I may well have the opportunity to study for my doctorate at Barcelona. I've lived in Spain before (as a teenager) but that was down south, and some time ago, so I have a few questions I hope I can get some help with. I'd be moving initially for three years, but if things work out it'd be long term. There is me, my dog and my partner, so uni accomodation and flats are not really an option, hence my confusion!
* Are there any satelite towns around Barcelona that have *affordable* houses with gardens to rent? I.e. at current rates €450 to €650 a month? Doesn't have to be new and swish. We would need a town that is on the Barcelona Cercanias, and ideally south of the city, away from the mountains. House can be of any size (1 bed is fine, 2 beds fantastic, but not essential, as can have a seperate study that way) provided it has a garden, so hopefully that wouldn't make our budget too unrealistic.
* How easy is it to bring animals (from the UK) into Spain these days?
* How much should we expect to need to live modestly each month? We don't drink or smoke at all, and don't go crazy with food or clothes. Mostly we go out to train and exercise the dog, go the beach, or occasionally to the museums, galleries or cinema. We don't buy branded items, but do like to keep a place warm in winter, and cool in summer (i.e. do use heating/air con).
* How much would it cost to buy and run a modest car, i.e. a 1.2 to 1.4 engine, hatchback or modest estate, 10-12 years old? Mileage would be low, probabaly to the station and back, into the country at weekends to take Fido on a forced march and to shops once or twice a week? Inusrence wise, driver is female, 35 y/o and has had a licence for 4 years, clean. On the trasnport note, how good/reliable is the Cercanias in Barcelona region?
* How easy is it to get ADSL in smaller towns/suburbs these days? How much does it cost for a high/unlimited use service (at least 15gb/month), and how good are the connections? How much is it to get a new line installed/activated in a rental property, and how easy?
* I couldn't care less, but my partner is an addict of the idiot box. Can you still use "pirate" SKY cards in Spain? If so so how much does it costs to get a simple dish and set top box purchased and installed? Do landlords generally object to you installing such systems if you are a long term tenant, and will take it down/make good when you go?
* How "anti-dog" are landlords when it comes to long term/unfurnished rents?
Sorry for such a volley of questions, but forewarned is forgotten, or something!