Villamartin v Quesada.

It depends , is it a holiday home you are looking for, if so what time of the year will you be using it? 

You are obviously not looking for a home near the beach as both areas are inland. 

First thing to consider when purchasing a home is location and it has to be a location that feels right for you. You’ll know as soon as you see the areas.

When we first came over to look at properties for our permanent move, we too  had  both those areas in mind. I hadn’t visited the area, but hubby knew it well. One of those areas I hated on first site,( but I’m not saying which area on here). The other area was OK, but that was it just OK  and not wow this is where I want to live. We found our perfect location just by driving round and getting a feel for places. 

Both of those areas are fairly big and have a central “entertainment” hub, but the areas are so spread out that you have another half dozen little areas with bars and restaurants, so they’re similar in that respect.

Find the area you like sit in a bar and ask the staff and the locals what they think about that area. That way you can make your own decision.

Lynn

Thanks Lynn.

Where about  did you end up settling if you don’t mind me asking? Yes, it is a permanent move. Coming to have a look in September. Quasada caught my eye (haven’t been there yet) but there arnt any buses. Villamartin is pretty. As I say, our 20 and 18 yr olds are moving out with us.

We live on El Raso, which is mid way between Quesada & Guardamar. Quesada which as you’ve already found out is lacking in public transport, but we have a bus service which takes us into Guardamar so you have the option of going to the beach by bus  as well as vis the bars and restaurants, shops and market  in the town. The Spanish don’t normally start to party till midnight, so that could be suitable for your young adults

Just be aware that when it’s quieter in the winter months, bars  catering for expats tend to close earlier than they do in the summer months,  You really do need to visit  areas in summer and winter to see the differences. 

Presumably you all need to find employment as well, which could be a consideration for the area you choose to live, as well as whether you hold U.K. or EU passports.

Lynn

Thanks for your reply Lynn.

I’ve heard that Quesada is open all year round and that it has a good community feel which drew me to the area. Also, very English, which would help in my son and daughter finding work. Doesn’t help with us all having to take driving lessons again (with there being No buses especially) would have to live near the high street I think! Hopefully we will know when we visit both areas in September.

Emma.

I like Villamartin because the Plaza is walking distance...restaurants and bars. My teenager got a waiting job with a steak restaurant in the summer. The 'strip' is nearby with Karaoke bars etc. LaZenia/ La Flamenca beaches nearby and on local bus route from Plaza. Finally the large shopping Mall, the Boulevard provides work opportunity and family leisure.

Hi, it does sound more ideal with having teenagers, the boulevard etc…and having a bus route. Does it get a lot quieter in winter though? When you say ‘The Strip’ do you mean in Cabo Roig? What’s your opinion of Quesada, if you don’t mind me asking?

Hi Emma 

I would advise you to rent somewhere to begin with. When we emigrated to Villamartin Plaza ten years ago, we rented, and are very glad that we did! It didn't suit us at all, so we moved on after 6 months. One of the reasons was the bus service - the buses are infrequent and they don't run late at night, or at weekends (except in July/August). Another reason was that it became almost dead in winter.

However, just a few Kms away are La Zenia and Playa Flamenca, which are never quiet in winter, and they have a much wider selection of bars/restaurants etc, plus The Boulevard from where you can get buses to Torrevieja and a few other places. A little further away is Punta Prima, which is also a busy area, and has a very good bus service into Torrevieja.

btw - the area from Punta Prima to Cabo Roig is full of English speaking people, of many different nationalities.

Hope I've helped a little.

Cheers 

Steve 

Thanks Steve.

Yes you have helped Thankyou. We will rent first. 

Emma.

I would tip Villamartin or indeed La Zenia. Both have enough hubbub for you and are cheap taxi rides or as they are now, rentable electric scooter rides away from fairly jumping young people action (La Zenia to Torrevieja which is why I say La Zenia as an alternative). Villamartin/Verdemar/Campoamor areas have the plaza and La Fuente in their centre and good supermarkets. And then easy bus, taxi and scooter to the strip as I say. So when you look at Villamartin, look at the other side of the golf course as well. It’s well located and plenty of action.