29 Sep 2012 1:07 PM:
We've been here in Spain for 19 years now, firstly in Andalucia and now in Valencia Province. We have been quite happey here and have no complaints. Well, maybe that, try as I may, I will never be fluent enough to speak easily to my Spanish neighbours. I can be polite of course but it simply is not the same as being able to gossip over the fence I think. And when you have medical problems it is important to be able to express yourself precisely to a Doctor or Nurse, not just in general terms.
We came here in the first place because we could afford a better lifestyle here than in the UK on one Pension. However I shall be getting my Pension soon and also there wil be an inheritance and between them it will be possible to live quite well where we are thinking of in the UK. So, much as though I regret it, I think in the long run we will return. But we might keep the house here, let it occasionally and live in it sometimes too. The main reason we might go back is that, if one of use becomes seriously ill - and it can happen as one gets older - we would prefer to be ill in our own language.
To anyone asking about the cost of living here I would say this: If you live in a City it will be more expensive - just like it often is in the UK. If you want to live in an Urbanisation where the other Brits live (it is easier in day-to-day living), that will cost you too - absolutely everything is more expensive. There is an annual fee( I forget the name of it) for the upkeep of the grounds, communal areas, lifts etc) which can be quite high. That is on top of your low local "rates". But if you choose to live in a "proper" Spanish village where there are very few foreigners (as we do) life is quite cheap to live. But facilities are more limited. If you want a busy nightlife forget it. Mind you we have 14 Bars/Restaurants here, although they are pretty basic.
Do your research first and bear in mind one thing - you ain't going to get any younger - although you might FEEL younger living here in Spain. :>)
Thread:
Why go back to the Uk? Is Spain not cheap enough?
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