Amandacooper

Hi,
Me, my husband and our 2 children (3&2) are looking to move to Spain for an initial 6 months trial possibly leading to permanent if we like it.
Can anybody recommend what parts of Spain would be most suitable, i.e low crime, family friendly, ex pat community etc.
Work not an issue as my husband works offshore so would stay in his current job.
Was thinking maybe Canary Islands but open to all areas.
Any help appreciated

Rosemary

Edit your post because you are in the Spain forum and then suddenly asking about areas of Cyprus.

Rosemary

steviedeluxe

Huh? Cyprus?

Amandacooper

Sorry we are considering Spain and Cyprus so posted in both forums, have edited this now

missile

Your husband works where offshore?

If he works 2on and 2off then you might want to consider places close to an airport with direct flights?

fionamw

OP: I imagine you might have hoped for more replies, actual suggestions? I think if you've already done a thorough search of the Spain section you'll see we sometimes seem inundated by people wanting ideas as to where to move to. Sometimes they come to the forum with little idea what they're looking for and are met with loads of what some consider negative, offputting pointers about unemployment, rental properties/prices, schooling issues, health/social welfare/ issues and so on.
If you're looking in two places at once maybe you haven't done much research on either yet?
It would really help if you can give a bit more detail about your family, jobs/children/ages/language abilities, preferences for socialising and other stuff like that, need to get to which bits of the UK & how often..... you get the picture?
Even then I'm guessing the replies you get will be along the lines of pick somewhere you THINK might be right for you, come over for a couple of weeks, live like it's not a holiday and move on, doing that until you find somewhere which feels 'right'. And then don't buy!
If your OH has offshore work, on permanent contract, you're in a better position than many who rely on Spain for their income or pensioners whose income has dwindled in real terms.
As many who've posted find themselves saying, I'm sorry if you've read this and think my reply seems a bit wordy and unfair......I'm actually trying to help

Leper

I presume you mean coastal Spain. You have a huge choice. I would recommend Costa Almeria and in particular Mojacar Playa which is a working tourist town all year round and low rise. It has the driest and warmest climate in mainland Spain. There is a friendly ex-pat community. School would not be a problem. You have a choice of Almeria, Murcia and Alicante airports. Rental prices are low there also (€500 per month for 2 bedroom apartment).

Cazzy1

I would recommend Inland Andalucia area, where there are ex-pats and Spanish. You can mix with the ex-pats and also be part of a Spanish community. Also houses and rent are cheaper!!

fitnesschick

Hi I have spent over a year researching Cyprus and Spain with over 10 visits, also many hours on the internet reading all the history on these wonderful chat forums (before even asking any questions). Literally just reading and reading and looking and looking and going and going... :-)

I am moving to Estepona in 3 weeks with my son.....

I would really recommend getting out there hiring a car and driving, I did and I researched so much, started with Cyprus, then went to Spain and then covered four different costas, till I found the place that felt right!!

It was worth it, good luck :-)

Leper

Fitnesschick, I like your approach. I hope everything works out right for you. you hit the nail on the head when you suggested visiting several places and proactively and practically thinking things out. I would suggest visiting several places off season. I know it is easy to say, but Amanda is not looking for work. She is in a win/win situation.

fitnesschick

Thank you Yes completely agree, I was in Spain mainly through the winter and shows you how busy places. Some of the places I first considered through Internet research, proved too quiet realistically.

Amandacooper

Thank you for your help.
We actually visited Estepona on holiday last year and said how nice it seemed for families.
None of us can speak any spanish so was hoping to go somewhere we can get by on English and hopefully pick some spanish up as we go, although we are only planning to stay 6 months so isnt a permanent move.Our boys are 3 and 2 (this month) so we want to get a 6 month trip in before the eldest starts school next september.
Thanks

fitnesschick

Yes Estepona is lovely, a stunning place and close to Marbella for shopping cinemas etc. But it's managed to keep it's individual charm. We are both learning Spanish having lessons here and will continue when we move. But of course you can get by here like many places.
Carry a phrase book with you and just have a go thats what we do. Although sometimes you do get blank looks.lol

I am renting 3 bedroom over looking the beach for 500 euros month. But you do have to look around for good deal. Also if you you rent through winter months you will get better deal and can often knock them down. Also most in summer will only rent 11 months.

Also you have the new golden mile in-between San Pedro and Estepona which has loads of more English bars restaurants. Even a great fish and chip shop!!

It wasn't for us. As I like to be able to not rely on a car. But some great chiringuitos and lots of lovely people there. Plus international school Mayfair.
There is a lovely block called costalita gorgeous apartments near beach with pool. My friend lives there.
Or if you want to be in Estepona the seghers area or Marina is great.

But get the google man and walk around different costal areas and take a good look that's what I did. I walked most of the streets in Spain haha.


Sounds like great thing to do!

missile

A street walker <LOL>

fitnesschick

Yes totally.Lol Spent many many hours walking that little google man around Spain, looking at different locations before flying out to research even more. Think he will miss his walks when I move there. 