My husband, our two children 4 and 6 and I are seriously thinking of relocating to spain the costa de la luz. My husband is a chef and has started making enquiries to some of the 5 star hotels in the area. We love the outdoor lifestyle and the of course the weather. We also think what a great opportunity to give our children a chance to go to spanish school and be fluent in two languages. We have started spanish classes and do not think we are going over there to sunbathe and drink. Reading some of the threads I am getting mixed thoughts on moving and would love to hear from anyone in this area or the costa del sol on your thoughts on relocating, schools and working.
Thanks
eleanor robertson

Read the similar threads at the bottom of page they may help you.

Hi Well we'v been living on the costa de la luz now for .....3 years if we can give you any help just fire away with the questions.

Hi Eleanor,
For what it's worth, here's a bit of input, it really depends what you want, if you want to be English in Spain, stay on the coast, it seems lots of it has been taken over by is and turned it into a mini england.
To get as near to true Spain, head inland, it doesn't have to be far in land though.
There are many villages that are quite unspoiled, but best to get moving on your Spanish, they just don't understand.
But if they see your making the effort, they will generally help (But they still can't understand)
it obviously makes it difficult but well worth the pain.
if you buy on a development, you will be with mostly none Spanish, with the kids you have take the step,it's only bottle that will stop you,and it is ONLY that which stops others.We have just bought a place in a small typical white village called Sayalonga, it's only 15 minutes from the beach at Torr de mar, but so ,so Spanish
Try property networks for rental or purchase, they have a growing portfolio, with lots of (within budget) homes for sale and afterwords will help you with all sorts of things.
regards
Glenn

My first reaction was why are you having mixed thoughts? Just wondering what reservation you might be having - it would help to focus on those so we could advise.

Generally what I would say is that for younger families one of the biggest - if not the biggest issue is that of finance and making a living. As your husband is a chef you have a great opportunity and head start over most people as work is plentiful to say the least. Not as well paid as in the UK but then you shouldn't move if that is a problem.

Best Wishes

Mark

I agree with Mark, but he forgot to tell you it doesn`t cost as much as the UK to live here ( 5* wages )

Actually that's a very good point - thanks JDR - yes it is cheaper although prices are not so different as they used to be - it also depends where in Spain you live. Prices on certain parts of the coast are much higher than a little bit inland.

Basically we get ripped off for living in an area filled with northern Europeans but you just have to make your choice. Living by the sea and beaches is fantastic and you have to pay for that.

Today is an awesome day - sunny and very hot - love it.

Mark

Yeah try to eat and drink in the Spanish bars, drinks about a € and sometimes tappa`s for free
I have to agree it has got a lot dearer lately, probably due to people paying silly money for golf properties.

Hi eleanor - my name is anne my husband and I took early retirement and came to spain 2 yrs. ago my brother and family also live here with two children 11 and 15 (my other brother has a house on the costa del sol ) we are very happy here but the move especially for younger couples and children can have some drawbacks I would be happy to answer any questions. My daughter and family went to live in the France so I am really up on most of the advantages and drawbacks of relocating - schools can be one hurdle!!! We live on the costa blanca near the border of Murcia (inland about 10K)
-firstly dont do anything without lots of research and come to different areas rent first (that bit is easy).. the area you have picked is extremely hot in the summer dont forget it was mainly desert over a vast area... Take into account climate change. I wont go on but please dont hesitate to contact me if you would like. My best wishes anne blackmore

We live som 15km inland from the Costa del Sol and find prices here much lower than in areas on the coast. We atill reckon that, as long as you buy Spanish not imported products, prices are still considerably cheaoper here than in the UK - approx € for Pound UK. Having said that, Telefonica phone charges and Electricity charges tend to be slightly dearer if anything. We have lived out here for 4 years now - first year in house that we had as holiday home on the coast at Nerja, and just under 3 years here at the Lake Vinuela area. Coast was brill for holidays butr NOT where we would want to be permanently.