rafikiphoto

You can Google the English speaking schools and then look at locations for accommodation which would optimise routes/distances for the school run and your commute. Good luck.

betis

jdr Thank-you for your kind comment which just goes to show why I would rather PM someone than put up with a sarcastic unwarranted comment. Like Caz I live close by and certainly have no 'business' to tout although we shouldn't have to justify sending someone a PM.

Cazzy1

Here here!!!!! Some people are genuine and just want to help!!!!

matchrissy

Thanks, I DO appreciate the help, and advice

jdr

You have to admit it looks a bit sus and besides that it is a bit nicer to use the forum as it is supposed to be used and post the info on the site. Then other people that may also be moving can use it to help them, and who knows may even persuade people living elsewhere that it may be nicer there for them.

matchrissy

nothing Sus at all, i can assure you, just giving me some specific details about what i was asking.

cmcfeid

Matchrissy,
I would go further and say do not consider buying for at least three years by which time you will have decided whether you want to settle in the area. Like the UK, in Spain buying and selling is an expensive and stressful business.

I assume you own a place in the UK, so let that and you will probabaly find that it more than covers the rental of a decent place near Seville.

You and your family may find it difficult to adjust to life in Seville itself which is a beautiful and interesting place to visit but a bit claustrophobic. I suggest you initially commute from Arahal, which is about twenty miles or a half hour easy commute to Alcala. It is a nice typical old Andalusian town with a pretty centre and, like most places in spain, scruffy suburbs. You will get more for your money there and may find it easier to make friends with other parents etc.
Everywhere in inland Andalusia is blistering in July/Aug - use that time to holiday in the UK or go to the Costa de la Luz which is s short drive and is far nicer than the Med.
I have lived and worked in Madrid and Jerez and all of the expats I know would agree that buying should only be considered if you are sure you will have a long term commitment to an area.

matchrissy

thanks for the info, we decided that as you say, waiting to buy would be the best bet

fionamw

Re. the children: when people say English speaking schools, just remember your children will be learning Spanish some 25/30% of the curriculum at an English speaking school, and not just learning Spanish in terms of grammar, reading & writing, but also doing geography/science (conocimiento) in Spanish. If they are outgoing, keen kids I'd be inclined to see how they take to going straight in to Spanish school. Give it a term or two, don't force them if it seems to be going pearshaped, be prepared to move them but the sooner they're into the language the better. I'm sure on top of that you won't forget that if they're in Spanish school they'll need 'topping up' with English reading/writing!

nb from a total innocent's point of view it can't help but be intriguing as to what was so uninteresting to other readers as to send by pm... sorry, had to say!