Scribble

Anyone here live in Cadiz? Is it any good.
We might be looking to move to an area in Spain with a bit more life and younger crowd. Not sure whether there are many 30-40 age expats in Cadiz but it seems like more would be in the cities.
Any thoughts?

Chiclanagir

Not really sure what you are looking for. This part of Spain is quite quiet except in July and August.

AdrianTO

What about Malaga?
Not too many expats in the city itself, but it's not far from the expat areas. And it is a young, lively city year round.

Or even Seville? I think there are more expats in Seville and it's definitely lively.

Mitzyboy

Sent you a link for pictures of Cadiz ... you'll also find some of Seville and Cordoba. Seville is a great suggestion, lovely place

Scribble

Thanks, I'll have a look. No beaches in Seville though!
Still social life is pretty important as I seem to be on the Costa Geriatrica at the moment

cricketman

If you only want to socialise with expats then you're probably better off sticking to areas like the Costa del Sol or maybe the Balearics. Someone I met in Barcelona said there are loads of 30 something expat coke heads there who are always partying, living off inheritance and dont speak a word of Spanish/Catalan. Didnt meet any myself but then I didnt hang out in the tourist bars and clubs.

If you want to and are able to socialise with Spaniards then you can choose any city you like.

Although as someone who has just crossed the 30 year age gap I can say that this is a time when most people start going out less and more concerned with family, but in any big city there will be exceptions

Scribble

Sorry, I should make clear that it's not that I don't want to mix with Spaniards, we came here to experience Spanish life after all, it's simply that my Spanish is not good enough yet to be able to do this. So, when you live in an area where mostly Spanish people live or 60+ retirees, it's not the most exciting. It takes time to learn Spanish after all.

Mitzyboy

You'd be aware of how many retirees there are on this site that are going to read that then

cricketman

Sure, that's fair enough and understandable.

I think your options are either stick to the most ex-pat areas or throw yourself into a big Spanish city experience where there will be a few expats to go out with and you will be forced to improve your Spanish - and so opening up socialising opportunities

AdrianTO

From what I can gather, your criteria is:

- Beach city
- Younger expat population
- Lively year round
- Warmish

You are not going to get ALL of those in one place. Trust me, I have looked. You are going to have to compromise somewhere. Other than Barcelona, I don't there is any such place in Spain. And even then, you don't get beach weather there in February.

I would still say, if the beach is not a priority then Seville. If you want to stay near the coast, then stick to the CDS. On the CDS either Malaga or Marbella/Puerto Banus. Yes, Marbella is still quiet in the winter, but it's a heck of a lot livelier than anywhere else. And then as things warm up you have all the beach clubs - Nikki Beach etc. getting into gear. You are not going to get that anywhere else.

Dick Dasterdly

One place that would definitely fit the bill on all counts is S.Tenerife if you don't mind moving a little further to the Canaries.
The climate on the mainland is not so reliable.
Seville is the hothouse of Spain in Summer and may be unbearable.
Marbella on costa del sol, may be the nearest to your requirements on the mainland.

Fredbargate

Are we talking about Cadiz the city or Cadiz the province ?

jackytoo

I like cádiz a lot, not sure how it is in winter. Wouldn't like to live there, seems too many gitanos.

Sounds as if Puerto Banus or Miami would suit you Although Banus can be dire on a wet winters night.

Chiclanagir

As one of the 60 plus geriatrics my best friends are in their forties but don´t go clubbing as such for entertainment it is the local ventas for a meal and quiz nights at the English bars, so don´t think that is the scene for you. As the others have said Seville or COS.

goaty

Cádiz is fairly lively all year round, if you know where to go. There are some ex-pats that run intercambios. That would be a good idea to meet British people and meet Spaniards to improve your Spanish.