Where do I look?

Hi Woody,

Good luck with your move, and I would definitely advise renting at first, ideally 12 months not 6 as you don't know about those noisy holiday lets till you've been through a whole season. Speaking of moving a moderator could shift this thread to intros where you'd get more response,

hope it all goes well,

BDP x

Thanks for the advice! Does anyone know if they have"retirement lifestyle" places - especially for those - well over 55 they are here - .. You' wouldn't get the noisy lets there would you? And you would have like minded people around you, with facilities nearby..Think I'm definitely looking more at Costa del Sol now than Alicante area. There are literally thousands of places for sale. One thing strikes me - why the mosquito nets? Are they a big problem? never noticed it way back in time in the 80's...My partner's more worried about why they have bars on the windows, but I'm trying to convince him its the spanish style, LOL! The lets seem to be pretty expensive - compared to here anyway - and to rent a place for a year would be eating on your capital, still I suppose if you bought the wrong place it would be a worse business decision seeing as everything seems to be taking a long time to sell over there? I'd hate to buy a lovely spot with my whole life savings, then wake up one morning with a bunch of drunk yobbos next door. They must make life miserable for many people... I love the Nerja and Torrox area especially but I guess that would be the worst places to be in for the peace and quiet...Also - will our TV and computer work over there? Can you get Foxtel pay TV? Anyone play lawn bowls - is it popular there?

Oh - how do I get the moderator to move the thread to introductions? Thank you.

Woody - good luck with your move. Rent for 6 months greta idea. My part of the world is Manilva and surrounds which might suit you - quite quiet, mixed English/Spanish community and cheap property (both to rent and buy). Property is cheap because they built too much of it and there are lots of empty places, so maybe not such a great investment. Mossies a problem but not so bad. Bars on windows - you'd feel better with them, you do hear of a fair bit of property crime but I think you're OK if you take precautions.

> One thing strikes me - why the mosquito nets? Are they a big problem? never noticed it way back in time in the 80's...


Depends on your blood, I never got bit, but my children did.We never had nets though, we used the usual sprays and a repelaint plug into the bedroom socket.



>
My partner's more worried about why they have bars on the windows, but I'm trying to convince him its the Spanish style, LOL!


Used to keep crime out whilst leaving windows open, although now cordless angle grinders are available they still can get entry.Our apt on the 3rd floor never had bars, but the flats on 1 and 2 did, always concerned me if a fire occurred how do you get out or the firemen in.



>
The lets seem to be pretty expensive - compared to here anyway - and to rent a place for a year would be eating on your capital, still I suppose if you bought the wrong place it would be a worse business decision seeing as everything seems to be taking a long time to sell over there? I'd hate to buy a lovely spot with my whole life savings, then wake up one morning with a bunch of drunk yobbos next door.


Its best to rent and look for a place, there is too many places available to no straight away, you'll then be able to judge.Most holiday rentals for young people tend to be in the same area's, you don't tend to find them mixed, most of the golf resort complexes have an older client with less issues concerning yobs etc, having said that even men on golfing holidays can get a little carried away, but in general you should find these places more peaceful, especially in winter months.



>
I love the Nerja and Torrox area especially but I guess that would be the worst places to be in for the peace and quiet..


Actually no there still great places, especially when compared to the Costa Del Sol, on the other side of the CDS you have Estepona and Sotogrande, their still very Spanish and not as popular as the CDS.

You couldn't pay me to live in the CDS now, once was enough, unless you like council estates, binge drinkers and holidays in Blackpool.

Sounds like a lot of healthy advice here!! I've obviosly got the fave blood type for mosquitos then...
MMm bars on windows now are not even safe, after the advent of cordless angle grinders..And yes - I worried a bit about how one got out if there was a fire..So short answer is, out the door if you can - and if not - have a cordless angle grinder handy, LOL! Its a real worry anywhere you go these days that you have to consider your safety..10 years ago here you could leave your keys in the car and your door open - not so now!! We have a house with safety screens on the doors and the front windows, and what did they do? Go round the back, smash the window and walk straight in..And one isn't allowed to pull a gun on them - thats the real worry!! I don't mean shoot at them just scare them - but you can't even do that with an unloaded gun!!
Been looking at Cuidad Chesada and Villamartin, surely they would be reasonably safe for a single lady pensioner?? Inside a locked area?? Or are the people who work within not to be trusted either??? Fully intend to learn spanish, but I would like to be around likeminded people just the same and I'm not sure I'd be comfortable without them while I am still learning!
Is it true that Costa Blanca has less crime than CDS? Any other nice spots where expats congregate?

Will have a look at the Manilva area - whenI find out where it is!!

Yep, search in Manilva

have sold the house here now, and will be looking to move over end of august! Yippee! now looking at Calpe, Moraira and even the Calida coast - Arboleas where there seems to be lots of brits - but I'm told although very nice, its out in the sticks and prone to flooding!! Dont know whether there is any truth in it...
Also Mazarron and Villamartin. Looking for a station wagon with automatic gear..seems to be few and far between in Spain and gee - the second hand cars are expensive!!

Thanks for the advice! Does anyone know if they have"retirement lifestyle? places - especially for those - well over 55 they are here - .. You? wouldn?t get the noisy lets there would you? And you would have like minded people around you, with facilities nearby..Think I?m definitely looking more at Costa del Sol now than Alicante area . I think so . I'm glad to meet you
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Only one house on the market in Manilya at the moment as far as I can see, will keep looking though!

Why do you describe for more details about that house, I want to hear from you

Hi Woody2, Villamartin and Quesada are safe enough - I know lots of 'senior' ladies (from my writing group) With your budget you will be able to afford a house or if security is really as issue an apartment is often safer.

Yes 2nd hand cars may seem dear (but you have a good budget) so why not buy a new one then you have all the guarantees - lots of offers about at the moment with the crisis.

Renting might be a good idea if you want to really get to your your surroundings - maybe go for a rent with option to buy which are now very popular. Good Luck

I thought that it looked a good spot, Rob! Thanks for that! What do you think of Camposol? Seems to be a lot of activities there for over 55s? So you have a writing group - thats interesting - where's that at? I used to write short stories for the mags, but my painting has taken over..and i haven't written anything for at least 10 years!! maybe i will have more time when I get to Spain! Interesting too that you think my budget is good - thats comforting..I thought I was rather on the "low" side to get everything i will need. I have a dog so just need an old station wagon to transport myself and him around in - but it has to be automatic and theres not a lot around! have a look at my website for fun - http://horseart4sale.webs.com and you can see what I'm up to at the moment!
Another thing I've wondered about - do computers from Australia function in Spain seeing they are on 240v here and 220 is it in Spain? I know some things work and some don't..I need to be in touch with Oz all the time more or less

Camposol is in the Murcia region some 60-80kms south. There have been loads of illegal house problems and the build quality of much of the houses down there is poor. Where ever there are Brits there will be clubs/activities for the 'tercera edad' as most Expats are mature!

For my writing group see here
http://torreviejawriterscircle.blogspot.com/

and you would be welcome (and you would meet similar people)

I think the computer will work - but new ones here are cheap (and of course guaranteed)

Consider what you are shipping the costs may outweigh the benefits and if you rent it will probably be furnished.

Thank you for the tip, Rob!! I also heard the same about Arboleas..Is Villamartin OK then? had a look at your site, and its very interesting! if I end up in your neck of the woods I will most definitely join and see if i can jog my pen a little!

Villamartin is a golf area (3 courses in the vicinity) there is some bad stuff but generally OK. I still think renting maybe your best option to get the feel of the areas etc.

Yes you are welcome to come and meet TWC.

Thanks for comments about the site - yours looks interesting as well.

Just had a thought remember you can't swop you Oz driving licence for a Spanish one - plenty of this site and others about this - might be worth looking here as well:

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/

Oh dear - don't tell me I can't drive on an International one for a while until I get a handle on it? Does one have to drive in the city - or can you take the test on a nice quiet back road, haha!!! I have an australian licence, so I suppose thats even worse!! Although there are more hoons here than I have met anywhere else in the world! They are shocking drivers! Everyone for himself is the general rule...
Villamartin might not be the place for em as I don't play golf then - although you never know what I'll try next I suppose..More into horse riding and breeding..
Mazarron is the same isn't it - a golf area? Just that there seems to be a plethora of furnished houses there for sale at a reasonable price..I shall jus keep scanning Kyero!! Its a couple of months before I can think about buying one anyway, and I'll be renting first to have a look around..I'll have a look at that website now - but as I said it may not be relevant seeing as I have an Ozzie licence...

Since you asked about places for 55+ - there is a place in Santa Pola on Costa Blanca called Life Resort which is exactly that.
Found this by accident while looking for a normal hotel, I actually drove nearby and it's in a very nice location, close to amenities etc...

Thank you for the suggestion! I will "google' it and see if it comes up! have found a similar place in La Sella, too which looks OK

had a look at Santa Pola and a couple of other over 55 places, and apart from being a lot more expensive than the norm, they all seemed very small - either apartments or small terraced houses with no garden. need a garden of some sort for the dog!! Any one live around Denia or Oliva? There are actually a lot of nice older townhouses in both places. I found by accident a beaut village house in a place called Iznate - really up my street with a bit of character and all, but I have no clue how the roads are and how difficult it might be to get there in the winter?? its up in the hills from malaga somewhere - perhaps someone knows of it?? I checked on Googlemaps and it takes 38 min to get to malaga - no mention of how fast you have to drive to do it in that time.... I'm more confused than ever now of where I want to be!!! I really need to get over there and start at one end, I think! maybe from Oliva right down to Malaga.. Wasn't intending looking at C d S but I guess the villages in the hills wouldn't be so bad....As I said previously - its a long time since I have been in Spain...1983 was the last time!!!

We live in Arboleas it is a lovely area :coolsmile: :coolsmile: and yes there are a few problems but there are in most places in Spain it does just take a long time to get everything done especially when you buy a new property just being built but we usually get there in the end.
I have heard that Sell property in spain is a good sight to look at.
Hope you get sorted soon.

I like the sound of Arboleas - only would have preferred to be in the country, but able to see the sea from a distance!! And I'm a little concerned about getting to a hospital, with my angina scare I had a while back!! The property i am looking at on Kyero is still the nicest one I have seen - out in a hamlet outside Arboleas though..Found one in a place called Iznate too that I love, but its even further out..

There is a very good hospital only 20 Minutes away from Arboleas at Huecal-Overa and the sea is only half an hour by car. :-)

So a hamlet that is 5 min drive from Arboleas and 2 min drive to a sort of village shop (and a bar!) in another hamlet would not be all that isolated - just worried about when the day comes that I don't drive any more...Suppose 2 min drive equates to about 15 min walk, depending on the terrain..can't wait to get over there and see for myself!! As regarding where one wants to live, you feel it straight away or you don't anyway!

I would think you are right it would equate to around 15 mins walking time.

I have seen riding stables around here too (can't think where) but as I am 74yrs old it is not something that I am interested in these days but I used to ride so tend to notice horses.

Hope you're not suggesting I get me a horse again, and ride to the shops, haha! Would have to be a pretty quiet one these days for me too - I'm 68 and gave up riding 5 years ago when I got thrown and broke my hip!! Still have 7 TBs though in part ownership with others - racing happily around the tracks, except for the 3 fillies who are only just 2!! 15 min in nice weather wouldn't be so bad, but in extreme heat or in winter rain it wouldn't be so cheerful would it? Down here they all drive around in Gofers like there's no tomorrow - racing along the cycle tracks in the parks and having a grand time! I believe some of them get up to 60km an hour, LOL! Luckily there's a 2km speed limit in the shopping malls!!
You never get rid of the horse bug, do you? Once they are in your heart you will always look when you see one. I am going to miss mine terribly - I've bred them all, and tended them since they dropped from mum....They are like my children.

If the property you are looking at is were I think it might be it is an almost flat walk to the pub and the little shop and we don't often getting more than a couple of days of rain at a time even in the winter, if we do we all get really miserable as we have got so that we are happy to see one day OK to see two days but after that no.
This is still classed as a dessert area because it is such a dry area.
One of my friends lives in Australia in Warrilla near Wollongong, Sydney their family live all around them. They have been to see us and loved it here.
I know what you mean about when you see Foals born I have only ever seen it once and that was when I was 14 but that Foal meant the world to me (I worked in stables outside of school hours and the Mare trusted me she did not trust many people and the Vet was having problems, she was down on the floor so I sat with her head in my lap comforting her so that the Vet could get the Foal he thought he was going to lose both) I have never forgotten the experience. Gosh that was 60 years ago.
If you do come to live here we shall have to meet up as I think we would have a lot in common.

Hi again<
I will try and post the link to the property onto a PM to you - I don't think it is where you think as its not on that flat area where all the new houses are on 400 - 600 sq m blocks. Its an old property, and from the photos it might be on a hill..
I'm just hoping it won't be sold by the time I get there...And yes - it would be nice to meet a couple who live there already and know the ropes - and the area!

You will almost certainly be able to get more for your money if you serach for property away from the Costa del Sol, and to a lesser extent the Costa Blanca. If you prefer a sea view ( and I will jump in with an assumption that you mean a Mediterranean sea view ! ) then you may wish to consider some of the areas of the Costa around Huelva or on the Costa del Azahar. They still have good transport networks and Infrastructure, with expat communities, but not quite as popular / over developed as other areas of Spain.

Thanks for that! Its difficult to make any decisions when I haven't been in Spain for 20 years!! I have actually looked at a few on the net though in Denia, Oliva ,Moraira etc and although they all appeal to me they seem to be much higher priced in that area.
There are so many things to consider - like being on a bus route to the coastal town, for when I no longer drive, and near a hospital, vet, supermarket etc. And there's the all important view!! I was wondering about Iznate and Torrox...What say the forum about them? The idea of living in a larger village up in the hills with a view to the coast appeals - but I don't know of many, LOL!
Also being into horses and racing, I would have liked to be near somewhere "horsey" so I can have my 'fix'. Are there any developments around Mijas racetrack for instance? I know its ths CdSol again but as far as I know the only other one is in Madrid..
and I wouldn't like to be that far from the coast. If any of the forumites live in these areas I'd be glad to hear any info! Also what about Tormos near Gandia? Anyone live there?

> Thanks for that! Its difficult to make any decisions when I haven't been in Spain for 20 years!! I have actually looked at a few on the net though in Denia, Oliva ,Moraira etc and although they all appeal to me they seem to be much higher priced in that area.
There are so many things to consider - like being on a bus route to the coastal town, for when I no longer drive, and near a hospital, vet, supermarket etc. And there's the all important view!! I was wondering about Iznate and Torrox...What say the forum about them? The idea of living in a larger village up in the hills with a view to the coast appeals - but I don't know of many, LOL!
Also being into horses and racing, I would have liked to be near somewhere "horsey" so I can have my 'fix'. Are there any developments around Mijas racetrack for instance? I know its ths CdSol again but as far as I know the only other one is in Madrid..
and I wouldn't like to be that far from the coast. If any of the forumites live in these areas I'd be glad to hear any info! Also what about Tormos near Gandia? Anyone live there?


I personally live about 10 km from Moraira and about 5km from Tormos. Yes, it is true that this area of Spain is a little higher that some other areas and is quite popular with expats of all nationalities. I think that one of the main reasons for this is becuase in the 'Marina Alta' area of the Costa Blanca there are very few Hotels or resorts, and as a whole the location is not overdeveloped or too commercial. The majority of holidaymakers here are usually visiting private vill rentals.
The Marina Alta is about an hour from both Alicante and Valencia airports and therefore there are a lot of regular and cheap flights to the area.
If you head just a little further inland from the Coast you can be just 30 mins from a number of good beaches, but your money will buy you much more.

You may also like to take a look at Benigembla, Parcent, The Val d'Ebo, the Val de laguart, Orba which are great villages - relatively unspoilt by tourism and with a lot of 'Spanish' Character.

yes, I have looked at Orba actually, and Alcalali - my only fear is that there are no expats at all, not being able to speak the language as yet - although i am trying hard to teach myself! However - I will no doubt be able to get a better idea once my place is sold and settled! been sold twice now and sales fallen through, and I'm getting a bit despondent!! Was hoping to be settled in Spain before Xmas! I will have a look at the Marina Alta area as you suggest!

> yes, I have looked at Orba actually, and Alcalali - my only fear is that there are no expats at all, not being able to speak the language as yet - although i am trying hard to teach myself! However - I will no doubt be able to get a better idea once my place is sold and settled! been sold twice now and sales fallen through, and I'm getting a bit despondent!! Was hoping to be settled in Spain before Xmas! I will have a look at the Marina Alta area as you suggest!


LOL ! - Honestly, if you think that the Orba and Jalon Valley's don't have enough expats then you haven't been looking close enough ! There are loads of us ! I think one thing that does seem to be the case is that many of the expats are 'long termers' and quite well integrated, so wouldn't be quite as visible as they are in other areas of the Costa.
Have a look at premiervillasspain and Casitaspego websites, who have a lot of reasonably priced properties in these 2 valleys. They are probobaly the longest established and amongst the most reputable, so they may be a good starting point for you.

Oh, well its pretty difficult to tell where they all congregate when you are in Oz i suppose, haha!! I have really no idea! Don't suppose any of you happen to have a list of the places there are bowling clubs?? Would love to take that up again and I do reckon that where there are brits there are bowling clubs!! I do know there is a few big ones around the Torrevieja district further south, thats about all the info i have on that subject!

There is a Bar/Restaurant cum Social & Community Centre in village called Benidoleig, about 5kms max from Orba. The place is called ' El Cid ' and does things like Dancing & Keep Fit classes, has a pool & tenis courts etc... I believe there is also a couple of Bowling Greens - http://www.theelcid.com/

Sounds OK if there's a bowling green around the bar, LOL! Think I'm a bit long in the tooth and late in the day for the keep fit bit though!! is there a distant sea view in Bendoleig?

The Village of Benidoleig itself is at the foot of a range of hills. Although it is only 15 mins max from the beaches of Denia / Javea etc... it is probobally not quite high enough up to get a view as such - unless you look for a property a little out of the Village and up the hill a bit. Parts of the El Capso and Orbeta urbanisations have a (distant) sea view, and also the Urb between Benidoleig and Pedreguer as does the urbanisation on the road between Orba & Benidoleig, but for the life in me I can't recall what it is called.

I haven't heard of those last 2 places you mention, but I'll Google earth it and see if I can shed any light, thank you for the tips!! if I can I would love to have a view down to the coast but if it can't be found on my budget well I'll just have to compromise!! Thats why Torrox and Iznate down south appealed to me - village life, but still civilised and views..Although Oliva seems to have a few suburbs with sea views though! More rainfall up there though according to the Kyero weather tables online..

Please .... take the term 'sea views' with a pinch of salt until you have actually seen the property for yourself. For example my property has a (distant) sea view, but is located in the mountains, about 20km / 30 mins from the Coast - if you are hoping for a closer sea view then you will be paying more for the priveledge of having this, but you should also be clear with any estate agent / vendor as to what your expectations are.

Yes -I've noticed that some advertise "with a sea view- or mountain view' and there are never any photos on the ads of the actual view - which would expect to be a selling point for the property... I think it a psychological thing with me to be able to see the coast even if far away in the distance, it doesn't matter.. Thats why I hate the house I am in - its only 2 min drive from wonderful beaches and the indian ocean, but all I can see are the houses across the road - because the coastal plains are flat for miles inland, whereas at the place we had before we could see for 80 - 100 miles!! I thought being near the sea was enough, but I find I also want to be up high somewhere looking out over something! hey - but who said life was fair....I am very lucky compared to some!

The other thing that perhaps I should have mentioned sooner is that the danger of buying a property TOO close to the coast is that you may be effected Spains coastal property law (http://www.tumbit.com/how-to-guides/articles/87-the-coastal-property-law.html) which concerns many first (and second) line properties up and down the coast.

Yes - I read about that somewhere - same problem but different as whats going on in Arboleas district in Almeria..Kind of put me off the area I must say. But I'm not likely to be able to afford anything frontline anyway, so I don't think that would be a problem, LOL! But the Tumbit site is a mine of information!! I recommend it to anyone coming to Spain! very informative!

hey woody:D Good luck to you..Hope that u have an interesting n happy new life there:D
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Thank you for that - and I'm sure i will if i ever get there, LOL! Its taking forever to settle here in Australia, but i hope to be there before christmas anyway!!

Will have a look at that site too! I thought Tumbit is really informative though...

You will almost certainly be able to get more for your money if you serach for property away from the Costa del Sol, and to a lesser extent the Costa Blanca. If you prefer a sea view ( and I will jump in with an assumption that you mean a Mediterranean sea view ! ) then you may wish to consider some of the areas of the Costa around Huelva or on the Costa del Azahar. They still have good transport networks and Infrastructure, with expat communities, but not quite as popular / over developed as other areas of Spain.
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Thanks for that!! I also want to be near a bowling club - thats the problem as most of them are in and around Orihuela, Denia, javea and Benitachell - with the exception of a couple in Mazarron..

Woody,

Other than the El Cid Bowling Club at Benidoleig, that we already discussed, I have come across a few other in the Costa Blanca North ( Marina Alta ) :

Paraiso Mar Bowling Club
Edf. Paraiso Mar, Levante Beach, 03710, Calpe, Alicante
Contact: Brian Coase, Tel.: 965 834804

Email: alastairhepburn@terra.es
............................................................................................................................................

Princesa Bowling Club
Hotel Princesa, C/Mirador, Benidorm, Alicante
Contact: Jim McKenna, Tel.: 965 850822
Email: central@hotelesrh.com

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Benitachell Bowling Club
Poligono 3, No 373, PTDA Benicambra 03726, Benitachell
Peter Griffiths at:- pgriffiths@terra.es
telephone - 96 649 3151.
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Finca Guila Bowling Club
Finca Guila, Partida Almaira, Benidorm, Alicante
Owner - Dirk Mastbooms, 965 857743
Email: guila@dragonet.es
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Javea Green Bowls Club
Inn on the Green
Cansalades 155
Javea 03739
Tel: 96 577 1553
Email:wynne@telefonica.net
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There are quite a few more to the South end of the Costa Blanca, but I understand that area isn't of as much interest to you ?

Its important that you do as much travelling around the areas as possible. There are bargains to had at the moment, however you must establish where you want to be, then drill down into that market. There is little accurate data around when it comes to house prices in any area, so you really have to do as much ground work as you can before making any decisions.

At last - I am arriving in Spain 18th january! Yippee! Will be renting a house in San Fulgencio for 6 weeks while I concentrate my search around the Costa Blanca, and up to Oliva, with benidoleig, Orba, benitachell etc foremost in mind!! Thank you to all of you for your advice and information , and let me also take the opportunity to wish all Forumites a very merry Xmas and all the best for 2011!

your idea is look like good.