What's it like to live in Xàtiva as an expat young ('ish) family?

We are some little way from Xativa, but are aware that there are some expat families living there. Cannot comment on the pros and cons, but it will be similar to most other predominantly Spanish inland towns. A command of Spanish is likely to be more necessary than nearer the coast, but your children will pick it up fairly quickly if placed in a Spanish school. Most towns with foreign populations seem to have a FB page where local events etc are posted, which may be worth pursuing. Usually Ajuntamientos have websites which may also be helpful.

Without wishing to interfere or tell you what you may already have taken into your calculations, but presumably you will meet the income requirements and the private health care which will be necessary, paid for in full a year in advance for all family members. Dentistry and optical services are private, regardless.

Anything else, please ask.

Hi Stephanie thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I'll keep an eye out for a Xativa Facebook page and see what I can pick up about the area, we have a 'plan B' of Gandia but we're (currently) thinking Xatvia might be better for us since we've alway been a little more rural.

Ref the financial side of things I'm pretty sure we're good from a financial perspective, we've actually done a year as Nomads before (though not in Spain), though we're going to have to do a lot more digging into the bones of the visa optioins. 

My wife is self-employed and has to work but I'm in a wierd semi-retired situation and it's all a bit complicated. We're Planning on contacting an expert to get some concrete advice...I should probably have a look on here for any reccomendations.

I think in the first instance you need to contact the nearest Spanish Consulate to discuss the visa situation with them, especially as it seems faintly complicated! You have to do this regardless if your intention is to be resident here and also to obtain your NIE numbers. They will be the official source of information with regard to your personal circumstances. The visa must be applied for and obtained before making any move here.