| The Comments |
Hi, my wife and i are flying into Alicante soon, hiring a car and spending a few days driving around to begin sourcing the area we would like to relocate permanently to. We will probably rent to begin with while we find the right place to buy or build.
We'd happily live inland as we are very happy to embrace the more Spanish way of life. If anyone can recommend good areas for us to check out that would be extremely helpful. The type of area we are looking for would be either a decent sized village within 10-15 mins of a larger town/city, or on the edge of a larger town/city. We will be looking for good schools (happy to educate through Spanish school system), good medical facilities (good hospital) and some sport/social facilities. Basically not too isolated, but not slap-bang in the centre of a large town either!
Also, i'm interested to hear any negatives about the Spanish lifestyle to keep my views balanced.
Andy G
0
Like
|
Hi Andy and welcome to the forum.
I live in a village of around 2,000 people, called Torremendo. It has a health centre and a school and the local hospital is a 20 minute drive away, in the town of Torrevieja. We have a brand new swimming pool and sports centre, so it ticks quite a few of your boxes. We have shops, cafés and bars, but I would recommend a car for anyone who wanted to live here permanently as there are only a few buses per day through the village. The small town of San Miguel de Salinas is around 10 minutes away by car.
There are some Brits in the village, but not enough to change the place too much, and we have all the usual Spanish fiestas and traditions. It is a very friendly working agricultural village and is on the shores of a stunning lake.
I am sure you will get lots of suggestions so enjoy having a good look around!
_______________________
Claire
0
Like
|
|
Claire T, thanks for your reply, we have 4 days driving around so will take a look when in that part of the area
Sanchez1, sorry i missed that bit of info off. As long as my internet access works well i'll be working from home :)
0
Like
|
I can strongly recommend Los Montesinos.I think it will tick all the boxes and worth a visit.We have had a holiday house here for 7years and bought here after extensive searing lots of Spain.PM me for any further assistance. Iain
0
Like
|
I think Torre de la Horadada will tick a lot of boxes for you. It is at the southernmost end of Costa Blanca, bordering with Murcia and Costa Calida.The local school is 3 minutes away by car in Pilar de la Horadada, where there are also a lovely sports centre with an indoors swimming pool and a few very good restaurants. The newly-opened Zenia boulevard, the province's largest shopping centre, is only 10 minutew away.
0
Like
|
Whatever you do don't bother looking in Torre de la Horadada, there are more than enough brits there already
0
Like
|
It depends on your interpretation of "more than enough", Andintorre. There are certainly lots of Brits, Germans, Scandinavians, Dutch, etc., who either spend winters there or, like our neighbours, use their second homes for long stays every three months. But it is also true to say that at least half of Torre's houses are owne by Spanish people, like ourselves. Just to give an example, of the 48 townhouses in our community, over 40 are owned by Spaniards. No to mention the fact that hundreds of Spanish people from thevecinity and further afield flock to the area in July and August.
Broadly speaking, the area closest to the beaches, around the square and towards Milpalmeras is predominantly Spanish. The newest developments towards Pilar de la Horada are more cosmopolitan, with a good British presence. But, hey! Que viva la diferencia!!
This message was last edited by honeywater on 12/11/2012.
This message was last edited by honeywater on 12/11/2012.
0
Like
|
Would you consider Costa Blanca North ? It is greener and prettier. Denia is a working town but also has a lovely beach and marina which attracts the tourists.
0
Like
|
Thanks for all the replies - we will be starting in the south and will look at all the suggestions given and then go north to Denia / Javea etc after. Wish us luck :)
0
Like
|
Since you say Andy:
"Also, i'm interested to hear any negatives about the Spanish lifestyle to keep my views balanced."
You might like to have a look at my blog: the link should come up below this post, and counter-balance that by reading Tamara's blog, which is far more positive. All the best.
_______________________
My account of moving to Spain. http://www.eyeonspain.com/blogs/olives.aspx"><img
0
Like
|
Hello You have to consider Los Alcazares, it has all the things you have asked for There is a British community but this can be avoided or joined as you wish, As luck would have it, we have a house for rent in nearby San Cayetano which is very close to a year round pool and sports complex, close to the new Los Arcos Hospital and has schools and all the facilities you need If you get here, take my number, 0034 638704744 and over a coffee Ill be more than happy to tell you what the area has to offer All the best Sean
0
Like
|
My choice is the Axarquia Province. It's not that far from Malage Airport, wonderful Villages, Towns, Hills & Mountains & there are lots of variations, with or without foreign contingents.
I spent 10 days driving around looking for Areas covering thousands of miles & chose Axarquia, then went back last month to look around the Hills & Mountains their with a view to fairly isolated property but decided on a village. So going back in January to look at villages, (with the aid of a member of this forum).
As Eggcup says read the blogs concerning moving or moved to Spain the tips are excellent.
http://www.absoluteaxarquia.com/areas/axarquia.html
_______________________
Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.
I am always willing to talk and converse to ladies or gents in a sensible way.
0
Like
|
We had a house in Catalunya for three years...a beautiful area but not the place for you if you don't want to learn both Catalan and Castellano...and you don't like cold winters! We spent several months on the Southern Costa Blanca, a few kilometers inland and, we found it great for shopping...with some beautiful beaches. However, after exploring the Northern Costa Banca, we found it more attractive although property prices relect this and are more expensive.
We have also spent time in Malaga province and for us, this is the place we want to spend our winters from now on. It is a beautiful area, Malaga City being at its heart where you will find museums and art galleries and wonderful shopping. Then there's Benalmadena, very popular with holiday makers, and Fuengirola..just as popular but with a more 'Spanish' feel. From here, it's an easy drive to Marbella...and Gibraltar if you need a taste of Britain. Inland, you'll find many very pretty, white villages, each with their own personality and community spirit. And, yes, I agree with Gerald....the Axarquia area is the one for us, too. Property prices are also more expensive on the Costa del Sol than on the Southern Costa Blanca...but it depends what you're looking for. If you have already decided the Costa Blanca is for you, you're right to explore the whole area before deciding where to 'be' but, if you haven't explored other areas of Spain yet.....do this before making any decisions. You won't regret it.
_______________________
0
Like
|
I'm NOT going to try to persuade you to the Axarquía region of Málaga province, as you are already aiming further north. But l agree with Eggcup and Gerald - our three blogs between them cover the searching period (Gerry), the moving in and settling in process (mine) and the sensible rooted-in-reality no-holds-barred story of living in Spain (Eggcup). Essential reading, all three! I don't know your chosen area very well, though my aunt lives inland from Denia on an urbanisation (not very Spanish) up a mountain on the edge of Benidoleig, a sweet little traditional Spanish village, and it's a lovely area. Good luck with your search :-)
_______________________
Blog about settling into a village house in the Axarquía. http://www.eyeonspain.com/blogs/tamara.aspx
0
Like
|
May I suggest tebear that whilst you are here you look at the triangle between Lorca, Puerto Lumbrearas the Spanish coastal resort of Aguilas which is an hour south of Alicante on E 15 Many delightful hamlets off the dual- carriageway. Raphael Mendez is an excellent hospital and the schools are some of the best in Spain. Although there are some Brits and other nationalities in this area it is a far cry from the "little Britain" found in many popular areas of Spain where Brit establishments are on every street corner.
0
Like
|
Hi, I would like to suggest Cocentaina to you and the other near by towns and villages. If looking on a map, look for Alcoy which is the largest town to Cocentaina, then you should find it easily.
Cocentaina is 45 minutes +- inland from Alicante city and the same distance to the airport. The road links are excellent, being dual carriageway to Cocentaina from Alicante.
Cocentaina is a typical country type town, (population 11,000 +-) has a medievel castle, lovely olde worlde charm, weekly market and plenty of shops, large health centre, several schools for all ages, train station and great bus links. Alcoy which is a 10 minute drive has an excellent hospital.
I have lived here for many years and been extremely happy. I would also like to mention that my parents property is For Sale in Cocentaina, the property is on EOS property page if you wish to have an idea of the type of property and prices you can take a look.
Finca, Cocentaina 180,00€.
I wish you an enjoyable and succesful trip to Spain!
0
Like
|
|
tamaraessex. oops, Thank you! This message was last edited by rociero on 16/11/2012.
0
Like
|
I have a small apartment in cabo roig but that may be a bit toresty for you, my brother is a little bit south of me in San Cayetano a little village in Murcia, near nice area torreperchecco is there nearest town, then you have the airport, and towns along the beach, down to Cartagena, 30 mins into Murcia city, schools in his village, quite, Ps sorry for the spelling of the when I get to be a per infant resident, I will make it my a priority to spell all the villages and towns correctly
_______________________
I Live in Warrington & Cabo Roig
0
Like
|