Moving to Mallorca
Apr 1st 2014 | 7:54 pm
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,255
Re: Moving to Mallorca
Both are right. Pointing out reality. But LA.Carson doesn't seem to be a victim of dreamy illusions about "making it big in Mallorca". If you want to be a millionaire here, bring 2 million with you.
And people do lose their money. Not only by investing in foolish ideas, but also just getting ripped off by unscrupulous operators. But if you come here with the realisation that everybody wants your money, you are a lot less likely to part with it indiscriminately.
And true, average wages are low, but (depending on where you choose to live) cost of living can be ridiculously cheap. A lot of people with little income live quite well. But that won't happen if you choose the expensive expat areas.
And it's true, outside of bars & restaurants, employers are more likely to hire locals than foreigners, except in those cases where foreigners are likely to possess a specific talent, such as in the yachting industry.
And by the way, we go to Alcudia all winter long. True, the streets aren't clogged with billions of tourists, but many bars and restaurants, not to mention the port, are open and active, which is why we go there. Alcudia has a significant resident population that doesn't go into hibernation. Actually I prefer Alcudia in winter. In summer, it's intolerably busy.
Magaluf is dead in winter, though. Almost entirely boarded up ghost town. Very small local resident population.
And people do lose their money. Not only by investing in foolish ideas, but also just getting ripped off by unscrupulous operators. But if you come here with the realisation that everybody wants your money, you are a lot less likely to part with it indiscriminately.
And true, average wages are low, but (depending on where you choose to live) cost of living can be ridiculously cheap. A lot of people with little income live quite well. But that won't happen if you choose the expensive expat areas.
And it's true, outside of bars & restaurants, employers are more likely to hire locals than foreigners, except in those cases where foreigners are likely to possess a specific talent, such as in the yachting industry.
And by the way, we go to Alcudia all winter long. True, the streets aren't clogged with billions of tourists, but many bars and restaurants, not to mention the port, are open and active, which is why we go there. Alcudia has a significant resident population that doesn't go into hibernation. Actually I prefer Alcudia in winter. In summer, it's intolerably busy.
Magaluf is dead in winter, though. Almost entirely boarded up ghost town. Very small local resident population.
As you said, a lot of people with little income live quite well. They still need an income and the question is what's cheap. If people have family support, own a house, or an apartment it's a different story. If you have to pay €400 rent that's still a lot of money + electricity, water and other charges. Because it's cheaper you'll probably be living further away from the centre, so will need a car or use public transport to get to your job. You'll have to buy food and suddenly realise that the money is gone. The UK, Ireland and other places are also ridicuously cheap depending on the area.
Apr 1st 2014 | 10:00 pm
#32
Banned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19,367
From: Mallorca
Re: Moving to Mallorca
All true. Nonetheless there is a difference. Here, you can be poor in a mild climate with beaches that are virtually empty from November to March. 
That was pretty attractive when I was 20. I reckon it still is. Still, with the benefit of the wisdom that comes with age, I'd certainly recommend prioritising where you can build prosperity over avoiding cold winters and having beaches nearby.
That was pretty attractive when I was 20. I reckon it still is. Still, with the benefit of the wisdom that comes with age, I'd certainly recommend prioritising where you can build prosperity over avoiding cold winters and having beaches nearby.
