Looking for American Expats in Athens?

No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly — read on to find out what our American members love about Athens as well as the challenges they face.

Pros of living in Athens

Welcoming locals: Athenians are warm and easygoing, which helps American expats feel at home from the start. Their openness makes those first few months easier when everything still feels new.

Low crime rates: Athens is notably safer than some large American cities, with serious crimes like murders and assaults being rare. While pickpocketing in busy areas is something to watch out for, the city overall feels secure, even for those walking around late at night.

Affordable cost of living: Athens offers a budget-friendly lifestyle. Dining out is particularly inexpensive, with a satisfying breakfast costing around 4.50 EUR and hearty, high-quality meals available for under 10 EUR. Groceries and drinks, including local beer, are also reasonably priced.

Walkable city: Athens is a pedestrian-friendly city, particularly in areas like the Acropolis and Plaka. Many key attractions and amenities are within walking distance, making it easy to explore without relying on a car or public transport.

Cons of living in Athens

Complex bureaucracy: Be prepared for long waits and detailed paperwork when dealing with official matters. Government offices can require multiple visits to complete simple tasks. English isn’t commonly spoken, which can add to the challenge.

Traffic and driving challenges: The city’s infrastructure wasn’t built to handle modern traffic demands, leading to congested roads and chaotic driving conditions. Motor scooters darting between lanes and onto sidewalks make driving in Athens especially stressful for newcomers.

Unreliable internet speeds: Internet connections in Athens can be frustratingly slow, with upload speeds particularly problematic. For those who rely on fast, stable internet, such as digital nomads or remote workers, this can be a significant drawback.

Manual hot water systems: In many apartments, hot water isn’t automatic. Residents often need to switch on the water heater manually 30 minutes before showering, which could take some getting used to, especially for Americans accustomed to modern plumbing systems.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our American members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Homed Clinic Provides all medical service needs.

Dental smiles Rated 5-stars by most English-speaking patients, Dental smiles offers variety of dental treatments.

Group EuroClinic Conveniently located in the city center, with English-speaking physicians available 24/7.

Octopus Relocations Various services are offered for English speakers like accommodation and settling in services.

Tax Support A firm providing tax services, accounting, VAT, and payroll — all in English.

DayInterpreting Get connected to a native Greek speaker and use your phone’s loudspeaker to have an instant interpreter with you.

We’re not just active in Athens — InterNations offers lively communities in most of Greece’s major cities. If you’re traveling or moving to another city in Greece, check out our American community in Thessaloniki

But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while traveling further abroad, we have communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse all InterNations Communities.