Re: Where to avoid
 

Why the need to be derogatory?

Re: Where to avoid
 

No need to be "derogatory". Brits abroad do a pretty good job without saying anything.

You've learned well. The Brexpat population here has never been anywhere near a majority, and it's declining. The traditional British enclaves have become too expensive for those on a poundland budget, and everywhere else is full of foreigners. Even the crappiest of British destinations (e.g., Magaluf) are being infiltrated with foreigners. They do, after all, have the money. And after a bit of cleaning up and upgrading of standards, even Magaluf can become attractive to foreign visitors. They're already in the process of draining the swamp over there.

Anyway, Costa del Brit is probably a more comfortable choice for you. It's cheaper and more like home. And you'll feel more welcome there.

Re: Where to avoid
 

OTA63


Difficult to predict bad areas best advice is come over and spend some time walking around you will get the feel for it.


Torrevieja has many nice places around and some small villages Los Montesinos, Guadarmar, San Miguel, Benijofar, Almordai. Playa Flamenca, villa Martin etc


What do you want?
Close to beach and amenities, seclusion, an active social life, sports, hobbies etc.


These so called Brit enclaves - a load of poppy cock it is about what you want and the people and places you socialise with / in


Good luck

Re: Where to avoid
 

What about north of Alicante?There is Albir which has beach,shops,schools,transport connections etc.& is part of the more residential Alfaz del Pi,Little Norway as it is called.Because of the high number of Scandinavian residents(& Dutch,Germans-not so many Brits though)it is quite affluent & has even a British school.A bus ride from Benidorm if you crave the nightlife & everything that town has to offer as one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.Even is a stop on the "tram"service between Alicante & Denia.The Computer Club is in English & there is also a "retirement complex" & a marvellous Sports Centre.

Re: Where to avoid
 

Great stuff!
I felt sure I could rely on you for the complete Balearics.

Re: Where to avoid
 

Hi Tadd & Dougal and everyone.

My internet research leads me to believe that that the area in and around Torrevieja and the salt lakes seems best for my wife's health. Which particular part is still up for discussion.

We are quite a private couple an spend a lot of time on our own, mainly because there's not a lot going on here at home. Unless you are into running or bingo which we are not, and neither of us drink.

We consider ourselves to be helpful to those around us that require our far as we are able and more than happy to join in as and when we can (if invited). My main hobby is the horse racing and I like a flutter on the TV races. So there's a saving right there if living in Spain. (There aren't any bookies there are there?)

However, as you all say there's nothing like putting boots on the ground and having a good look around and we plan to do just that. As for finances, if we can live off our income in Scotland (even if things are tight) then surely I can I can live off of it in Spain. It's just a matter of cutting your cloth according to it's width isn't it?
Bryan

Re: Where to avoid
 

Absolutely right, Bryan. As you know, the best that Spain has to offer is generally free.

Re: Where to avoid
 

Do the Americans know about this yet?;)

Re: Where to avoid
 

Bryan, sounds to me like you need to think about a visit or two to the areas you fancy. Sounds like a flight to Alicante, they are all reasonably close then. Just leave the 'holiday' feeling and look at it as a life decision.One mans meat,
another's poison, just both of you be happy. Simple!

Re: Where to avoid
 

Well, you'll find house prices much lower away from the Costas. And you are forced to learn Spanish ---- added to which the locals will have much more time to talk to you when Brits are a rarity. I think Extremadura in Spring is the loveliest landscape in the world.

Re: Where to avoid
 

That the idea Lurchio. Slower way of life, better weather and be happy!!

Re: Where to avoid
 

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: Where to avoid
 

It can be bitterly cold during winter and oppressively hot during summer in a poorly insulated Spanish home. Torre is very busy. After a year or two you might long for the serenity of the West Coast http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...psbdgxdy4r.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...psqj8zjvgc.jpg

Re: Where to avoid
 

A big problem with living away from larger towns is the lack of amenities that may be important to you.It is fine,at first,if you have your own transport but you have to consider there may be a time when that source is not available.We all get older & not as safe behind a wheel & then you find your legs don,t work as well as they used to,so that 3 KMS walk looks like the marathon.Spain is a big country,very much of it rural with mountains & hills as soon as you leave the coastal strip.My business determined that I needed to live in such a situation.But after 18 years,when I retired I decided that it was sensible to have access to buses,shops & other things close at hand.It doesn,t mean you don,t mix with other nationalities.Indeed I am the only foreigner in my apartment block in a town near Benidorm.

Re: Where to avoid
 

Good point Dougal. I know a few who arrived aged in their early 60s only to find their location/property unsuitable in their late 70s. Pays to plan with the long term in mind, none of us are getting any younger !