Re: Living the DREAM?....Try the UK these Days!!
 

Hi..I am new to this forum..so please forgive the very long first post. My husband and I have been looking to relocate to the sun for many years. It is only the fact that we still have adult children at home that has kept us here. But now it is becoming a necessity to relocate... as we are priced out of the UK market for downsizing...and my husband nearing retirment age.... cannot keep our present home going. The kids are battling themselves to get full time employment. We have recently returned from a week in Calpe..our first attempt at searching for that perfect life in Spain!

Ironically enough..I left the sunshine. Moving from florida in the 1980's..when I married a British man...and agreed to raise my children in the UK. Because of all the crime in SE florida...which was my home for 31 years. It was more family oriented here and a safer option. Well, that is what I believed. Sound Familiar?? many move to Spain for that very same reason. Now at age 57.. I am still looking for that safe haven. My husband was ever faithful to Britain..But that has all changed now...as at age 63 he finds he has nothing but debt to show for his 46 years work..and deteriorating health. I am just worried if we have waited too late..and will actually be able to make the change. The rising cost of living in this country..and caring for extended family... have drained us dry financially.

I read what Helen had to say about her Bad Day in Spain..and Unfair taxes etx.. Well god knows.. there are millions here as well. I could go on for pages over what has been done to us over the last 20 years.. Days without a problem for us..or a crisis of some sort for our kids...they are the rarity. As for the pains of relocating..and missing family. I know only too well. 26 years ago.. England was so gray..and freezing cold. I arrived in a small town..industrial..and tired looking.. With nothing at all to offer. Talk about depressed...Totally alien to anything I knew in sunny Ft.. Lauderdale, florida. Everyone did speak English in the Uk...making it easier than Spain... But It still took many years to accept this as my home. I think that lots of people give up way too soon..or expect far too much. A contiuous holiday. Fun all the time.. It takes time to build a new life. Some plan businesses etc..but speak no Spanish. Or expect them to be an overnight success. Yet in the UK those same pitfalls may now have seemed so overwhelming. I know first hand...that Missiing family is probably the worst problem. but in the case of
Spain..it is easy to get back and forth. Only 2 hrs. The US was far more difficult...and expensive with a family. I seldom got home for visits..

Regarding being a better option returning to the UK..when things go wrong in Spain. Well that all depends. Perhaps in business it is a lot harder..and more helpp in the |UK with what is familiar. But in general.... things are pretty difficult here. We moved to a brand new development in Derbyshire in 1987.. Families..and Professional people..A woods nearby and countryside..and the city of Derby 3 miles away. With lots of shopping. It is still considered a very good area. with mostly Large detached properties..yet We are desperate to move from here..living a nightmare the past 10 years.

The lack of services for our exhorbitant council taxes is the least of our complaints. At present..Gangs of youths are constantly roaming the neighbourhood...vandalizing ..dealing drugs..harrassing the shopkeepers in the district centre and the doctors. the police claim their hands are tied to deal with them. The post office was ram raided. Going back over the past few years... .. Our house was broken into twice...and totally ransacked. A year ago...a car was stolen from our drive..along with several others in the area. It was dismantled to sell the parts on Ebay. Our daughters fiance saw his customized car seats advertised..and traced the seller. He located their address...but the police didn't want to know. Both my daughters boyfriends have been beaten up for protecting our daughters in town.. By drunken youths. But the final straw came this week when I was physically attacked nearly at my front door....while I walked my dog in a well lit spot..next to my neighbours house..with people passing by. Only 9.30 aT NIGHT. A man jumped out of his car and grabbed me and started punching and swearing at me. I was held in a headlock around the face and head butted..and my neck pulled. he then ran to his car and looked as if he was coming back..I was afraid he might have a knive or a gun..and managed to get through the bushes to my neighbours front door. Another man drove up and had witnessed it all. I am so distressed and in disbelief. I will never be the same again. Every time I look out of my window... I see the spot where I was attacked. It turns out from other people who have heard of it..that I was not the only victim. Another woman ran away from a
similiar man..iarond the corner from my attack. It was reported in the papers apparently and to police. Also reported.. an attempt to drive his car at a lad walking his dog. Although CID and police insisted that this was a totally unusaal attack and almost certainly a ONe OFF!!

Sadly this is life in the Uk today. Is Spain any better?? I am not sure..but I am certainly willing to give it a try..and I will at least have some sunshine. It was cold when we were in Calpe... but still absolutely lovely...and the beutiful blue sea. I miss that so much in inland Derby. Thanks for letting me say my bit. I would also greatly appreciate any info on nice inexpensive areas to live in on the N. costa blanca. It would be most welcome. Regards, Carol

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Hi Carol

Sorry to hear of your terrible ordeal, and hope you recover fully soon. Calpe is a lovely town and we visit there fairly regularly. Its a bit touristy, like Denia, but I haven't seen it in full flow in the holidays.

If you want a cheaper area then follow the journey we took. We started off looking in Altea, moved North to Moraira, Calpe, Denia and finally ended up in Oliva

http://www.tourist-oliva.com/

Nice town, not too touristy but within easy reach of Denia, Calpe, Javea etc etc

Good luck with your search :D

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Hi Carol,

So sorry to hear of your attack and the growing problems in the U.K.

I am sure that if you re locate to sunny Spain you will not have these problems, I have lived here for 20yrs and have alway's felt safe to let my wife walk on her own at whatever hour she would wish without any problems :)

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Hallo Carol,

I am saddened to hear of the problems you are experiencing.
You are not too old to start again (one 57 year old to another!). Transport is so good these days as you said the U.K. is just a few hours away.

The areas suggested by Mitziboy are all worth exploring and I am sure that you will find somewhere within your budget.

Jenna m

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Also, sorry to hear about your ordeal.
Is there a reason you want to go to north Costa Blanca? South is very nice too and if you go a little more inland (about 20 minutes to Alicante Airport and beaches) its a bit less expensive.
At present, I am feeling disillusioned with Spain, but the thought of taking my 5 year old back to the UK to grow up fills me with dread too - I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place!! I am sure there will be a sign soon to let me know the right way to turn (hopefully, it will be a sign from Lottery HQ tonight!!!:) )

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Really sorry to hear about your troubles. I used to get threatened at work and accosted on my local streets, fortunatly nothing more, but it was time to leave. I have never been under any illusions about living in Spain and no matter what happens, will not return to the uk. But sometimes, just sometimes, life gets you down and what was great was so many sympathetic ears on this web, yes it made a difference - and to hear other people felt similarly. You are never alone in this world when there are places like this.
Thank you.:D

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

hi carol sorry to hear of your ordeal its horrendous to live like that.I live in the north in what was once a lovely area .about 12 months ago a gang of youths decided to jump on the roof of my car for a laugh.my partner ran out to confront them [while I rang the police] they then proceeded to kick my partners car in causing 2thousand pounds worth of damage.I was terryfied as one of them had a big chain and another a hammer i kept ringing the police.they turned up 2 hours later .took a statement and that was the last we heard they looked uninterested and were complaining about lack of police on the beat. the thugs stopped coming round when the local shop refused to sell alcohol to anyone under21 .they moved on[no doubt to terrorise someone else. you only have one life carol so persue your dream and move to spain. the people on here are lovely and are very helpful with any questions you might have.good luck

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Hi Coral, GOSH! what a story but oh too familiar, decent people getting the rough end of the stick, through no fault of their own. - quite depressing and why we left Blighty !

But please be assured that there is crime and fraud in Spain but generally it's a safer place to be. In my opinion if you pick a touristy place, built-up area there is likely to be more crime and risk. Go inland a bit and it decreases. I live in Blanca South inland... houses are cheaper and people more friendly, like a village mentality really. But we have had burglaries even on a new build area.

I still would advise you to get out of GREY UK and live in the sunshine - you'll feel 200% better, make new friends, have a nice time and a great exciting adventure. (it will be a rollacoaster though)

But take your time picking the right spot for you. Maybe go an inspection trip or two. We used Medsea, Estates no pressure and know either South or North Blanca. Start the party today you sound like you deserve a break !

After your ordeal just enjoy what you have worked hard for.

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Make sure that you thoroughly investigate areas so that you make an informed decision and please, please do not leap in with both feet until you are absolutely sure that it is the right thing for you and your family.

Good Luck and enjoy your search.

Rosemary

Re: Living the DREAM?....Try the UK these Days!!
 

Hi Carol

Sorry to hear of your sad story, If you stay away from the big towns and tourist areas in Spain as from what i have read , you should be able to live a nice stress and worry free life ..:)

Welcome to the forum by the way ..

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Hi Mitzy

I checked out the link and i spotted a harbour area on beach number 1 :thumbup:
Looked at the rest and i was impressed , has a Mallorca look to it :thumbup:
Would you know or could you find out for me , what the position is on moorings in them beach areas ? Prices and availabilty etc, for a small 30 footer type of boat ..

Also as i wobbled on Mallorca :rofl: Have decided going to get to mainland in a few weeks and research along the coast and see if maybe a better bet would be to go there :) away from heavy tourists ..

So any local estate agents websites would be handy to see what the budget would get me ? in that region ..:thumbup:

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

www.spanishselection.com
http://www.olivahouses.com/olivahouses_es/corp.html
http://www.orangeblossomhomes.com/inmoeasy/en/akelos

I'll see what I can find out about mooring prices at the marina

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

:thumbup: Thanks Mitzy

Re: Living the DREAM? Thankyou!!!
 

Hi Everyone.. thankyou so very much. I am overwhelmed with so many responses...and the wonderful support and good wishes. You do not know how much that is appreciated..and how it has brightened my spirits. We are now convinced, more than ever, that Spain will be the right choice for us. Neither of us are under an illusion that it will be all roses..or that life is perfect. We only hope to improve our life..and spend more time enjoying each day. The main thing is to take our time...and make the right choice of location. Considering all options. You have all been brilliant with your advice. Thanks Mitzy for the link to Oliva..I have seen some properties on the net in that area...also a place nearby called Gandia. It certainly is cheaper. But I didn't know anything about it. So Glad to hear that it is such a lovely town and that you are happy there. We will be coming over in August for a few weeks...and will have a car. So hope to have a good look around. We are open to any suggestions.. North or south. We picked Calpe as a starting point....partly on the basis that we found a cheap package deal..but mainly because we felt that it had amazing scenery. A lot of mountains... as well as the sea..and was very lush and green. We were originally going to Torrevieja for a week in a self catering apt. But the hotel Esmeralda in Calpe..worked out cheaper and was half board. The views from the hotel balcony....with the mountains on one side..and the sea and Penon Ilfach on the other.. just took your breath away. There seemed to be seaviews wherever you went. Just spectacular. We were very surprised at all the highrise apts..and that it was quite a large resort. We expected a very picturesque little town. We really do need to go more inland for the money we have.... in order to have a proper home. It is only due to the fact I can't drive..and I know how hard it is to get my husband to get the car out each day. That is why I have hoped to be close by the beach. I love the sea and have missed it all these years in Derby. But 15 to 20 minutes inland..in a nice, friendly location..is no journey and would be ideal.

Aspeangel..I really hope everrything works out for you in the future. I know how hard it is to make a decision for your child and the best place to raise them. Keep your eye on those Lottery numbers..I have my fingers crossed for you. Once again, thank you all so very much...if we meet people like yourselves in Spain..we will indeed be very happy. Regard from Carol

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

I have a place in Denia and love to visit Gandia - would highly recommend it. It is close to the mountains and a National Park and the beach is fabulous - miles and miles of white sand.

It has a wonderful shopping centre too, so ideal for a non-driver.

Good luck with your search and please ask if you want more info on the C Blanca North, as I am familiar with many of the towns and surrounds.