Hello! looking to relocate to area in general late 2018/9

Hi

I’m in Villamartin, Orihuela Costa, been here 11 years April. We’ve two children aged 12 and 16 both went and are still in Spanish schools, so now fluent in both languages.

My husband was in the Met and after 14 years decided things had changed a lot and we moved here. He was based in Lambeth.

We like this area, though not very Spanish it suited our needs for the kids and work.

And the for a more Spanish feel some towns are only 10 to 15 min drive out.

Any questions feel free to PM me.

Caren

Caren,

firstly thanks very much for your reply,  it can only help us make the decision easier.  Im not sure how to PM you but if you are on FACEBOOK I am Paul Mills and would love to add you to our friends if that is agreeable.   Lambeth!  I have been QA, YT, BX mainly  uniform response teams.   Not missed it one bit.

thanks Paul Mills

Firstly mainland Spain is not the canaries at least weather wise, we love Gran Canaria but plunged and bought a holiday home here. We’ve had our first Xmas and now Feb half term and frankly it’s bloody freezing but nice to be away from home but not canaries weather so be warned off that first.

The other key decision is do you want to leave England/ Wales to just be surrounded by English? If the answer is no then the keep away areas are easy.

We chose Relleu as it was handy for Alicante airport 40 Mins or Valencia 1hr 45, Beach 15 mins away, Benidorm 25 mins which makes it easy to furnish and a great base to tour, relleu is about 10-15% English, another 10 from across Europe the rest spanish with wonderful views and architecture and greatbpurxhase prices 

Scott,

thanks for reply, yet again it helps with decision process.  We have been to Spain many    times but never this area.   We are aware of the chill you are having at the moment but I     can say that we have had sun all day here in Wales!!  Just of  a change.  We are open for   both options UK or Spanish areas,  it would be dependant on Schools availability and obviously the property we wish to buy.   We are very much likely to rent for minimum of six months anyway,  one reason to see if its for us and the kids.   We aim to be in the area for the Summer unless we can get out during Easter half term.  

We are not aware YET! of any Brexit issues or concerns, but mindful that should we move after March 2019 we may be allowed on different terms unlike you and others already established.   Our main concern is medical costs.  On short term we will have UK based insurance and E111, but long term and as Ex-Pats we don't qualify for any Pension state related cover due to our age.    Brexit is the only reason we moved from London to my home town of Swansea after retirement and not move to Spain. 

We are likely to place the kids in Spanish State Schools rather than the International ones,  no one has been negative about Spanish Education system.   We are wanting to be part of the community but not in each others pockets and would wish to socialise with fellow ex-pats and locals if that is possible.  So your help and guidance in all information is welcome.

thanks Paul

Poor kids.. Straight into a Spanish school at that age...Might be very hard for them..Unless they are in intensive Valencian courses there in wales and have a really good grasp of the language which is taught in schools here, they will struggle..

Good luck, especially to the kids

you are absolutely right!   its our biggest concern for obvious reasons and maybe a deal breaker.