Looking to move to Villamartin with partner and 12 year old - Page 2

You said your daughter would go to an international school so I wouldn’t worry about “different systems”. Hopefully the Brexit position will be clarified fairly soon. We lived in Belgium with our kids around 10 years ago and they definitely have a broader world view (they went to an international school and had lots of international friends). I’d say it was a very positive experience. One thing to consider is university (if your daughter wants to go - it’s only 6 years away). My understanding is that only Britudh residents qualify for Uk student loans - and although these add high debts to students, it’s cheaper than being an overseas student in a UK uni. Presumably as a Spanish resident she’ll need to go through Spanish funding (the international school should be able to advise you).  I hope you find s solution that works for you. 

wow what a lot of negativity I moved here 3 years ago and have never had a problem getting a job, I have very basic spanish and there are plenty of places hiring although the wages are  nowhere near in England the cost of living is so much cheaper you dont need it, I have been both employed and self employed and yes it is very expensive to be autonomo but there are schemes to ease you into the system so you dont pay as much initially. If you are employed or autonomo you automatically qualify for healthcare which is excellent here. Use a translator to get all paperwork done its not worth the hassle trying to do it yourself. The only thing i cant help with is the education as my children are all grown up but the international schools are suppose to be very good.

I dont regret moving here for one minute and would definitely recommend it good luck

Sue 

Thank you sue for replying and it's nice to hear your positivity as the negativity has put a slight downer on our thoughts. Obviously we are going to wait to get this brexit problem over with so we all know Where we stand. My partner has a very successful repair business here in Kent and has a great reputation. I have no doubt he would do ok over there. He is a mobile phone repair technician fixing phone screens/water damage/connector and battery issues plus ipads, tablets, computers, the hair straighteners etc.. he does all the screens for Eurotunnel and Saga holidays/insurance and private customers. I am secretarial but don't mind even doing cleaning or could help him with his business. Like you say the salaries are lower but the cost of living is also. I have realised we would have to put my daughter into the international scho and pay around euro 750 a month which is a lot but think it's the only best way for her as they follow the UK curriculum. Have you lived there long? Where are you living? Have you never regretted it? Did you move to retire or did you work out there? Appreciate your giving time to me with your advice. Regards Lorraine. 

Hi we moved here 3 years ago and rented a holiday apartment for the first year to get to know the area. We then found a villa in Los Balcones that we rent long term and like it here. My husband took early retirement as he was a police trainer in the UK but I have worked ever since we got here. The main jobs for non Spanish speakers are in real estate, telemarketing and bars. I have done them all lol but am working for an estate agent now in the rental department. We love it here the lifestyle is so much more relaxed and you spend much more time outdoors. I have never regretted it and have no desire to move back to uk we miss family obviously but they visit us regularly. I would always say just do it but obviously you have a school age children which makes it more difficult a decision. Hope that helps. Sue 

Sorry just realised you said you moved there 3 years ago and have worked both self-employed and employed. That's good you didn't have a problem getting work. Did you keep a home in the UK or just move out lock stock and barrel? 

Sorry I am reading on my phone and got confused didn't realise you had replied ...just reading your last message now...

Thats really positive to hear...and great that you work in an estate agents I would love to do that. Does your husband do anything like golf etc?  The whole thing for us is the outdoor more laid back lifestyle. We are sick of the winters here being stuck indoors with the early dark evenings and feeling we hardly get a summer. Like you say it's harder for us to make the decision while my daughter is only 12 and either need to hurry up and do it now or wait until she finishes school although she may put up a fight then when she has more of a mind!  So not sure what is best. We have holidayed in villa martin before. Is las ramblas area nice to live? What is Los balcones like, is it nice and quiet? Are both areas quieter than villa martin? 

We have a home in the UK that we rent out which goes towards the bills here. We chose Los Balcones as it is on the bus route to Torrevieja which we visit whenever anyone comes to visit and theres a nice centre with bars & Restaurants. Villamartin is very lively especially in the summer when the plaza is heaving but there are plenty of bars and restaurants there. Las Ramblas is lovely but it can be quite a walk to the bars of La Fuente especially the further in you are, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, Los Dolses, La Florida and Punta Prima are all very popular areas with ex pats. 

Sue