Advice please on Torrevieja - Page 4

Thank you we did have these areas just outside in mind.

Best Regards

Janlan

Grannyrose I can't thank you enough for taking the time to compose a most detailed reply of every aspect  I may encounter you certainly sound like you have a wonderful life and I hope ours can equally be one day sooner rather than later and we can too be closer to heaven.  Completely jealous of the sun tan it is 8 degrees here today,

All the best

JanIan

Hi, I much prefer Guardamar to Torrevieja, it may be a bit quiet for you son though. I wouldn’t like to be in the middle of Torrevieja but on the outskirts would be a good base. Santa Pola is also nice but quiet out of season. 

Thanks we have just booked an apt in Playa Flamenca for a holiday in July so intend to visit Guaradamar then along with a few other areas,

All the best,

Janlan

Torrevieja can be whatever you want it to be.  Being an extremely Cosmopolitan town you can keep to everything Spanish, or British or enjoy the diversity of both.

I'm a single lady and don't feel threatened at all.  I'll happily walk into a Spanish bar full of men, bid my "Buenas dias" and no one bothers me....... even though I'm a Transgendered woman.  You may see a lady of the night on a roundabout, but that can be everywhere and that's Spain for you.  Indeed, when you come from the airport you'll pass the "Nightclub" on your left hand side between La Marina and Guadamar....... it's a brothel, but live and let live.

Regarding the Spanish not being robbed!   I can assure you the thief does not come knocking on your door enquiring as to your nationality.  Thieves want an easy time and they'll pick easy targets.  Unfortunately many people drop the sensible security practices they have back "home".  In addition, crime can happen anywhere as you'll read in the papers.

If someone approaches you and asks if you want any "weed" just tell them you have enough of it in your garden 😀. Seriously though, simply ignore them and carry on walking.  In the unlikely event of them asking again a brisk, dismissive "no quiero"  will suffice.

Property.  Just like the UK, it can happen, but again take the appropriate security measures.  From Ciudad Quesada through the Urbs leading to Torrevieja, up and down the Costa as well as inland in the beautiful Vega Baja you are not immune.    I live in a gated Community near the salt lake.  It is not everyone's cup of tea.  Indeed, location wise I'd like to live in a small Finca out in the Campo with views of the magnificent mountains that surround us.  But it just isn't practical and I personally think you're way more vulnerable.  So living in a gated community gives you that extra bit of security. We have a good mix of Nationalities, tennis court, a very large community pool and yes, even a bar right by the pool.  I've had this property for 22 years and quite happy.   Everything is on my doorstep, apart from the salt lake I have supermarkets, Spanish & Brit bars, restaurants, the Habaneras Mall, the Ozone Leisure centre where I go tenpin bowling in a league and if I want to pop into town a healthy 20 odd minute walk or a quick cycle.

May I say despite some people knocking Torrevieja it is no bad place.  I actually started coming here over 35 years ago and I'm still very fond of it.  

It all boils down to personal preferences.

Janet

Hi there - that was very informative!!!   I am currently looking for a vacation rental property.  I need to generate some income, and this seemed a good way to do it.  But, when it is not rented, I would like to live in it too, which hopefully will only be about 4 - 6 months a year.  I am 62.  Considering this - that income is most important - where would you buy in/near Torrevieja?  Still Guardamar?

Thanks

Donna

p.s.  I'm not the bar type so might be re-thinking, but again … it's for income mostly.

Hi Janet, 

A very informative post - I definitely agree that personal and honest accounts of experiences are the best, rather than second hand rumours (bearing in mind that people can have vastly different perspectives on the same experience!). I hope you continue to enjoy your time in Spain. 

If I were in your position, I would seriously consider buying in the areas where the Scandinavian people like.  My preference would be to find a couple who want to escape their very cold winters and come here for that period. If you plan to rent your proposed home out in the off season, these people would be my choice. You should have no problems getting them to move out as they will be happy to return home to visit their families and friends for the summer. You do not want to have any hassle which you are not able to sort out not being here in the country.   

We are in the Torremarina area. Go into some of the very upmarket estate agents and have a talk with them. Tell them your plans and ask for their advice.

We are on the La Mata side of Torrevieja.

Do your homework. I might be wrong but this is my honest opinion. A lot of my neighbours are Swedish ( Swedish Church closeby and they are church goers) they speak fluent English and seem to enjoy games of  potanca on the warm sunny afternoons...all age groups.

I would not recommend renting to locals as they will wish to have a longer tenure which will not suit your needs,

Good luck.

Thanks Janet for taking the time to  reply with so much information very much appreciated,

All the best,

JanIan

Harsh words. Each to their own though.  We have lived in Torrevieja for 6 years now. Never once havewe felt afraid or threatened,day or night. Torre prom at night is lovely. Nice beaches. I'm near The Habaneros,and Carrefour. Loads of nice shops. Supermarkets here are spotless. Great health service. Cost of living amazing,and still find that incredulous after six years. We feel safer here,than we ever did in the UK.