Possibly moving to the Costa Blanca on my own

Good luck, Jenny. As a new member, you need to spend some time browsing the forum in order to find out what a move entails.

For example, if you're not receiving the UK state retirement pension, you'll need full-cover private health insurance, and you'll need to prove that your finances meet the requirements her for residency.

In no way am I trying to deter you, just wanting you to become aware of what's entailed, and I'm sure you'd love it out here.

Thank you Jim,  yes I know I will need health insurance,  an NIE number & residency. I believe the solicitor can help with some of this. I plan on getting an independent local English speaking solicitor. I'm sure there's much more I need to know.

Hello Kim,

Thanks for your reply.  I have thought of renting somewhere for 3 months so that I can look around the area before buying. I must admit I hadn't thought of the holiday home aspect of a coastal area, surely though there would still be a good percentage of permanent residence still around in the quieter months?, I wouldn't want to be completely isolated at those times.

Kim, you mentioned the practical implications of moving to Spain. I suffer with dyslexia & for me it means I don't always retain information or understand things the way others do, so I might not have looked into them all. I know you have to prove you have enough finances to support yourself, you need to get health insurance, unless you are in receipt of your State Pension, you need to get an NIE Number & residency. Could you let me know what I have missed?

Do you live in Alcazares Kim? Have you lived in Spain long?

Thanks again,

Jenny X

Hello Jenny

Good luck with everything.  I am here on my own and love it.  Who needs a man?  They only create extra work.

I would advise you to rent first so that you are sure of the area and also the kind of property you want.  Some areas are like ghost towns in winter and overrun with tourists in summer.

As you don’t drive you need to be near shops and bus route.  Join a Spanish class and you soon make friends.

Hello Josephine, 

Thanks for your Msge.  May I ask where you live & how long you've been there?

I had come to the same conclusion with not having a car, & yes, I would want to be close to everything & on a bus route. Spanish lessons a must if only for the basics, lol.  X

Hi Jenny

I live in Orihuela Costa, that is nearer to Torrevieja.  If you look on the map you see La Zenia, Playa Flamenca and then Torrevieja.  I have been here full time now for 2 years, before that I was coming and going every few weeks.  I have a car and wouldn’t want to be without it but that is me being lazy.

I have my dog, my best friend, that is all I need.

If you come to live in Los Alcazares I can drive over to meet up.

Hi Josephine,

Aww, that's very kind of you, you could be my first friend, 😊. 

We have 2 small dogs which we were going to bring to Spain with us, but given what's happened I feel they will need to stay with my husband. My first thought was to have one with me, but it's not fair to split them up.  X

Hi Jenny

Yes, I could be your first friend in Spain.

Leaving your dogs will be heartbreaking but as you said it wouldn’t be fair to split them up.  

Take care x

Hi Josephine,

I would miss my dogs dearly, but I would be leaving them in good hands with my husband, with my Sciatica & arthritis, he's the one that walks them & he'll appreciate keeping their company.  X