Expert: Roger Ellman - 5/24/2007

Question
Hi Roger,
I was wondering whether you'd like to share your opinion regarding choice of Crete as a location for quiet peaceful living for my 2.5y.o. daughter and myself (expecting a second child).  I would like to rent a 1-bdrm apartment or part of a private home for at least 12 months (under Eur300 per month) in a quiet village or small town either very close to the beach or within 2-3 km from it, hopefully within reasonable driving distance to major town with stores and medical facilities.  Do you think Crete would be a suitable place to live?  Is there a possiblity to find housing as described above?  If you think Crete is a good choice, then would you sahre your insight as to how to find properties for rent?  i have not found anything suitable online so far and suspect that i would only be successful searching locally upon arrival...  I don't speak any Greek, by the way...

Thanks in advance for any information and opinion you may share!  

Answer
Anna

I think Crete may be just right for you...or may not.

To be honest - I am willing to speak with you by phone about this as it is such a subjective subject and the answer for You depends on Your likes and dislikes etc.

Let me know how to contact you and a range and choice of the best hours and I will do my best to call...

300 Euros a month will be possible, yes less is possible but do realize that it is really advisable to find an apartment with central heating (not all have and some rely on - not so stisfactory - the air conditioning unit for heat) as winter is cool and damp here - for example the high desert of Arizona which sees below freezing temperatures at night in the winter but is ultra-dry, never feels as cold as the colder parts of Crete! Even the UK can seem milder at lower temperatures.

www.Loupassis.gr may be a useful place to start looking or contacting them, for rentals - but it is by far the easiest and most productive to make exnquiries and look, on the spot.

You will generally manage without speaking Greek - but like anywhere you can miss the best, the nuances, deals and so on (or get better treatment even!!) by not speaking Greeek...

Best wishes
Roger