A British couple who relocated to Cyprus earlier this year have detailed the concerns that drove them to leave the UK, citing rising crime rates, NHS failures and relentless bad weather as key factors in their decision.
Rosie and Craig Richardson moved to the island in May with their three-year-old daughter Summer, having planned the emigration since her birth, according to an interview with Luxury Travel Daily reported by EssexLive.
The family, originally from East Yorkshire, said they could no longer envision a safe childhood for their daughter in Britain, where they struggled with poor work-life balance and a deteriorating quality of life.
“Crime had been increasing for a long time, but it seemed to be getting closer to home,” said Rosie, 30, a beauty therapist and quality assurance officer. “An article about a teenage girl in critical condition after a stabbing incident was actually the turning point for us – along with a long list of other incidents.”
The couple quit their jobs and sold their home before making the move this spring. They now live in a four-bedroom detached villa with a pool and report being £9,000 better off financially each year.
“I don’t see us returning to the UK at any point in the near future,” Rosie told the publication.
Multiple factors behind emigration
Beyond safety concerns, the Richardsons cited the cost of living crisis as a major factor. Despite having well-paid jobs, inflation meant they had less disposable income each month whilst working longer hours.
“Work life balance was non-existent – we had one day per week as a family, Craig had to work away and we were paying for a house we never had time to actually live in,” Rosie said.
Craig, 38, previously worked as a scaffolder but now works remotely in sports analysis.
The state of the NHS also influenced their decision. Rosie said the family had normalised waiting six weeks for a GP appointment, eight weeks for treatment and 12 weeks for operations.
“Here, if you ring a doctor in the morning, you are usually seen the same day – the next day at worst,” she said. “If you need scans or tests, they are normally carried out the same week, and if you need an operation it’s usually done within a month.”
The couple also cited seven months of continuously poor weather following their return from their September 2024 wedding as a contributing factor.
Why Cyprus over other destinations
The family initially considered Spain but ultimately chose Cyprus due to better visa options for remote workers and practical similarities to the UK, including driving on the left, three-pin electrical sockets and widespread English usage.
Since arriving, the Richardsons report being delighted with their new lifestyle. Summer has settled into nursery and made friends, whilst the family enjoys regular access to beaches, pools and outdoor activities.
“We have an outdoor lifestyle – Summer gets the beach, pool, park, bike and scooter rides on demand because there’s no weather impacting those activities for the most part of the year,” Rosie said.
The family is currently renting whilst exploring different areas of Cyprus. Despite some items being more expensive – particularly groceries and rent – overall living costs remain lower than in the UK, resulting in annual savings of £9,000.
Rosie acknowledged that leaving family behind in Britain was difficult, though she noted relatives now have a holiday destination to visit.
“We are big believers in living without regrets, of which we have none,” she said. “If we ever did return to the UK later down the line, it would have been one hell of a ride in a beautiful country with amazing memories.”
This piece is based on reporting by EssexLive. (Image: Jam Press/@richardsonsrelocation)
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