USA to Gozo...

Figgi2 wrote:

Hi! We are considering relocating outside the USA and Malta is on our short list, the island of Gozo in particular. We are retired, enjoy hiking, camping, and traveling. We're friendly and love to entertain in our home. We are very involved in our church here and hope to repeat that wherever we relocate.

We have found a lot of info on the Island of Malta, but little on Gozo other than that it is quieter and has hiking trails. Any thoughts?

Thanks for your replies!

Before deciding on moving to Gozo you need to visit first which at the moment you cannot do because of the virus. Moving from America you would probably find both Malta and Gozo to be very small,
especially Gozo.
We chose to live on Gozo as it is quieter then Malta but since we moved here eight years ago there has been a lot of building taken place.  There are some nice walks most of which are quite hilly and every
village has an impressive church as the main focal point.

Hello,
my wife and I have recently relocated from Illinois to Malta.
I am originally British and my wife is Maltese. We visited Malta many times over the years before finally retiring here so we new what to expect. I strongly recommend that you come and live here for several months before you fully commit yourselves. I also suggest you come here in the winter, its not very cold but it is humid and the houses are not well heated, it can be quite a shock.
Good Luck
Steve

SteveRPa wrote:

Hello,
my wife and I have recently relocated from Illinois to Malta.
I am originally British and my wife is Maltese. We visited Malta many times over the years before finally retiring here so we new what to expect. I strongly recommend that you come and live here for several months before you fully commit yourselves. I also suggest you come here in the winter, its not very cold but it is humid and the houses are not well heated, it can be quite a shock.
Good Luck
Steve

Welcome to the Forum, totally agree with your comments and there's also the fact that they may not be allowed to reside here permanently.

Hi!

Thanks so much for your reply!

Yes, we do plan to come for an extended stay, the 3 months allowed...as soon as COVID restrictions are lifted.... Hey, it could happen........ 

One of the things that attracts us to Gozo is that it IS quiet and small but with easy access to Malta, and from Malta travel is convenient and relatively inexpensive to Europe and Africa. Another big attraction is the availability of lots of nature and hiking trails - not the Rocky Mountains to be sure, but hiking nonetheless. This is what we read at any rate. Both my husband and I have lived in very small villages and towns as well as I have lived in very large cities and everything in between so we have some idea of small. Of course, it has been a while and we may not like it as much as we think. That's why we will make an extended visit, then rent for a year or two before purchasing.

One of the things that concerns me with with any location that is mostly warm and wet is bugs, roaches in particular. I have lived in warm, humid climates and know that they thrive in those locales. Is there pest control available that will keep my home bug free?

Thanks!

Hi Steve! Thanks so much for your reply!

Illinois! I was born there and spent my childhood in that area of the USA. In my early teens, we moved to hot and humid south Texas where I lived for the next 25 or so years. For the last 25 years I have lived in the Panhandle of Texas where it is dry and very windy (the windiest city in the USA according to the weather channel) and temperature extremes that can range from occasional single digits in January and February (high today of 48F with wind gusting up to 40mph, low tonight 28F and windy) to consistent triple digits F in July and August. What we are reading about the winters there is that they are mostly in the 50s F during the day and 40s F at night with dips into the 30s F and high humidity. If what we are reading is true, the weather year round is very similar to that of South Texas.

We do plan to come for an extended visit, the max allowed three months, as soon as travel abroad is permitted again with assurance that we will be able to get home. We had hoped to spend February - April there, but.... Once we make the decision that Malta is where we think we want to be, assuming we can get the necessary permissions, we will live there for a minimum of one year as renters before beginning the search for a home to purchase. Just makes good sense to experience the entire year before committing!

We are seriously considering a couple other countries, but Malta is beginning to look like our first choice. My husband loves the Mediterranean and I love anything by any sea! We have long wanted to live internationally and there's no time like the present! 

Hi! Thanks for your reply!

Can you explain some of the issues that might prevent us from obtaining Resident Visas?

One very different thing to consider - in the USA central heating (forced air or electrical) is normal and houses are often made of wood. In Malta, and Gozo, the houses are stone, usually no insulation and no central heating. That means that in the winter, while it can be nice outside around 64F (18C) during the day with 70-85% humidity, it drops down to 50F (10C) at night. So the houses get very very chilly inside unless additional heating, at additional cost, is used. Down duvets, woolly socks are necessary. It also rains during the winter, and it's windy. The stone houses are built for sun. Drafty windows are not a problem during summer time, but in the winter it tends to get downright cold.

Also, electricity and water are not cheap in Malta, compared with most parts of the USA.

Also, please note that is a Catholic country.

Indeed lots of walking options in Gozo, realise though that unless you are the super hardy types many of those trails lay unused in summer due to heat

Lots of bugs and roaches yes.

Anyway you seem to be researching well and plan to come stay a while to test waters that's the best advise.

Gozo is approx eight by four miles in size, if you search Gozo on line there's plenty of information.

Hi Guys,

Gozo and Malta are small densely populated Islands. There are many cities in America less densley populated. Hiking is possible, but mostly an activity carried out by English and German tourists. Many farmers do not allow you to walk across their land. Forget camping or similiar outdoor activities. In Malta most of the people can speak English, make sure that you also know the british equivalent to some american words. e.g. pants only refer to underwear, here they wear trousers and drive lorries instead of trucks. They pay bills and not checks. They prefer cash to credit cards. Do not try to pay with US dollars, it will not work out. Buy a small car otherwise you might get stuck in the old cities and villages and drive on the left side of the road . Religion; get acquainted  with the people first, before you try to participate. Maltese and Gozitans do not like intruders in their live. Malta is 150 % catholic, the anglican church is just tolerated, let alone evangelical churches. The Gozitans are proud that Pope Francis appointed a Gozitan bishop as a cardinal. Food: The local beer, meat, bread and cheeses are superior to American or British products. Before you starve to death, you can survive with Mc Donald.  Malta has the system Bernie Saunders wants for the USA already implemented. Do not talk politics.

Best regards Geraldu

Hi I have been living in Malta for over 10 years and so far so good! Gozo is nice but it can get very quiet in my opinion. I live in the north or Malta #Mellieha and for me is one of the best area you can get 😊 I do trekking regularly around here we have a lot of options where to go and enjoy nature. If you need more information feel free to drop a message.

Aytnic wrote:

Hi I have been living in Malta for over 10 years and so far so good! Gozo is nice but it can get very quiet in my opinion. I live in the north or Malta #Mellieha and for me is one of the best area you can get 😊 I do trekking regularly around here we have a lot of options where to go and enjoy nature. If you need more information feel free to drop a message.

Gozo is not as quiet as it used to be, there's so much building work going on, it's getting too much like Malta now and at weekends it's full of Maltese.
Still like living here though.

I wanted to know the whole process of moving to malta. I am nurse. And all the expenses involved

Ok that's great but that was my personal opinion 👍

Mokeirad wrote:

I wanted to know the whole process of moving to malta. I am nurse. And all the expenses involved

Welcome to the Forum, you will need to start a new topic as this one is about moving from the USA to Malta.

Good morning Figgi 2,

Greetings from two Americans, who moved to the island of Malta just three short months ago.  We lived all over the States, primarily southern California and more recently, southwest Florida.

As you well know the USA is a BIG country and everything in the USA is BIG - not so, on this tiny island, which could fit into Rhode island, believe it or not!  There are a few challenges to overcome, but we can honestly tell you, that the positives far out-way the negatives.  The Maltese people are extremely friendly, polite and oh so hospitable and will go out of their way to help you.  Malta has a fantastic bus system, the deep blue sea is gorgeous, the history utterly amazing and the food is fantastic (who doesn't love Mediterranean food)? One cannot go hungry or thirsty on this awesome island - there are cafes, bistros, kiosks and restaurants all over the island and the street food is scrumptious!  On the down side, there is a tremendous amount of construction going on and the current exchange rate is in one word, shocking! 

Everything is slower here and many people walk when running their errands and that's a good thing.

It is definitely advisable to secure an honest landlord and we managed to do that, via a rental agent by the name of ALLAN PAYNE.  Allan works for DHALIA in the St. Paul's Bay RE office and honestly, he was absolutely fantastic and so is our new landlord.  If, on the other hand, you're looking to buy, then YENZ CINI is the guy to speak with and he works for DHALIA as well.

Are you planning on obtaining a residency visa/citizenship/golden passport? 
 
I'm sure we can answer some more of your queries, whilst others in this forum could help with others.
Happy to help!

Enjoy your day - take care! 

Val and Eddie Herring

We are also considering moving to Gozo in near future from the USA. Are there any websites that can be used to research the apartment buildings? My husband has difficulty climbing stairs, so we would like to make sure to find either the one with an elevator or first floor without stairs.

Also any recommendations on what is best to bring/relocate from the US and what is best to purchase after arrival would be appreciated.

Apple Hope wrote:

We are also considering moving to Gozo in near future from the USA. Are there any websites that can be used to research the apartment buildings? My husband has difficulty climbing stairs, so we would like to make sure to find either the one with an elevator or first floor without stairs.

Also any recommendations on what is best to bring/relocate from the US and what is best to purchase after arrival would be appreciated.

Websites are not much use as they show old apartments that are no longer on the market. Have you visited Malta/Gozo before?

SimCityAT wrote:

Websites are not much use as they show old apartments that are no longer on the market. Have you visited Malta/Gozo before?

Thank you for your response. No, we have not been to Gozo or Malta yet. However, my thoughts were that if we rent for 6-12 months, it will give us enough time to explore the area and make a decision where to rent or buy.

Apple Hope wrote:

We are also considering moving to Gozo in near future from the USA. Are there any websites that can be used to research the apartment buildings? My husband has difficulty climbing stairs, so we would like to make sure to find either the one with an elevator or first floor without stairs.

Also any recommendations on what is best to bring/relocate from the US and what is best to purchase after arrival would be appreciated.

Majority of rentals are fully furnished so there's no need to bring furniture to here, both Malta and Gozo are hilly which may be a problem for your husband.  Gozo is smaller then Malta and quieter but
unfortunately there's a lot of building work going on.  Why have you chosen here?

GozoMo wrote:

Majority of rentals are fully furnished so there's no need to bring furniture to here, both Malta and Gozo are hilly which may be a problem for your husband.  Gozo is smaller then Malta and quieter but unfortunately there's a lot of building work going on.  Why have you chosen here?

Based on our research, it is a good place to consider spending your retirement years. However, I am not even close to retirement age yet. In the US you have to drive almost everywhere. It may get complicated if you don't have a family close by to help and health is no longer good. Malta seems to have a good transportation available, so that person can still be independent, as they get older. At least, these are my thoughts. And the earlier we move, the easier it should be to adjust to the new place or country. Therefore, when we reach the retirement age, it should feel like home.

While Gozo is lovely I do wonder if it really is that great a retirement destination.

Few easily accessible beaches.
Few medical facilities and fewer specialists in anything
Infrastructure, other than busses, are worse
Tends to be very hilly
Super Victoria centred. Can't even find an ATM when needed esp Gharb side of Victoria

Etc, it's a lovely place and retirees on forums always suggest it but I wonder about above points often. Amazing place if you are healthy but I imagine it can be a struggle if not.

It does have many redeeming qualities though I would move to Gozo immediately if it had a private school. So for now we just go there for weekends

volcane wrote:

While Gozo is lovely I do wonder if it really is that great a retirement destination.

Few easily accessible beaches.
Few medical facilities and fewer specialists in anything
Infrastructure, other than busses, are worse
Tends to be very hilly
Super Victoria centred. Can't even find an ATM when needed esp Gharb side of Victoria

Etc, it's a lovely place and retirees on forums always suggest it but I wonder about above points often. Amazing place if you are healthy but I imagine it can be a struggle if not.

It does have many redeeming qualities though I would move to Gozo immediately if it had a private school. So for now we just go there for weekends

Medical facilities are good on Gozo, I attend the hospital and have no complaints. 
There are specialists there on a regular basis and at the pharmacies too.  With regards to the
bus service it's reliable here compared to Malta.

Yeah bus services huge improvement over Malta.

We needed specialists a few times while at our Gozo house and had to just give up and come to Malta anyway

I think it has improved, at least the appointments have locals cannot push in now and make ex pats the last to be seen, fairer system now.

Would you know how long is the wait to see a specialist, if you need one?

Apple Hope wrote:

Would you know how long is the wait to see a specialist, if you need one?

It varies. Some will come weekly. Some monthly. Some always there.

Even in Malta. My wife has a nickel allergy and the only specialist comes to Malta once a month from Italy and speaks not a word English.

Apple Hope wrote:

Would you know how long is the wait to see a specialist, if you need one?

Depends how serious it is, same as anywhere else.

Sounds like you really need to be healthy to live there. But in case you need an annual check up, can you set up an appointment in advance? Or how will that work?

Make an appointment like anywhere else.  You really should come over here for a holiday before deciding on moving here.

Apple Hope wrote:

Sounds like you really need to be healthy to live there. But in case you need an annual check up, can you set up an appointment in advance? Or how will that work?

Appointment like normal. For annual it's also no problem going to Malta if needed.  Especially with new ferries coming

GozoMo wrote:

Make an appointment like anywhere else.  You really should come over here for a holiday before deciding on moving here.

I understand that visit might help with answering some questions. But until you live in the city/country and experience it for yourself, like doctor's visits as an example, it can be difficult to have a true understanding of all aspects.

Apple Hope wrote:

GozoMo wrote:

Make an appointment like anywhere else.  You really should come over here for a holiday before deciding on moving here.

I understand that visit might help with answering some questions. But until you live in the city/country and experience it for yourself, like doctor's visits as an example, it can be difficult to have a true understanding of all aspects.

There's more to moving to a different place then being concerned about medical matters there's whether you like the look of the place first, I don't know what you think Malta is going to be like, people either like it or they don't. I would never consider moving to a completely different country without having a holiday there first.

Apple Hope wrote:

GozoMo wrote:

Make an appointment like anywhere else.  You really should come over here for a holiday before deciding on moving here.

I understand that visit might help with answering some questions. But until you live in the city/country and experience it for yourself, like doctor's visits as an example, it can be difficult to have a true understanding of all aspects.

True, but to move to visit out even visiting the country is not recommended. It would be like buying a house without viewing it. Every country I have lived in I have at least visited before. OK maybe bar one, but I was only going for a couple of months for work but ended up staying 2 years and was only a 2-hour flight from my home country. I also had the added bonus of not the worry of finding accommodation because I had staff accommodation in a hotel so all I needed was clothes.

Also, it was just me moving. You have to consider there are 2 of you. You may love the place and your partner hates it or vice versa.

Hi, I'm also new here and also looking for apartments to rent.

Someone told me that you can find a lot of ads on Facebook marketplace.

Probably we'll check both marketplace and real estate agencies since we have a preschool age child.

I assume that many landlords won't be happy to rent their houses to a family with a small child.