Moving to Malaga
 

My wife and I will be moving to Malaga in October with our two children (infant and 4 y/o). This career development has happened rather quickly and, although excited, we would very much appreciate any advice forum members might have in terms of rental location options. Although not ruling out the prospect of living in Malaga itself, from this remove we would prefer the idea of living in a smaller town within reasonable commuting distance of the city. We would also prefer to stay away from the resorts in favour of, I guess, a more "Spanish" experience and environment. As I say, any advice, be it for city or countryside, could be really useful. Thanks in advance.

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

I have two similarly aged children

If I were you, I would live in the Limonar district of Malaga city which overlooks the beaches, is very calm and middle class. Quite expensive - maybe 1,000 euros for 3 bed flat, but much cheaper than a few years ago

Or maybe El Palo or Pedregalejo, lovely peaceful neighbourhoods of the city just a little further on from El Limonar

The towns close to the city are either tourist traps e.g. Torremolinos, deserted in the winter e.g. Rincon de la Victoria, boring surburban sprall e.g. Alhaurin de la Torre or full of gypsies and toothless campesinos e.g. Alhaurin El Grande and Cártama

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Thanks. I'll look into Limonar, which sounds good as you've described it. Aother reason for us looking into the countryside is to avail of cheaper rent, as we'd really like a four-bed and some decent living space, which is presumably hard to come by in the city. A pretty town/village would be great. Not necessarily put off by the gypsies, as long as they're the fortune-telling, Hemingway types.

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

I think Alhaurin de la Torre is quite nice....good views over the city and mountains....and not too many gypsies :) Mijas area is brilliant but a little more expensive and further away from Malaga.

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Is it unrealistic to think that we can find a house to live in as opposed to apartment?

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Mijas is just about at the limit of what we'd be willing to commute (30km)...

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Actually I've just been informed that our commute limit is at the 15km, 20max range...

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

I think you could rent a 3 bed house with a small garden and no pool for around £1K a month in Alhaurin de la Torre.....maybe less.

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

The question I would ask is why?

Being a young family in my opinion, being in the heart of the community and the city would be a fantastic opportunity

That is what we do. Loads of freedom for children in Spanish cities, lots of communal spaces and parks, and in Malaga, beaches. This is how Spanish families live - and you are coming to live in Spain :)

Houses are isolated and unsociable and in the nice bits of Malaga are very expensive, maybe 2,000 euros per month, and more

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

We've been living in the city and thought that both the space and pace of life in the countryside might be preferable. But the fact is I don't know anything about Malaga or its pace of life etc., which is why we're doing some research and keeping an open mind. Of course we hope to make some expat friends but we also want to be part of the Spanish community. It will not be our first time to live and work abroad. And if it works out that we find the right place at the right price and it's in the city, we'll be very happy with that.

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

That all depends on how well you speak Spanish :)

It is very hard to make Spanish friends in that part of the world even if your Spanish is perfect and you only speak Spanish all day. In English it is impossible

If you are after expat friends then actually Malaga city isnt right for you

Probably you would be better off in Torremolinos, Belalmadena or Alhaurin de la Torre which have more international communities where you can get by and socialise in English

I always think that is a bit of a shame though..

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Hi,

We have lived in Torremuelle for 6 years, Theres an international school here, and one in the urbanization next to us, The British College and the British International College in Torrequebrada.

Both are quiet urbanizations, both on the train line which goes into Malaga central and takes about half an hour. Costs about 4 Euros a day return.

There are lots of restaurants and lovely beaches here and its about halfwya between Benalmadena and Fuengirola and their 'nightlife' Torremolinos is about 10 mins by train.

Its a mixture of Spanish, British and Scandinavians here (but mostly Spanish)

We have a 3 bed villa with a pool and stunning views, very spacious. its costs 1400 euros per month.

Good luck

Nic

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Nic, do any of your children go to the International Schools - do you have a preference or opinion about any of them. We are moving out there next year - my grandchildren are coming with us - they are American - age 9 and 10 - and Ii am thinking an Int. School will be easiest for them to integrate. Thanks!

Re: Moving to Malaga
 

Depends what you want your grandchildren to integrate into

An international school is good for integrating into the international community in Spain, but it isnt good for integrating into Spanish society