Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

We are retired and currently live on the Costa Del Sol and enjoy the sun and outdoor lifestyle. However, I don't like the noise everywhere i.e. on the buses, in the shops, in the cafes etc. I don't like the cheap and cheerful Fiestas and Ferias etc the intense heat in Summer, the bureaucracy...and I certainly don't like the dogs that howl because they are neglected or worse. Can anyone suggest anywhere else where the weather is good but not too hot and there's an outdoor lifestyle, that I can research?? I would just like some ideas for now. Thank you.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Costa de la Luz or Costa Tropical

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

I suppose with good, you mean hours of sunshine? Galicia would be an option, but you can have a quiet life anywhere really. Our holiday home is only 10 mins from Lloret/Blanes, but you wouldn't hear a thing. Even South/West England would be an option, as you have a great climate there.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

To be fair, even moving out of Alhaurin El Grande would be an improvement.

Not a very nice place.

However, it is one of the cheaper places to live on the CDS.

The North of Spain including Catalunya isnt as noisy as the South and the fiestas are very different, but you will struggle unless you speak fluent Spanish/Catalan and the winters are obviously worse

I am surprised about the buses, it was my impression that only British OAPs and tourists used them down there!

The dog thing is your imagination. Spanish dogs in the countryside live outside. Some may be neglected but the majority are not, and that has nothing to do with whether they are howling or not

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

UK?

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

:thumbup:

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Thanks for everyone who troubled to respond with serious/decent advice. Cricketman - not sure where you have been. ... the lack of consideration the Spanish have for animals is well known. Why are there so many animal refuges? All you have to do is pick up the papers and you can read all about it, otherwise just listen out/look around you (with regard to my point: why are the dogs howling, are they cared for do they have a kennel/food/toys/water/freedom/love/shelter/are they shut up alone?)...but that is not what my thread is about...anyone else got ideas for somewhere better to live?...not UK please.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

With your disregard for Spanish people and your focus on animals then I suggest you go and live somewhere out of Spain

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

When you say about the noise on the buses and in the shops I presume that you are referring to people talking and therefore I also think that you are referring to Spanish people because they are inclined to be loud. Unless you go to live in an area purely populated by the English you will probably always encounter this sort of noise. My friends all laugh about how loud it always becomes when several are gathered together even in places such as hospital waiting rooms the decibels can be difficult to deal with if you do not like it.

Many might say that if you do not like being amongst the noise of Spanish people, the fiestas and ferias then a move further into the campo might be better but I believe that there is far more noise from dogs in the campos due to the fact that they live outside the majority of the time.

Regarding heat you might find it more to your liking if you move further north to somewhere like Costa Blanca North.

I find it very difficult to give you any quality pointers because I live in a small town amongst Spanish people where it is very quiet the majority of the time but when there are events or even when a couple of people are talking it can be noisy. The Spanish people associate noise with life, they love to show that they are enjoying life and this often means additional noise, they love to talk to each other so if you get a few of them together it becomes loud as they are also inclined to all talk at once. I always joke with them that they do not listen to each other and when I am in the group with them that I am the only one who really is a listener rather than a talker.

Rosemary

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

As mentioned, there are plenty of nice places. We don't know your budget, so it's also hard to say.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Thanks Rosemary. By noise I mean the 'music' which is inescapable whether it be in cafes, shops, the buses etc. The Fiestas and Ferias, or at least those that I have seen are cheap and cheerful. The people are noisy as you say, especially when you get a group of women approaching you in a country lane (minus their dogs), however I find them welcoming and very friendly.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Please don't misquote me Cricketman.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Please don't misquote me, Cricket Man...and EVERYONE SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON ANIMALS WHEN THEY ARE BEING ROUTINELY SLAUGHTERED AT THE POUND, THROWN AWAY WITH THE RUBBISH, THROWN INTO WATER DEPOSITS TO DIE, OR LEFT OUT IN THE SUN TO DIE LIKE THE PUPS I FOUND WHEN NEWLY IN SPAIN.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

You say you want to move because Spanish people are noisy and mistreat animals, then of course you should leave Spain if that is how you feel

or you need to meet some more Spanish people, broaden your experience and perhaps you will feel differently

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Move to Oviedo. It's not as hot, there's no noise, everything is better, and animals are treated with the utmost of respect.

No doubt Cricketman can suggest something in his own neighbourhood?

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

I think it is completely the wrong place for beverleyp. She would be better off elsewhere

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Ignore him, he's the forum's troll :rofl: He talks 'large' but in reality just works as a weekend barman in a Brit bar :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

The Canary Islands are warmer year round :)

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

I have crossed swords with the cricket guy and he is on my ignore list. His approach to the Spanish approach of stringing up hunting dogs and their approach disgusts me.

Far from leaving Spain perhaps he should consider his position whatever that is and wherever it is. Then the Admin guys on here now have sufficient evidence as to his mal fides to ban him from this forum.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

I was going to suggest the Outer Hebrides, but seeing how you mentioned Cmans little piece of paradise, there's not much more to be said.

I mean you could even end up living next door to Fernando Alonso, how cool is that ?

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Me, me please miss! I've got the place for you, pleasant people who love their animals, a mix of nationalities, good weather, community focused, few if any noisy animal hating Spanish and yet somewhat leaning that way architecturally (Spanish not animal hating).
Spain's loss will be Florida's gain:eek:

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Retirement Hometown - New Home Sales, Home Resales, Build Your Dream Home, Brownwood Paddock Square

There was a newspaper article on this community saying how they all got along so well together.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

I knew it was there some where!

Ten women to every man, a black market in Viagra, and a 'thriving swingers scene': Welcome to The Villages, Florida, where the elderly residents down Sex on the Square cocktail in 'honor' of woman, 68, arrested for public sex with toyboy | Daily Mail

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Jeez, hate to have to say it, but I'm with cricketman here.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Actually, the OP only asked for advice about other places to live that she might not find as objectionable - e.g., noise was apparently the main issue. And she is entitled to her opinions about animal treatment - and really, she's not entirely "wrong" about that.

Now, I'm pretty quick to jump all over whinging hypocritical posters. Had she started with "I hate Spain! - can you suggest a place in Spain to live?", I'd be having a heyday with that.

But I really didn't sense much hypocrisy in her original post. She tried it, doesn't like it, and was simply asking for advice on alternatives.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

'She' is absolutely correct as to the treatment of animals.

Of course an animal lover myself and I will wade in when I see ill-treatment and all our animals are rescued and for balance all from France.

In Hemmingways day the bulls did not have their horns shaved. They now do which upsets the balance and thus the foe is out of reach.

I suppose I should not have said that. However I am not going to walk away from ill treatment of animals wherever it occurs. And it occurs everywhere and in the UK we are not immune from it as well.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Only problem I see is that it would be too hot and humid for the OP and without a visa it's pointless + what about health care?

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

A cave house should fit the bill perfectly and meet all your requirements.

No noise from buses, shops, cafés, fiestas, etc. nor noise or disturbance from neglected howling dogs.

Also not too hot in the Summer, not too cold in the Winter.

There are lots available in Almeria for instance, though as your only other problem is bureaucracy, I would suggest you find yourselves a remote one hidden away and long forgotten way up in the mountains. No paperwork, no bills, no escrituras, no nosy stuffed shirts, just puuuuuuurfect for your requirements. ;)

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

I think at best and that is pushing it - is very much uncalled for. If you cannot add anything to the discussion - withdraw- that is what is called for.

Cynicisms add nothing and give us the guy

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Oh dear.

Well at least it's good to see that at least a few on here haven't yet lost their SOH .

You did understand the purpose of that smiley by the way ?

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

You could apply that to people the world over. I suggest you care for your own kind first. If you choose not to, then do not be surprised if others have different priorities.
When you say "why are the dogs howling" are you psychic in that respect?

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

I did ask you not to misquote me. I did not say I want to move because Spanish people are noisy. I just agreed that they are noisy. My experience is just fine thank you!

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Thanks again to everyone who has given me a straightforward serious answer to a straightforward serious question.

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Thanks very much amideislas - I'll research Oviedo.

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Your right, you got me. OK so I will tell the truff from now on

Come to Torrevieca, its wiked. Full of old British folk who love there dogs. And their only noicy when playing bingo!

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

The Basque country (including Navarra) has some great outdoor living pursuits, such as 'senderismo' (walking in the mountains), cycling, you name it, it's here probably. Moreover, walking for instance is pleasant because your'e never far from anywhere to do it. Obviously we cannot compete with the guaranteed sun as in the south, but it can get hot in summer. Navarra is cheaper to live than say Guipuzcoa or Bizkaia, but the north is pretty wet.
As for noise, Spain is a noisy country I find; many people shout, not just talk.
What about Aragon to consider also?

Re: Recommendations for somewhere better to live
 

Well it depends if you are 'addicted' to coastal 'brits abroad' living. And whether you are prepared to put up with the Spanish way of life. If you're a bit adventurous or just grumpy. No insult intended. I wouldn't live in what the vast majority of expats call home. I couldn't stand it! I live in the Sierra de Aracena. In a small village near to Aracena. There are Brits around in the town of Aracena but they are by and large the more relaxed, less demanding sort (if you know what I mean) And most of them speak at least some Spanish. Most quite a lot. Well, you have to. I find it as near to paradise as makes no matter but there are still things that will annoy some people so whingers need not apply. The sort who don't whinge
love it here. The sort who do would hate it. Of course, being Sierra it's cooler than the lowlands both in summer...and winter.