SimonMicheal

Hi Everyone,

We are moving to Spain and still undecided which area is best for my family.
I have argentine wife, and young son 1 year and a half.

I can work from home and have enough money to support a decent lifestyle. We also speak Spanish and are looking to integrate into the Spanish community.

We are currently looking at the following areas, Estepona or San Pedro Costa del Sol or Cost Blanca Altea, Calp and Moraina.

We don't want to be around holiday makers and really want as mush Spanish as possible. We are also looking for young families so me and my wife can make friends.

Would you recommend Costa Del Sol, is it full of young families? or is Costa Blanca is a more desirable area?

Thanks

Lookingforthesun1

I would personally recommend Javea/Altea/Calpe they are beautiful areas with stunning beaches and lots to do particularly with kids! They have their share of holiday goers. But they have kept their beauty and Spanish- style!

chopera

If you want as much Spanish as possible then I wouldn't consider any of the areas you have mentioned, since you won't be that far from expat communities. Those areas are popular with expats largely because there are other expats there. That's not to say that they aren't nice places anyway, but it sounds like you are in a position to cast a wider net. For example, if you want to be near the coast then what about the north of Spain?

missile

+1

johnnyone

I agree. If you are looking at the Northern Costa Blanca you should have a look further north, north and south of Valencia city.
I do like Gandia town (not so much the playa) as I do feel I am in Spain when I visit there as opposed to some of the Costa Blanca towns.

Loafing Along

San Pedro still a "local" atmosphere if you focus on the area in and around town centre, advantage of good infrastructure, several schools and a pleasant walk to the beach area. Estepona similar, older part is definitely Spanish.
Basic guide is that the "Holiday makers" come and go but tend to be in the more outlying newer developments. Both areas mean you will suffer from excessive traffic, queues in the supermarket, crowded restaurants and noisy nights for a couple of months but otherwise quality of life excellent. Same applies to many of the towns/villages on the Costa Del Sol - essentially new ribbon-style developments spread out from an old village but the heart remains little changed.
Key point and huge plus for the region is Malaga airport, great connections almost anywhere and the high-speed train from Malaga to Madrid. If I was looking again at the Costa Del Sol would not hestitate to move into Malaga itself. Wonderful city