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The point of this post was to advise a member of the forum if any others could offer reasons not to move to Spain. The subject is emotive as those who have had bad experiences including loss of their homes, problems with Spanish banks and authorities will obviously not be recommending the country as a retirement option and those who have struck lucky and can afford to stay here and live the dream will obviously join the yes lobby. Anyone watching Sky news will realize that Spain has huge problems, with or without this forums assistance and that few are likely to come out of this unscathed.
I lived in on the del Sol when I first came to Spain (absolutely hated it) and within weeks moved inland which was much better – it was at this point I decided I needed to learn the language if I wanted to stay and enjoy being here. I moved to Alicante area, about 60km inland about 3 years ago and I can highly recommend it. Everything is sensibly priced (much cheaper than the coast), the locals are very friendly and have always been very helpful indeed and integration was easy.
So, its each to his own – I couldn’t stand living on a urbanization with dozens of Brits surrounded by English food/pubs (may as well stay in UK) – but this doesn’t make me right and doesn’t make those that do choose to live in communities wrong. Many would not contemplate moving away from the coast to an area where little or no English is spoken and a where an 80km round trip to the nearest Brit-store to get a tub of Bisto and a frozen black-pudding is the norm.
The fact remains however, that wherever you decide to settle in Spain it is never going to be perfect and you have to change – Spain won’t. Think very carefully before you take the plunge ‘cos once you do, there is no going back, with your bank account intact, unless of course you are very wealthy indeed.
So its horses for courses. Rent first and spend some time having a good look round, talk to locals and start the paper-chase as soon as you land (if that doesn’t put you off, you may have the right stickability to become a resident and stay)
Regards to all
The Woodbug
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ahhh thanx woodbug for pulling my back on track - i am obviously too old to remember which thread i am on lol.
Also, you have given us food for thought now about Alicante area to visit next. I can live without black pudding and bisto hahahahahaha
Cheers Foxi
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If I shine too brightly, then put your sunglasses on oy vey
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JWhite, Steve and Anita, I've been renting out my villa in Torre de la Horadada for 8 years and manage in average 16 weeks from May to October and three/four months during the winter. You're right about July and August, when many Spaniards and Northern Europepeans flock to the area. For many people this is a plus, as part of having fun involves seeing other people having fun too. We always go in Apri June and October/November. The fact that it's so quiet during the winter months is what makes it so special for retired people. It's not so much "spot ther person" as Steve and Lucia put it, as several bars and restaurants are opened all year round.
Torre is not in the middle of nowhere, as your comments might imply (unitentionally, perhanps). The town of El Pilar is only 5 minutes away, and for a bit of hassle and bussle, La Zenia and Cabo Roig are only a 10-minute drive up the road.
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Why not try Estepona it is only a short distance away from Torre but apart from the port area is a lot more Spanish, i've been living here for some time with my Spanish girlfriend and we both love it here as it offers the best of both worlds. The transport is good with a large bus station with frequent services. It has 2 very good beaches and is less built up than surrounding areas. Torre is a bit too kiss me quick, Little Britain, for me!!!!
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Hi Woowoo, we too are from the West Country (Devon) and are planning on moving over to Spain next year. Small world! We are planning on buying and we are buying inland about 40 mins north of Malaga tho this journey will be much shorter once they finish the new road!! We will be early retirees but will have some investments to provide us with enough income to have a life. We have visited the area over a period of about five years in all seasons and have already made many friends. I have been looking on several forums for many months and doing lots of research over the last couple of years. Like alot of posters have said, its not all abed of roses but also I think its what you make it. We have already done some Spanish lessons here but unfortunately work got in the way and we've had to stop but we plan to start again in our 'new home' where we know there are lots of people who teach. Not sure if we can get free lessons but thats another question to ask!
We have family and I will miss them, especially my eldest daughter and grandaughter but we will skype regularly and have visits to the UK regularly and they will visit us too so I think I can cope. We have to think of ourselves and our health. We feel we will have a more relaxed way of life in Spain without our stressful business to run, and we couldn't afford to retire in the Uk really. I seem to thrive alot better in the warmer climate, tho like alot of posters have said, it does get very cold in the winter!! We are making sure that we will have enough money coming in on a monthly basis to 'live' not just survive.
The only thing that concerns me is the tax imposed when your spouse dies but we'll try to make sure we have it covered. I hope you find somewhere that suits you. La Cala Mijas is nice just along from Fuengirola and I know people who enjoy living in Calahonda abit further down.
We'll be back in July with the family to catch up with friends and keep a check on what houses are around!
Good Luck, keep us all posted!
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Hi, just like to mention Lebrija,a lovely ,friendly town ,20mins from Jerez ,inbetween Jerez and Seville.Decent bus service,train station,with trains to Seville,Jerez,Cadiz etc.good health centre plus new hospital nearing completion.Small ,friendly British community.Will need to know some Spanish though.
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Hello
We have friends who live in Murcia. They say that it's so hot during the day that they stay inside most of the time, venturing out early morning and late afternoon. Having just come back from a week's hols in Mallorca where it hit 38 degrees - in June - I can see what they mean! There's a big difference between loving the sun on holiday and having to stay out of it methinks.
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Keyboard,
you are so right. We lived for a long time in Barca the Soller (Mallorca) and really enjoyed it as we didint have too do much. We spent the last few winters in Dubai which was just fantastic a good change from London or Spain, but couldnt take the summers 40+ is for the camels only - most of the locals also left for the 'Summer'.
Moved back home to Perth, basically to retire back home, today its been a pleasant 20C and its mid winter. Sold the house (living on my boat at the moment) with a view to moving to Tassie or Sydney where its cooler and the sailing is better. as a hedge have brought a tea plantation at Kandy Sri lanka where I know the temp is liveable all year.
Spain is a fantastic place to live as id the UK and I'm glad I took the time over the past 40 years to enjoy the best both have to offer.
David
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It's so hot at the moment, indoors with doors closed and blinds down is the order of the afternoon. Last winter we went outside to get warm! Living in a freezing Spanish meat locker is no fun in winter and when it decides to impersonate a sauna in the summer, it's just as challenging. I suppose I should really spend a few quid on heating and air-con and stop moaning!
Regards to all
The Woodbug
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Hey Woodbug, I would never have a house without proper heating or aircon! The difference between a holiday is that you want to make the most of the sun because we don't have any in the Uk and you want to go back with a tan but when you're living in a hot country you wouldn't spend your time lying on a sunbed sweating as you wouldn't need to! Maybe interior works in the summer in a house that has aircon??
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Hi Fazeress,
I have got air-con and loggie heating - I'm just too tight to pay for them!
Regards,
The Woodbug
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Lol! I have friends who only have a log burner for their whole house and a tin roof over their bedroom so they boil in the summer and freeze in the winter as they are inland abit so they get the best and worst of all the weather!!
I might well be the same once I'm moved over, and even if I'm not I'm sure my husband will be for sure!
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We haven't been to the area inland from Malaga for several years now, Fazeress, but we loved Alora and Almogia (returned to a more-Spanish feel nowadays!). Which new road are you talking about? We'll be touring around Spain very soon and we'll definitely be looking around the inland Malaga region again.
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I agree with other peoples suggestions of renting first. I moved to the Costa Blanca area having regularly
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I agree with other peoples suggestions of renting first. I moved to the Costa Blanca area having regularly
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Hi Maddiemack, the road I'm talking about is the new road that goes from the airport (except it doesn't go far at the mo!!) towards Granada. We will be moving to Villanueva del Trabuco. Its a small town, tho I call it a village, and has about 4000 folk living there about 500 of which are from Uk, plus there are people from other countries too but not loads. Its a lovely place with lots going on and perfect for walking, riding, biking etc... There are alot of houses for sale, both in town and in the campo and most represent excellent value for money. I think the nearest beach is about 30 minutes drive and the town itself has a great pool with cafe, which is so cheap and its only 2euro's to go into the pool! Theres also a football pitch!
Definitely worth a look!
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