Hello all, this is my first post here so please go easy on me

I'm moving to Marbella in August with the gf, who has a job lined up there.

I'm looking for advice to find out where is good to live, as neither of us know the area.

We're looking for somewhere on the coast with a nice beach within cycling distance. Not too quiet an area, but then also away from the any loud/touristy bits. We'd like to be in an area that has a good mix of Spanish and Expats. We definitely want to integrate with the local Spanish. We don't want to end up in winter living in a deserted block of holiday apartments. We're both quite arty people (a designer and musician) if that makes a difference!

It would be good if there are local tapas bars and shops with reasonable prices. We've heard horror stories of everywhere being mega expensive!

So please any suggestions as to areas you like, we'd be most grateful!

Also if there are any property or estate agents on here, pm me your details thanks.

Hello and welcome!
Good luck with your move to Spain and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I don´t like negative attitudes but I have to ask, why August?
You are moving during the worst possible month of year as many Spaniards are on holiday during August.
That will make finding a place to rent very difficult indeed as the vast majority of rentals will be turned over as holiday lets!
Even those up for sale, if they haven´t been sold will often be let for holidays at extortionate prices.
All of that said, it isn´t impossible but you will find coming in September beneficial.
The coast is full of nice beaches but from reading your post, I´m made to wonder if you´ve been to Marbella? Marbella is a massive tourist area and there´s no shortage of bars/restaurants, so tapas are a given.
Do you want to live in Marbella, on the outskirts, in adjcent towns, house/appt, dare I ask what sort of budget you´re working on ref rents/purchase. "Expensive" is a very relative term. Is driving an option and what do you consider as acceptable commute time?
I, as I´m sure many others will help but I think we need a bit more clarity.
Cheers
Stu

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Hi Stu,

Thanks for your quick response.

Yes August is a definite, to do with her job. We are just going to do airbnb for a few weeks till we find somewhere. So we prob won't rent long term till Sep anyway.

We haven't been to the area yet. I realise its a tourist area so you can get tapas everywhere. But we're looking to live in a community not completely touristy. More a place with Spanish residents who don't eat at tourist places (or at tourist prices).

Outside of Marbella is fine. We don't need to live in Marbella town itself. Just somewhere along that long stretch of coastline. Even another small town in the area. We just don't want to live in a place with holiday apartments only and no sense of community. Re budgets and 'expensive'. i guess we have about 800-1000 euros to rent somewhere. An apt would be fine, but a house would be perfect. I know you can get nice Fincas in other parts of the south (eg Nerja) but I'm guessing not so easy around Marbella?

Just a note that prices when tourists eat and drink aren't necessarily more expensive, they might be worse quality, but it really depends. There are dozens of restaurants along the paseo maritimo in Marbella which are OK in quality and price - although not cheap

I would recommend Marbella itself, it is actually a nice small city which is as Spanish as you want it to be, but with a large foreign community. And you can get a nice 2 bed flat for that money

I firmly believe that the best quality of life in Spain can be found actually living in Spanish cities where you can walk to your work, schools, bars, restaurants, cinema, beaches etc. It gives you a tremendous freedom

I agree, being able to walk (or cycle short distances) to everywhere is perfection! thanks for your response

To give you a good idea for rentals take a look here:
http://www.fotocasa.es/viviendas/cos...alse&fav=false

I spotted a lovely place for €15,000 per month!
Joking aside, your budget should find you somewhere comfortable enough.
I live a 20minute drive from Marbella heading towards Malaga. This area has plenty of empty buildings which you refer to.
I think I´m right in saying that isn´t the case closer to Marbella so you should be okay.
One place that has come up often on these threads is the old town. Very touristy but very "Spanish" also! Definately worth a look and it´s close to the centre. Closest beach to the old town is about 5mins on bicycle.

haha thanks Stu, maybe one day!

when you mean empty buildings are you talking about the holiday developments that we're not interested in, or the Fincas that I mentioned liking?