Moving to Spain or for us moving to Andalucia, has been one of the most difficult yet wonderful things we, as a family have ever done. When you see programmes on the TV such as 'Relocation, relocation, relocation' every one thinks I could have done this better or that better, but you can only give it your best shot. Since our move to the Costa Tropical in Andalucia, Spain, one of the most asked questions when people come to view properties for sale in the Costa Tropical is " What is it like living in Spain"? Well the answer is it's great, but it's not necessarily easy. When you move to Spain there are many things here that are different to the UK and not all of them better. Relocation to Andalucia, or moving to Andalucia is not as glossy as they make out in the magazines, but I can say it was well worth the trouble as the whole family prefer life in Spain to England. Here is my personal list of good things, bad things and things I would have done to make moving to Spain easier if I knew then what I know now.
Good things about moving to Spain
Weather in Andalucia. Without doubt an incredible difference in our lives. Sunshine, lack of rain, lack of indecision about what to do at the weekend, will the children's birthday be out in the garden. Bright sunny days make us feel great, but we did live in Manchester previously!
Lack of crime. In comparison to the UK and indeed other parts of Spain the Costa Tropical is significantly less violent, with much lower levels of theft. No burglar alarms ringing away. No police sirens. I walk home 2 miles from the centre of Almuņecar town at the end of the night with no fear at all of being attacked or bothered. In the summer there can be incidences of petty crime but considerably less than other Spanish resorts or indeed the UK.
Quality of health. Since moving to Spain just over four years ago the whole family have been healthier with fewer coughs, colds, chest infections etc. One of our children suffered asthma which has improved by 90%. Before our relocation to Andalucia he would get a chest infection after most trips to the swimming pool, now he is in and out of the pool every day 7 months of the year.
Less pollution. The air here in the Costa Tropical is much fresher than certainly Manchester but this could just be the coastal location. Although Andalusia does not have much industry compared to the north of Spain and mainly relies on agriculture and tourism.
Slower pace. Life on the Costa Tropical is certainly slower and it takes a little getting used to at first but you learn to accept a little maņana with a smile. This tends to be the most common reason for people moving to Spain. The reduction in stress is incredible as your whole business environment is a more pleasant working experience.
Outdoor activities. An endless supply of sports, countryside, marine activities too long to list is for me one of the main reasons for moving to Spain. I play football twice a week and it has only been called off twice for rain in two years!!
Health care. As good as the UK
Language. When you have learnt a second language and you can use it, it feels great although in Andalucia it is a hard dialect at first.
Integration. Spanish people and their warm friendly nature make it easier to relocate to Spain than some other countries if you move to Andalucia they are even more so. They love to see you try to learn Spanish and will encourage rather than ridicule you. Having spent a lot of time in France, moving to Spain is a far more pleasant experience because of the friendly nature of the Spanish especially here in Andalusia.
Traffic. Here on the Costa Tropical there is far less traffic than in the UK. Moving around from one place to another is easy, apart from the month of August when all the tourists arrive from Granada and Madrid and it gets busy. In August do as the Andalucians do and take it easy!!
Bad things about moving to Spain
Language. Learning Spanish has been slow and difficult at the beginning but gets easier with perseverance and practice- like anything new. Living in Andalucia you will need an even sharper ear as they speak Spanish very quickly. There are some great Spanish language schools here in Spain for example www.lighthouselanguages.com based in Cadiz or www.lengualuz.com based in Jerez for absolute beginners through to fluent speakers who want to improve.
Family and friends. You miss your family and friends when you first move to Spain, but that eases. Then you end up seeing them a few times a year at best or you end up not seeing them for months and then you all live together for a 2 week holiday! All or nothing takes some getting used to but once everybody understands what is expected of each other, it becomes far easier.
Employment. Relocating to Spain is not necessarily just for people looking to retire. If your moving to Spain you have to think about what you are going to do for work. Savings soon get spent plus there is only so much sunbathing and drinking sangria one can do! There are many job opportunities available and they are only limited by your own imagination and possibly your own language barrier. Many people go self employed as did my wife who started NLP Life Skills Coaching Training in Spain teaching people life skills and giving them skills to get the most out of their lives.
Shopping. When you relocate to the Costa Tropical you have to accept that this part of Andalucia is maybe 20 years behind the UK. There are no big one stop shops such as Tesco's and B&Q, instead there are lots of small independent traders, hardware stores and builders merchants. It takes a bit more time, but once you have found your feet and know who sells what, then itīs fine. I think this situation will improve with the new motorway links arriving and new shopping centres are already planned.
What would I do differently knowing what I know now?
Spanish language. Study some Spanish before you move to Spain. Watch DVDs in Spanish with English subtitles. The Michel Thomas audio study course is highly recommended.
Television. After you move to Spain make sure you have Spanish digital television so you can watch Spanish programmes with English subtitles or English films with Spanish subtitles. This is the best and easiest way to learn and wow the Spanish have some great television programmes.
Have a good team. Relocating to Spain can be difficult so don't try to do everything yourself. Gestiors (licensed Spanish administrator) are great value for money for your administration needs and far easier than fighting your way through the administration system after you have just moved in.
Pick the right place to live. When you move to Spain, if your home is right then everything else will come together. If you are working during the day and coming back to a house full of problems where people don't want to be, then you will be unhappy. Pick your new home wisely and get the right advice from professionals who know the area. Do your homework on the area and give yourself plenty of time to visit and check it out. We were lucky but we also have many years experience buying and selling houses but many of our friends weren't so lucky and have moved several times within the area. With buying and selling costs of 15% plus potential tax on the profit, moving home unnecessarily in Spain can be a costly mistake.
Emigration, relocating abroad, moving abroad or whatever you want to call it is a great adventure which will only make your life richer for the experience. Good preparation can help you hit the ground running. Wise Move to Spain want to make moving to Andalucia, Spain a success and we will help you every step of the way, hence the name Wise Move to Spain.
If you have any tips or thoughts for people relocating and moving to Spain, please send us an email to . Alternatively have a browse at some of our properties for sale especially our luxury villa properties for sale in Andalucia
