Hello all

I have a possible job opportunity in the British school in Valencia. Can anyone give me any info about the area, housing, crime, education, climate etc. Your help would be invaluable.

Graeme

Is it in actual Valencia or the region?

Valencia itself is a nice city that has undergone a big regeneration in recent years. The outskirts however are skuzzy, ugly and not anywhere you would want to dwell. Once you get in there the shops are great, fab night life and very much a cafe society feel to the place. The local dialect is Valenciano but it's not rigidly enforced as with Barcelona. You'll get along just fine with Castellano.

Crime across Spain is high and Valencia is no exception. You have to keep your wits about you and hang on to your bag at all times. It's sad that you have to ingore people who ask for directions, want the time etc., but you really do have to.

The climate is ok. Winter can be a bit grim and it does get more than its fair share of rain. You would definately need to hang on to your winter woolies but fortunately it's a short winter and it's not long before the scent of orange blossom starts to fill the air again.

Depends on what you mean by outskirts really - there are good and not so good areas, just like any city. There are some very nice towns just outside Valencia that are only 20 minutes drive from the centre and are nice places to live.

Agree with Peejay, I live in the 'outskirts' and I wouldn't say it was skuzzy or ugly. How far 'out' do you mean?

BTW Sibsie perhaps the 'cafe society' is coming your way now!!
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article299064.ece

Arsecakes. I had a long reply that just vanished. Hate that. I meant not very far out at all. The industrial / residential area just before you hit the city proper. There are some lovely villages around but it's really not the prettiest drive in from the A7.

Just read your link about my town! True it's no longer a dry town but it only extends to when you're having a sit down meal in a restaurant with a special licence. As this is the most anal place on earth, I can't see it changing any time soon.