Moving to spain

Why not rent first for a while. You could try different areas and then make an informed choice to your own likes and dislikes. Everyone is different and many people will say the area they live in is best but it's a personal thing.

The happiest people I have seen are those who rent out their UK property and then rent a property in Spain. This way there is always a fall back if things don't work out - Life changes and health changes and this should not be underestimated.  

All property in UK goes up in value over time. This cannot be said with any certainty in Spain.

Yes we have thought about that too. We  don’t have a mortgage but getting a good tenant is hard too. We own a Motorhome maybe we could use that get the feel of the life in Spain and take it from there. So much to consider 

With respect this statement "an expat ghetto where you will see little of Spain and certainly not encounter many Spanish people or the language." is a generalisation.

People can live in an expat type community if they prefer but nearby there are always Spanish towns to practice Spainish and there is always the wonderful opportunity to travel around Spain to enjoy the culture. That's what living in Spain is all about. 

Hello, this is a common question but so difficult to answer. Why didn´t you like Camposol and what is drawing you to Costa Calida, apart from price? Costa Calida is less built up without the range of facilities on the Costa Blanca, both north and south. It´s quite arid with masses of greenhouses of plastic. San Javier airport is closing very soon and the new airport is Corvera which has far fewer destinations than Alicante. The north of Calida is busier and the area around the Mar Menor is popular but the La Manga strip is my personal idea of hell.
By far the best thing to do is to come down for a month in the warmer months, especially in school holidays, (because it makes a huge difference to the feel of the area) and a month in winter, if that is possible for you. In the meantime, Kyero is the place for practically all property for sale here.
When here, get out and about between viewing properties, get the feel for how you will live out here, how close you want to be to amenities as you get older and maybe less mobile. Buying and selling houses is not cheap and there are hundreds of all types of property for sale all the time so getting it right first time is important. If you do, it can be everything you dream of. 
Search this site for Jim´s guides in Everywhere for information on everything you need to know really about the practicalities. Replies to his posts give you access to many other people with great experience and advice.
My pet subject is heating, having spent my first winter here cold and miserable. You will need it. Loads of information on here with posts covering just about every choice you can think of. 
If you are not totally confident with dealing with all the bureaucracy, get help. We found a gem in Uma at getlegalinspain.com, have a look at her website. She can give you truly independent advice on areas and buying property (as long as you don´t use their estate agency). Using the solicitor recommended by the estate agent is never a good idea, in my opinion. Solicitors seem to just make sure all the boxes are ticked and are happy to collect their money which is obviously linked to the sale going through. Neither are likely to tell you, for instance, that the lovely view from your property will suddenly disappear because of new developments already approved. There are exceptions.
The sun, sea, outdoor life, lower cost of living, the people and the food and on and on are well worth the due diligence. 

Downsides; you will have to have private health insurance until you reach UK pension age. 
Enjoy your search.

In respect of health insurance:  if one of you is in receipt of a government or occupational pension then you can have a Spanish health card - SIP and your partner is included as a dependent free of charge.

Please consider your medial requirements:  being close to medical facilities is a must.  Weatherwise Murcia is freezing in winter and boiling in summer.  Go to the south of the costa blanca.

If you need any more advice/info, just email me.

Kind regards

Richard

Hi Richard what Part is good, and close to amenities. We are going to start looking in March. 

Hello Milosom

Try the area around Crevillent or Albatera.    Don´t go up into the mountains.   You will find it difficult to find a small property which is legal outside of a town.  Catral has some small places but it is mosquito land....  Crevillent is more expensive than other towns because of its facilities.

Why not give me a shout when you are in the area and I will show you some areas which might appeal.

Good luck with your move.

Kind regards

Richard