Thanks for the replies, we have contacted a couple of agents and they seem helpful enough for the time being so that's a start but when we get there for a visit will probably look see what else is around on the ground.

We don't really want to be in the city itself and are looking more for a detached villa with a nice yard at first, with the kids I don't think we could handle an apartment or flat again. Hopefully we can try and sound out the rougher areas too, currently we are thinking a bit north of the city, El Campello, Sant Joan, Mutxamel although that may all change.

We have friends who chose San Vicente and they find that San Vicente is very handy for working in Alicante.

We are 10 mins. inland from El Campello, at Bonalba Golf. In fact we are 10 mins. from just about everything we need, 5 main supermarkets, hospital, doctor and most important, the sea. El Campello has the Lemon Express tram running into Alicante every 30 mins, which is very handy, even for us (park the car, jump on the tram, Alicante in 20 mins.).

The tram line is one of the reasons we are looking in that area, it's not essential but it could be very handy at the same time.

What about public buses, are they any good for getting around the city and surrounds to places like Elche or Sax?

I'm afraid I can't answer that, we don't use them, but I'm told that our local service Busot to Alicante is reliable.

That's alright, I only mentioned those two towns as an example but we have seen a few places in Busot too.
We will have our car as well but just trying to consider if there is good public transport for work, school etc.

Busot is a very pleasant little town, with a larger urbanisation attached. There is a school and a few basic amenities there. There are bus stops on the CV773, but you would be better with a car. It feels isolated, but for many that is part of it's charm.

Ceuvas del Canelobre is worth a visit.

Actually that's not correct. Because OAMI is in Alicante there is a huge number of EU ex-pats and their families in Alicante. Many of these don't even bother getting an NIE but their almost "diplomatic" status gets them through their 3 or 5 year term sin problemas.

Sorry to bump this but the move is just about on us so we are in the swing of packing and stressing and all that goes with it.

Anyway I was wondering if anybody can recommend a good pediatrician for our kids who are 4 & 2 in Alicante or the surrounds, it would be preferable to have the Dr be able to speak English to understand the kids but not essential if they are good.

While I'm at it can anybody recommend a reputable Sat TV dish installer for around the Alicante/ Mutxamel are?

Do you mean a private doctor?

I guess Private would be OK, I was thinking either Private or state.

If it is state then you have no choice on who you see, and what language skills they have.

Of course, you can only use the state service if you are paying social security payments, otherwise you must go private and have private health insurance

I was under the impression our health insurance covered both, I'm probably wrong I'll have to check with the wife on that.
It certainly covers private at the least so I guess that is what I'm after, a good Private pediatrician in the Alicante region, I don't want to faff about when it comes to the kids health.

I've never been restricted on which doctor you want to see before wherever I've lived so that concept seems odd to me.
Not complaining it's just different is all.

I double checked and we will be paying into the SS scheme and have private health insurance as well.

Still I'm open to any recommendations.