France, Ireland or Alicante?

If you're not even sure which country you want to live in, I would suggest you hold back from buying property straight away. It might be sensible to rent for a few months in each country and location you are interested in to get a feel for them. There's no doubt the cost of living is much lower in Spain than France, your money goes further here.

Better before buying anyhting, come and have an extensive look around. For the winter months you can get cheap rentals and it's not so overcrowded like during the summer. In any case you will need a vehicle as public transport is insufficient.

Hi 

There's a number of areas of the Costa Blanca where English is widely spoken. In my particular case, I live in the area known as Orihuela Costa - and almost all expats (not just native English speakers) can converse in English. It's commonly spoken in shops and bars as well.

As others have said, it's best to rent somewhere first, giving you a chance to explore.

Cheers 

Steve 

The one thing that is difficult to comprehend is how cold houses/ apartments can be in the winter. Living in the U.K. most houses are well insulated and cavity walled. Not so here.  Single glazed mostly, single brick, no soundproofing.  It’s beautiful during the day so vital that you have a sunny terrace, patio snd solarium. Don’t start looking for a bargain as it likely won’t be.  I’d suggest buying a house with privacy. Install background heating panels and you’ll need hot/ cold air con in all rooms. If you gave all if this snd an open fire or log burner, you’ll be half way there. You will expecting need ample outdoor space as this is where you will relax in the warmer weather. It’s like having an extra room. Buy good quality outdoor furniture. I’d suggest a top quality ratten table and arm chairs. Versatile. Perfect for dining or relaxing with a book and it a glass of wine. You will also need an area fir a clothesline eg solarium. Again, vital. No need for tumble driers in Spain. Car parking is a must. Nobody wants to pull up at their home and find they can’t park their car. Storage is always on the top of the list.  I’m sure I’ve missed some points but when viewing, bring a list of requirements with you and tick them off. 

Where to live and buy. The choice is yours. 
I’d suggest you buy close to the sea, daily walking is wonderful and better if walking along the coast. Find an area within walking distance to the bank, chemist, supermarket, optician and good restaurants.  Stop off for a coffee and get a feel for the place. Alicante us a very nice city but I imagine you’d have to buy on the suburbs and I can’t help you there. 
Torrevieja is a working town built on a peninsula jutting into the sea. Wonderful Marina , lots of apartments and over to the “left “ you’ll find lots of coastal properties all the way to La Mata. Excellent bus service. On the “right” side of the town, you will find an enormous variety of new builds ( built in the past 25 years) A vast number of expats and many other nationalities as well. You’ll always hear an English person chatting .  Not so on the La Mata side. ( certainly during the summer). Staff in restaurants and shops mostly speak excellent English. We have a lot of Scandinavian people on this side of town. We bought here 20 years ago and believe we bought a treasure!  There’s even a big bbq outside as have many others and a huge communal pool. ( again the norm)

You could settle here in Spain very easily if you fancied it.  Quesada may also suit you. About a 15 minute drive to the coast but lots of lovely houses always available and masses of English speaking people who live there. 
Dot your homework. Decide what it is exactly that you want. Don’t settle for less.  This will be your home so get it right or you will regret it.

Rent first if uncertain. 
Good luck .   Spain isn’t Ireland but it has a lot to offer. You won’t miss the leaves lying on the footpaths or the howling wind and rain. I’m returning home soon and know that we will have to spend hours clearing the debris outside but hey ho, it’s home!

Hi 

I agree with Grannyrose! Except to say that an electric blanket on your bed is far better than aircon in your bedroom - either that or a couple of cats (according to my missus!) Lol 

Cheers 

Steve 

Thank you for taking the time to give me so much detailed information. Really helpful. Do you reside permanently in Alicante?