction over time.

I am trying to be unbiased but I would have to say "Eastside kicks Westsides buttocks" In my opinion

nigetj


Joined: 22/07/2010
Posts: 176

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 10:32

we stay in lapta much further away from harbour ...but love it .....lots of ex pats ....but quite ....not far to pubs /shops/restaurants/beach .....

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 10:55

West definitely , Lapta, Alsencak, Karsiyaka, Karaoglanogu, all these areas have a heap of interesting places that you don't get tired of visiting..... thats if you are interested in the old history....



Plus there are plenty of other things always going on, Lambousa in Lapta, who have a market gathering every Saturday, where all the ex pats meet up.

Loads of things on, you don't need to judge an area on who you don't like! Plenty of space to not worry on such silly things..

Enjoy your search, I know we did ...

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 12:03

great repelies but i feel proger1 is right everyones opinion's are different,so i really need to find a base for six months and expand from there,but even knowing where to start seems hard,but it must be a good place to live with all this positive feedback.

perhaps i should start a new post for this question,but is it essential to get residency within your first three months,or are the fines to heavy,i have no problem doing it over than i expect to have many other thing's to worry about when i arrive.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 12:16

If you have an EU passport you require nothing but an entry stamp for the first 90 days, and that doesn't have to be in your passport, you can fillin the white slip of paper at the passport control and they will stamp that instead.

After the 90 days is when it gets debatable. Legally you should leave the country within the 90 days to avoid having to have the residency or incur fines for an overstay.

Some people will choose to take a trip to the south over the passport control point for a short period or a day trip and then when they return recieve a further 90 days.

Some people will actually take a flight to somewhere close, say Turkey for a daytrip and then return to get an additional 90 day.

I hope someone might be able to clarify but depending on your understanding, either are legal however as has been posted on here many times although I have never met anyone it has happened to, if you leave it to late in the 90 day period they will sometimes only give you a few days on return

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 13:07

Thanks paul i may do that a couple of times intill i get settled,but could you imagine if you was all set up and they decided not to let you back in,or is it common practise and if they know you have money they will always let you in ?

Another thing that has sprung to mind is im a single man and i'm guessing turkish cypriot girls dont have foreign boyfriends?are there women in there twenties and thirties from other nationalities in kyernia.

This is another reason i dont want to live to remote because being single 33 year old man,who does not enjoy his own company to much,and not working for a while,ill have to keep myself busy,i guess the reality is a lot of time down the pub,going to a fitness center,walking anything i can do,even work for free maybe.

but because i would be mad to commit to an overpriced car intil i'm sure the north is for me,ill need everything in walking distance or a short taxi away.

thanks again

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 13:48

From the questions you are asking, you definately need to visit and rent for a while, I could answer some of your questions but nothing would be definite.

One thing I would advise is this, use the ideas from this forum as a basic guideline, book a holiday, extended vacation or whatever, go and meet people, not everyone is on the forum and no offence intended, many that are on here are a little out of date.

For what it is worth, I find most of the information I need is available at my local bar through people there and if they don't know then they usually know someone that does.

If you want more information that I might be able to point you in the right direction to, send me a mail admin@biznizguide.com

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 13:51

Steve Msg 1 / 20 - Many have suggest you rent which to me seems wise.



I like Lapta as you can get both views from many homes there and it is well placed having not only it's own expat's but the community is rising as it now also encompasses other villages like Karsiyaka etc.



There is a builder/agent who I know who will offer to rent you a property in Lapta but also in many other places on the North Coast and if you purchase the property from him will discount the asking price by the amount you have paid in rent.



That seems fair to me and might be a good way to get a feel of the North with a low risk.

If you want an introduction please email me Tom- info@flightholiday.co.uk

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 16:18

thanks again please tell me which is the nearest to girne,ozankoy or karaoglanoglu,also what would be a locals average gross monthly wage.Do any of you guys speak or try and learn turkish.

StGeorgeI


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 973

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 16:25

WEST IS BEST....



G

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 17:05

Steve Msg 24 - Are you saying you will be looking for work in the North?

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 17:33

No i will not be looking for work,i have money but i think i will have to do something eventually im only 33,maybe start a business or work for free,when its not to hot.

I really need to work out the right areas before i come,or at least east vs west or ill be wasting to much time.

thanks again

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 17:34

No i will not be looking for work,i have money but i think i will have to do something eventually im only 33,maybe start a business or work for free,when its not to hot.

I really need to work out the right areas before i come,or at least east vs west or ill be wasting to much time.

thanks again

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 17:35

where in the west are you george,your a similar age to me.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 18:08

Ozankoy is closer to Girne than Karaoglanoglu, just I think. Girne has Cheshire Homes, KAR and North Cyprus Cancer shops that are always looking for volunteers also the library. What sort of work have you been doing or interested in? The golf club is in the west and there are plenty of gyms in the Girne, Ozankoy and Catalkoy areas. Good luck over here, rent and buy at least Cyprus To-day, out weds and saturdays, or Star on fridays to get a fell of what is where.

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 18:22

well i now own property as a source of income,but im a scaffolder by trade and ex company owner,for me working in a libary would be more boring than laying next to the pool,i guess i would just paint neighbours fences or help out a handyman.if i go to the gym evreyday eat out all the time,get a car and explore the island,i think the first year would be okay,

Im more of an outdoor person but not in the july august heat.

im sure if i like it things will fall in place.

thanks scruffdog nice message

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 19:28

scruffdog, Golf club is on the East side unless you are talking about the CMC club which is veryyyyyyyyyyyyy West!

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
07/06/2011 19:34

so east vs west

any reasons why one is preffered.

StGeorgeI


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 973

Message Posted:
09/06/2011 11:52

I think you'll find 'generally' that people who settle in the East like East best and vice-versa in the West. I've always been West side of town and much prefer it to the East.



I am in the Lapta/Karsiyaka area mate, but I do have a young family - If I was free like you I would probably go a bit closer to Kyrenia, maybe between Kyrenia and Alsancak.



Good luck - happy to meet up for a beer when you make it over.



G

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
09/06/2011 12:06

Re message 29, the biggest golf club ( Korineum ) is at the east of Girne. Nearest places to Girne are Ozankoy, Karakum, Zeytinlik and Karaoglanoglu. Depending on where you lived in Paphos may determine the type of area that would suit you here. If you lived in Chloraka, Tala, Tsada areas go east side, if you lived Tombs of the Kings, Universal etc, areas you might prefer to go west.

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
09/06/2011 12:47

thanks for the posts,st george yes ill give you a shout mate when i arrive,as for where i lived in paphos i was living on universal which was an easier place to start close to town,but to be honest if i was to stay there long term i would move to somewhere like peiya or tala,if i was in a happy relationship,being alone and to remote does not work for me.

moxie


Joined: 23/05/2009
Posts: 969

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 00:02

stelee 77...yes they are called Nadia or Natasha lol !!! jokes aside lots of girls here ...and also Turkish Cypriot Girls., have English Boyfriends ......just choose a nice place to rent and have fun Personally it dosent matter which side ..you will encounter ex pats all over !! AKA Bornemouth !!!!

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 11:14

thanks moxie nice positive post

Troodo


Joined: 12/06/2008
Posts: 1002

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 11:45

For permanent residency the East, for holiday homes and tourists the West

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 12:06

thanks troodo

simple question simple answer

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 15:48

East, away from the rose tinted "Grockles"..............

sunshinelady



Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 20:31

Hi Steve



I am 38 and have been out to Kyrenia twice in last two months. I am considering coming over with my 10 year old son. And the things you ask about are similar to me requirements also....



So here goes on 'my' opinion, I really like Alsancak and Karaoglanoglu, both near good beaches (walking distance to many properties) and close to centre of Kyrenia. I am also looking at schools of course, so effects my choice. I visited both BA and GAU also on the West Side.



I personally would not go any further out than Alsancak, I stayed in Lapta last time and being a single girl just too far out, different if you are a family I feel.



I didn't really find much in the way of 'night life' or 'day life' with ex pats, so if anyone can help me on that would be much appreciated. Maybe I was looking in the wrong places??



There are mountain views and sea views from most locations, which are gorgeous.



Hope this helps a little...

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 20:47

thanks thats very helpfull,i knew i could not be the only person needing these answers.

I have got karaoglanoglu on my short list to,have you been to or concidered ozankoy or calakoy,they are the other two i plan to visit when i arrive.Do you have family out there or something?

I plan to give it a go within three months,if you make it out there give us a shout and we could hit town together if you want.

Good luck with whatever you chose,and im glad to know im not the only one.

cheers

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 20:50

If your looking to be near most things u will need without going through the rigamarole's of driving around everywhere in the heat all the time i suggest upper Kyrenia, You will get bored in the outskirts of town eventually.

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 21:01

Has upper kyernia got many ex pats,and does it still have quiet plots.

tlvccom


Joined: 29/09/2008
Posts: 327

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 21:10

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/63468.asp



Catalkoy, large ex pat community, Quiet area but great shops and restaurants nearby

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 21:14

tlvc, I do think that Catalkoy is the best location but I am not sure he will want to buy a plot of land just yet, damn good sales pitch though, 120% for effort

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 21:17

I have to admit it seems a strong contender,i would not buy a building plot intill im sure i want to settle there,and i fully understand the legal side,the people who say i have to see the places myself are right,but if i can narrow it down a bit it helps and everyones views are more than welcome,

thanks

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 21:20

what are your thoughts on upper kyernia paul.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 21:25

I only know one person who stays in upper Kyrenia and he is married, happily married but his lifestyle would be different to your plans.

I can't really say to be honest, as I mentioned previously, it would be unfair for me to comment good or bad on anywhere but the East side

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
10/06/2011 21:31

sorry, yes you already said that.

sunshinelady



Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 00:43

I really loved karaoglanoglu and Alsancak, did look also at ozankoy or calakoy, but didn't find the beaches as nice & also for me further away from schools. Also the way I look at it, schools means families and younger people. Also was told that by a few people too.



I can see what the other forum members are saying though, as Kyrenia is divided East and West, as one road really runs pretty much through, so completely different to so many other town/ cities etc. And when you make your home one side you probably meet people &stay that side. I am pulled to the West though and have looked at property both and area both.



I have no family here, just big move me and my son. Have a few other options, but Cyprus is definitely pulling me. I fell in love with larnaca also, but the cost of private schooling is high &then accommodation on top. Everything is more in the South as you probably know. I will let you know when coming back out as would be good to meet up!

sunshinelady



Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 00:47

I think also upper Kyrenia is still worth a look, I did look at some properties more central too.



Also the GAU is West with loads of young students in karaoglanoglu and there are lots of apartments and villas there.



I am sure when you get there and have a drive around you will feel what suits you :D

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 12:00

thanks lisa

I think sometimes you just have to go for it,if it did not work for me i would go back to paphos or orokolini in larnaca,but your right cost of living is important,and yes i need to check girne out,well ill narrow it down to four places,is there a way i can get you my e mail address without posting it on here,so if you are going to go for it you can contact me and if im already there i may be able to help you,or if you need to let your hair down you can give me a shout.

sunshinelady



Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 12:25

ummm it will not let me inbox you as not enough posts?? I have done 12 it states but obviously 'not enough!!' can you inbox me though as you have '47'? Then I will reply?

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 12:36

sunshinelady, he has done the same as you and hidden his e-mail addy.



If you want to, send your address to stelee77@biznizguide.com it will forward to his real e-mail address and then he can write to me and I will close that account again after he gets your address.

sunshinelady



Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 12:38

ok thank you, this forum this is pretty new to me so do not completely understand it...



I will do that now

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 14:19

thanks lisa i have your e mail,im rubish with this compuer stuff.



great help paul,how you done than i do not know,but thanks mate.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 14:21

No probs, thats a beer you owe me Steve

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 14:27

Lisa, you need to have 50 posts to see other peoples e-mail addresses in their profile but in both your cases you have selected to not show your e-mail address. I all ready have Steve's e-mail address and the ability to create thousands of addresses on my own website so it is easy to do.



Steve, that is one of the only benefits of being one of my 6 remaining members

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 14:32

well it all helps.

thanks,you do deserve a cold one.

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 16:16

still open to suuggestions of great place to live in girne if anyone wants to mention there village and why they like it so much,or why they hate there village so much.

elkiton



Joined: 15/03/2009
Posts: 514

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 20:57

Depends so much on what you are looking for as a lifestyle. If you want / need to be close to the ex-pat community, stay Girne or West. If you want to be away on your own, more isolated, closer to the "natives" and the "real countryside" then head East. But, cost the diesel to get in when you want to go to a gig, function, visit friends, shop et etc. I live in a community of 9 villas out past Bachelli, about 28 miles from Lapta, great for retirement, not clever if you need to work or must have a support network to feel comfortable. In retrospect I would probably have bought within walking distance of Esentepe village where I could be a daily part of village life......living amongst "Swallows" and twice yearly holidaymakers does not make the place, wherever you live, have a community feel about it.

TonyE

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 21:11

thats a great post tony,i dont want to be isolated and i will need network support,i think most people generally agree theres more going on,on the west side,but there are also good comments on ozankoy and calakoy on the east as self contained ex pat areas,close to town.

wow it sounds like you live really remote,i think it may depend on the area you grew up in back home perhaps.

I think i may want to much peace and tranquility and everything stones throw away,ill need to find a compromise somewhere.

but its nice to get an insight of the avaliable lifestyles.

cheers

elkiton



Joined: 15/03/2009
Posts: 514

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 22:14

That is difficult to put a handle on... I stayed in an apartment very near to the Wed market, and within walking distance of the harbour...good walk yes but ultra convenient, but not very quiet lol

I visit Hoots bar in Ilgaz, 2.8Miles up in the hills from Alcansac, pretty isolated yes, wonderful views, there are rental properties there, but you could skateboard down to the night life or take short taxi ride.

I sometimes travel in from Bacheli to meet people in Catalkoy, Ozankoy etc and then go on to shop in Girne, or across to Alcansac and to be honest "just East" like Catalkoy is within spitting distance of "ex-pat civiliisation" if that is what you choose call the West side !

I think that either Ozankoy or Alcansac, the villages that is, might meet your requirements, but remember that is as an observer, not as a resident of either !

tonyE

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
11/06/2011 22:42

thanks tony very helpfull.

so when you get to the top of the mountain for a beer are you carefull about how much you drink,im guessing you dont skateboard back down.

1friendly


Joined: 13/10/2010
Posts: 76

Message Posted:
12/06/2011 12:47

We have been here 2 weeks now in Karsiyaka. Enjoying every minute but we are 2 old wrinklies.

Found some of the restaurants and bars already. Taking time to slowwwwww down. Everyone very welcoming.

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
12/06/2011 13:18

Your never to old to enjoy yourselves,im sure it is ashock to the system at first.

I have had a few good comments on karsiyaka now.

are you guys there full time?

1friendly


Joined: 13/10/2010
Posts: 76

Message Posted:
12/06/2011 18:26

Yes we are here full time. Renting a bungalow sea side at Karsiyaka having sold in the UK. Our

belongings are due this week sometime.



Ann & Ralph

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
12/06/2011 19:48

thats really good,i hope you both have a great time there,cant wait to get there myself.

good luck.











steve