Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

We already live in an area of Almeria and have done for some 2 1/2 years having moved from France.We unfortunately do not seem to have found the right area and would like to hear others opinion on which area offers us the best life.We are both very sociable but have really struggled to meet people.
We would like a mix of both Spanish and ex pats of all nationalities.A community feel without living in each other pockets.A beach location or within 20 minutes.Not over commercialised but plenty going on.Enjoy live music and lots of other things but not Bingo!!(Sorry dont want to seem flippant) Can anyone offer any suggestions as at the moment although I love the weather and lots more I want to return to the UK.many thanks
Julie

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

Almeria offers the best value housing on the costas, unfortunately (or fortunately?) it is not as commercialised as many other regions, which is why prices are low ......

Having said that there are many things to see and do, e.g. the Moors and Christians Fiesta is very good>
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1268673423

but I guess you have tired of those?

Having been in spain 2 1/2 years, I am surprised you have not explored further afield.

"Where to live" will be dictated by what attracts you? IMHO any area is what you make it. There are many mixed communities but few Brits integrate like you seem to want. Perhaps if you take up a hobby or join a club where nationalities have a common interest. For example, my passion is motorcycles which gives me an opportunity to meet and chat with many nationalities in several coutries. Conversly if you join the British Legion you will meet only other Brits.

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

Many thanks for your help. Yes we have tried the Moors and Christians in several places.We originally drove down the coast from the French Border to Almeria.At the time it seemed to offer alot and yes price of property was right.Originally we liked Nerja but property alot more expensive.
Unfortunately lots of people have left the area and it is really quiet.Lots of Bars closed and not many people about.I have to say we miss our social life in the UK.
Any advice on areas would be appreciated.

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

Social life in the UK.

Are you kidding.Spain has lots of social life:confused::confused:

Dosent sound like youve been out much.

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

I think you will find most places are a lot quieter than they were 2 1/2 years ago.

If you wish to stay on the costas, your choice is to go south toward Malaga, Fuengirola, Benalmadena. As you say Nerja is nice but expensive. I think you may find that true wherever you go. Great for a holiday, but I did not find that much to do when I was in Nerja.

I am more familiar with the areas north of Almeria. I don't like La Manga or Los Alcazeras. I would suggest you may find it easier to integrate into a smaller community. San Javier is nicer and there are many similar sized and smaller towns between the major towns / cities all the way up to the French border.

I would suggest you take a drive North along the mediteranean highway and see those places for yourself. If you do not have a car, or you might prefer, a bus tour which would also give you an opportunity to meet other people.

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

If you want a place that is somewhat lively year round you really have to consider the CDS. Other than the places mentioned, and depending on your budget I would go further down the coast to Marbella or even all the way to Estepona. Because the weather is fairly pleasant, even in the winter(usually), you will find that it remains fairly active all year. Prices have gone down considerably as well, so it may not be nearly as expensive as you think.

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

Everywhere on the CDS has been quiet too, like a wet weekend in Bridlington:rofl: There is a lot of clubs and societies though, don't know what they are like as I am not the "joining" type. If you do sports like golf and tennis it's a good way to meet people of all nationalities.

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

I am biased.

Jerez de la Frontera.
Flamenco Festival, Semana Santa, Motor GP, Feria de Caballo etc etc.

Close to wonderful beaches of the Costa de la Luz.
Close to the sierra and pueblos blancos.

If you need to live around Expats try Chiclana but be careful before buying a property there!

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

I visited Jerez on a road trip from Malaga through Tarifa-Sevilla-Ayamonte. The Bodegas are a must visit "attraction" whether you live here or are visiting. :rofl: I really shouldn't have done any driving after that!

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

If you want a rip-roaring time, smack bang on the coast, with 100,000 other expat Brits, all enjoying themselves in their pubs, clubs, and churches, open 24 hours a day, and a British Legion on every corner, dozens of fish and chip shops, Indian and Chinese restaurants galore, British banks everywhere, English speaking health centres and hospitals, blue flag beaches, breakfasts for two Euros, come to Torrevieja.

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

You could do worse by moving just a little way to Murcia area. Puerto de Mazarron now has a lovely shopping centre, lots of restaurants, a good UK community based in this area - with plenty of dances organised (mostly around charities, eating out with friends, BBQ's, (not Bingo if you don't want it !! ) and large wonderful shops in Cartagena, with bowling, etc., it's there !
we never have time to get bored here. We have formed lunch clubs, and there are car boot sales, where you can meet lots of new people. good luck. :)

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

Sounds just like the UK:rofl:

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

There's a reason not to go then :rofl:

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

You could check out Albir, very nice little town, good mix of norwegians, dutch, brits, lots of nice shops, restaurants. Busy all year round, nice prom, bowls, boot fairs if thats your thing, handy for Jalon Valley, Calpe, Moraira, Altea. Loads going on really. Hope you find somewhere you like, nothing worse than being unsettled!

Re: Help!!! Where to live in Spain
 

hi there thought it quite a strange one as for me almeria offers every thing we are near sorbas. expats there spanish history llovely local shops ,have to say no cannot come out tonight as we would be out doing some thing every night,you must be in the wrong place for us this is the right mix of every thing.helen