unsure about moving to spain - Page 4

Really difficult to say. Rent first to see how it goes. Everyone has different experiences. I personally find the roads and pavements far superior here to the uk. But just my experience having slipped on ungritted roads in UK and suffered a fractured hip. The E111 would have covered your healthcare in Europe until the uncertainty of Brexit. The Spanish do seem to have changed slightly, again since the B word. I have owned a property for 15 years, the other side of Alicante, and moved here permanently (early retirement) in March this year. I went back to the UK for 8 days a few weeks ago. I couldn't wait to get back to Spain. UK grim, grey, cold and constantly wet. Back to Spain blue sky, cold at 16 degrees ! will get colder at night but still blue sky and warm during the day. 

I’m always slightly nervous when I read how rude and unhelpful the Spanish allegedly are. I think much of this perception may be because of the language difficulties; think how irritated people in UK become with immigrants (which is what we are) who speak little of the language. I fully appreciate that learning a language later in life is not easy, but there is absolutely no reason why Spanish people should speak English for our benefit.

Also, cultural perceptions and mores differ greatly between countries and what may be perceived as rude by people from UK may not actually be meant as such here. This is why, where we used to live in UK, there was a cultural training centre in the area, used by businesses sending delegates overseas and even the Police Force, in order to avoid glaring cultural misconceptions.

El Raso near Guardamar is great, taxi from El Raso to Guardamar around  €10. Bus from Airport to Alicante, bus from Alicante to Torrevieja stops at Guardamar. Bus service from there to El Raso or taxi. Also plenty of taxis to and from Airport.

Plenty of social groups, sports, knitting, spanish lessons. You have to ask and find out at the local bars and coffee shop. Friendly people. There is a facebook page if you live here, you can ask for help with all sorts of things, pardon, residencia, medical etc etc.. 

The Farmacia is extremely helpful and nice you register with the GP they can make appointments for you.

There is a bus stop just outside El Raso on the main road , the bus goes to Quesada.

Good well kept Urb. Pavements are good.

We love it here,5 mins drive to the beach, communal swimming pool, bars, restaurants, small supermarket, chinese shop, coffee shop, vet, estate agents.

Completely agree. They are not really rude, just abrupt. Unlike us Brits no please and thank you after everything. Interpretation difficulties. I do find them friendly but still think the current situation doesn't thelp.  

I live north of Alicante (more Spanish). You notice it more here than Torrevieja way. There are far more ex pats down there and the Spanish people speak far better English.

There will always be a minority who resent foreigners in any country. More so in the UK at the moment than here. However we do contribute immensely to the Spanish economy. 

You may contribute to the Spanish economy but as most expats live under the radar and survive off the expat population and pay nothing into the economy I fear this resentments that are being felt will maybe get worse.

I am 74,alone with just my dogs..I’ve bought old property near Rojales,pleasant mix spanish,ex pats and other nationalities in the area but few neighbours..I thought I would never drive out here,it’s been a dread of mine for years..but it’s so easy,muchless scary than driving in the uk..flowers in the central reservations,blue sky.mountains and very little traffic.Superb roads..forget uk,(the pot holes ,they drive on the left,..whats left of the roads !) 

 I arrived just over two months ago,I go out here far more than I did at home,you don’t have to be alone..even a coffee is a chance to chat to others..there is plenty to do if you want it..I’ve not regretted my move for a second..I’m blessed. I wake every morning feeling thankful that I took the leap...if it’s something that you want to do then try it..if you rent it’s easy to go back they haven’t deported you..I’ve bought cos I’m staying...love it.

Pacoboy depends what you mean about 'pay nothing into the ecomomy'. I am resident here in Spain. Yes I understand too many ex-pats live under the radar. Don't want to pay dues in UK cos they dont live there, don't want to pay in Spain cos they're British....

On the other hand if they all went home to UK the economy would suffer because they do pay rent, rates, shopping, fuel etc..All still adds to the economy.

I don't understand why so many people want the life but don't want to contribute properly to sustain it. Yet they believe other nationalities are taking the p*** when they do the same back in UK.

Well correct I pay all my taxs even if it is more expensive in spain I am fed up with expats asking me WHY I pay tax. Spain would be the riches in Europe if it collected all the tax due.

Hi, I live in urbanisation Castillo de Montemar, right outside Algorfa.   Algorfa is quaint, but pretty quiet and not a large town. Closest larger supermarket is 5km away in the town of Almoradi.  To live here, I will say you need a car, not to feel isolated.  We are surrounded by small villages and towns, but they are not within walking distance ( unless you go for a hike). 😊😊 

Thess

I can definitely recommend to buy or rent. Guardamar Del Segura, Ciudada Quesada, or La Mata. If buying I would not recommend urbanizations. Good Luck.