good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
Nov 30th 2008, 10:53 pm
#1
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 360
good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
Hello there
I have written on here before about us leaving Barcelona in search of finally buying a property that is affordable. We have a budget of up to 180,000 euros to buy our family home where we plan to live for a good while, and we simply cannot afford to buy in Catalonia (nor want to if we are honest). I know you will all tell us to rent first but we are not in a position to do that for various reasons, and also want to take advantage of the relatively low prices early next year before they start to go up again. We have a 2 year old son who will have to start school next September (don't want him to really but not much choice). I am a translator and my husband installs aircon. I can work anywhere with an internet connection and in theory could support us for a few months. The basic questions is, if you were to choose anywhere in Andalucia, especially the Malaga area, where would it be? We speak the language (my hubbie is Colombian), and I know Spain like the back of my hand as I used to work in tourism all over the country, so we are looking for a more Spanish-type place that also has some Brits as I do enjoy some links with UK culture and also my parents are considering moving out once we are settled. We are looking for somewhere child friendly basically, with friendly people and reasonable amenities (decent schools, shops, bars, health centre, etc.), and preferably not in the hottest town in Andalucia (I have heard Antequera is lovely but way too hot!!). We would like to be within one hour of the airport (Malaga?), ideally nearer. We are torn between looking at apartments on/near the coast, or town houses in a village. I have pinpointed Velez Malaga and Competa as two, very different, possibilities. Also Villanueva del Rosario as I have seen a property I like there. I have always liked Malaga as there is so much in the area and it has something for everyone. We would ideally love to set up a small b and b as a side business but that would just be a bonus at the moment. We are planning a visit over Christmas so would like to make a shortlist of places to visit and think about. Any positive or negative criticism of any of these places is gratefully received. We want a peaceful life in a friendly place where there are things going on and a good "vibe". Barcelona has got too big, too trendy and too expensive for us (as well as unfriendly, sorry to be so blunt). I am under no illusions about Andalucia being a paradise as I realise it has its problems too, but from what I know of it there is a different pace of life and outlook. Thanks Spain Expats! PS If anyone is selling a place in this area, we may be interested! (nowhere down a small country lane please, with a toddler this may spell insanity having to drive everywhere, we want to get right to the heart of the community where we decide to live)
I have written on here before about us leaving Barcelona in search of finally buying a property that is affordable. We have a budget of up to 180,000 euros to buy our family home where we plan to live for a good while, and we simply cannot afford to buy in Catalonia (nor want to if we are honest). I know you will all tell us to rent first but we are not in a position to do that for various reasons, and also want to take advantage of the relatively low prices early next year before they start to go up again. We have a 2 year old son who will have to start school next September (don't want him to really but not much choice). I am a translator and my husband installs aircon. I can work anywhere with an internet connection and in theory could support us for a few months. The basic questions is, if you were to choose anywhere in Andalucia, especially the Malaga area, where would it be? We speak the language (my hubbie is Colombian), and I know Spain like the back of my hand as I used to work in tourism all over the country, so we are looking for a more Spanish-type place that also has some Brits as I do enjoy some links with UK culture and also my parents are considering moving out once we are settled. We are looking for somewhere child friendly basically, with friendly people and reasonable amenities (decent schools, shops, bars, health centre, etc.), and preferably not in the hottest town in Andalucia (I have heard Antequera is lovely but way too hot!!). We would like to be within one hour of the airport (Malaga?), ideally nearer. We are torn between looking at apartments on/near the coast, or town houses in a village. I have pinpointed Velez Malaga and Competa as two, very different, possibilities. Also Villanueva del Rosario as I have seen a property I like there. I have always liked Malaga as there is so much in the area and it has something for everyone. We would ideally love to set up a small b and b as a side business but that would just be a bonus at the moment. We are planning a visit over Christmas so would like to make a shortlist of places to visit and think about. Any positive or negative criticism of any of these places is gratefully received. We want a peaceful life in a friendly place where there are things going on and a good "vibe". Barcelona has got too big, too trendy and too expensive for us (as well as unfriendly, sorry to be so blunt). I am under no illusions about Andalucia being a paradise as I realise it has its problems too, but from what I know of it there is a different pace of life and outlook. Thanks Spain Expats! PS If anyone is selling a place in this area, we may be interested! (nowhere down a small country lane please, with a toddler this may spell insanity having to drive everywhere, we want to get right to the heart of the community where we decide to live)
Dec 1st 2008, 7:36 am
#2
Structural Surveyor
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: Sevilla/Cordoba border
Posts: 1,048
Re: good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
my husband installs aircon....We are looking for somewhere child friendly basically, with friendly people and reasonable amenities (decent schools, shops, bars, health centre, etc.), and preferably not in the hottest town in Andalucia (I have heard Antequera is lovely but way too hot!!).
(IMHO Antequera is pleasantly hot in the summer months, cooler than up here but hotter than the coast.) Seriously though, I know that many people who live near the coast where the temperatures are more temperate don't bother with aircon...Re Competa, check previous threads on here...it and its access road/situation have been discussed a few times before.
Velez Malaga is a very nice place, still Spanish enough, good transportation links, close enough to Malaga etc.
Dec 1st 2008, 2:38 pm
#3
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Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Puente Esuri
Posts: 6,903
Re: good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
Hello there
I have written on here before about us leaving Barcelona in search of finally buying a property that is affordable. We have a budget of up to 180,000 euros to buy our family home where we plan to live for a good while, and we simply cannot afford to buy in Catalonia (nor want to if we are honest). I know you will all tell us to rent first but we are not in a position to do that for various reasons, and also want to take advantage of the relatively low prices early next year before they start to go up again. We have a 2 year old son who will have to start school next September (don't want him to really but not much choice). I am a translator and my husband installs aircon. I can work anywhere with an internet connection and in theory could support us for a few months. The basic questions is, if you were to choose anywhere in Andalucia, especially the Malaga area, where would it be? We speak the language (my hubbie is Colombian), and I know Spain like the back of my hand as I used to work in tourism all over the country, so we are looking for a more Spanish-type place that also has some Brits as I do enjoy some links with UK culture and also my parents are considering moving out once we are settled. We are looking for somewhere child friendly basically, with friendly people and reasonable amenities (decent schools, shops, bars, health centre, etc.), and preferably not in the hottest town in Andalucia (I have heard Antequera is lovely but way too hot!!). We would like to be within one hour of the airport (Malaga?), ideally nearer. We are torn between looking at apartments on/near the coast, or town houses in a village. I have pinpointed Velez Malaga and Competa as two, very different, possibilities. Also Villanueva del Rosario as I have seen a property I like there. I have always liked Malaga as there is so much in the area and it has something for everyone. We would ideally love to set up a small b and b as a side business but that would just be a bonus at the moment. We are planning a visit over Christmas so would like to make a shortlist of places to visit and think about. Any positive or negative criticism of any of these places is gratefully received. We want a peaceful life in a friendly place where there are things going on and a good "vibe". Barcelona has got too big, too trendy and too expensive for us (as well as unfriendly, sorry to be so blunt). I am under no illusions about Andalucia being a paradise as I realise it has its problems too, but from what I know of it there is a different pace of life and outlook. Thanks Spain Expats! PS If anyone is selling a place in this area, we may be interested! (nowhere down a small country lane please, with a toddler this may spell insanity having to drive everywhere, we want to get right to the heart of the community where we decide to live)
I have written on here before about us leaving Barcelona in search of finally buying a property that is affordable. We have a budget of up to 180,000 euros to buy our family home where we plan to live for a good while, and we simply cannot afford to buy in Catalonia (nor want to if we are honest). I know you will all tell us to rent first but we are not in a position to do that for various reasons, and also want to take advantage of the relatively low prices early next year before they start to go up again. We have a 2 year old son who will have to start school next September (don't want him to really but not much choice). I am a translator and my husband installs aircon. I can work anywhere with an internet connection and in theory could support us for a few months. The basic questions is, if you were to choose anywhere in Andalucia, especially the Malaga area, where would it be? We speak the language (my hubbie is Colombian), and I know Spain like the back of my hand as I used to work in tourism all over the country, so we are looking for a more Spanish-type place that also has some Brits as I do enjoy some links with UK culture and also my parents are considering moving out once we are settled. We are looking for somewhere child friendly basically, with friendly people and reasonable amenities (decent schools, shops, bars, health centre, etc.), and preferably not in the hottest town in Andalucia (I have heard Antequera is lovely but way too hot!!). We would like to be within one hour of the airport (Malaga?), ideally nearer. We are torn between looking at apartments on/near the coast, or town houses in a village. I have pinpointed Velez Malaga and Competa as two, very different, possibilities. Also Villanueva del Rosario as I have seen a property I like there. I have always liked Malaga as there is so much in the area and it has something for everyone. We would ideally love to set up a small b and b as a side business but that would just be a bonus at the moment. We are planning a visit over Christmas so would like to make a shortlist of places to visit and think about. Any positive or negative criticism of any of these places is gratefully received. We want a peaceful life in a friendly place where there are things going on and a good "vibe". Barcelona has got too big, too trendy and too expensive for us (as well as unfriendly, sorry to be so blunt). I am under no illusions about Andalucia being a paradise as I realise it has its problems too, but from what I know of it there is a different pace of life and outlook. Thanks Spain Expats! PS If anyone is selling a place in this area, we may be interested! (nowhere down a small country lane please, with a toddler this may spell insanity having to drive everywhere, we want to get right to the heart of the community where we decide to live)
Dec 1st 2008, 2:50 pm
#4
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Re: good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
Dec 1st 2008, 2:56 pm
#5
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Re: good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
We are still quite keen on the Malaga area as I know it and have friends in Granada and Cordoba so prefer to be more on this side. I am interested to see you are in Colmenar fionamw? It definitely appeals (oops, just seen your pm, thanks!). We are planning on coming down to the area at Christmas time, anyone know of good and cheap b and b type accom? Thank you all! If you ever need help in Barcelona let me know and I'll return the favour!
Dec 1st 2008, 7:42 pm
#6
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Re: good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
Dec 11th 2008, 3:21 pm
#7
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 100
Re: good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
We are still quite keen on the Malaga area as I know it and have friends in Granada and Cordoba so prefer to be more on this side. I am interested to see you are in Colmenar fionamw? It definitely appeals (oops, just seen your pm, thanks!). We are planning on coming down to the area at Christmas time, anyone know of good and cheap b and b type accom? Thank you all! If you ever need help in Barcelona let me know and I'll return the favour!
Dec 11th 2008, 6:20 pm
#8
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Location: Puente Esuri
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Re: good place to live in Andalucia for young family?
Looks like I've dropped a bo**ock and got corrie interested in our little bit of paradise!
