general enquiry moving to spain

Hmmmm....OK. To be honest it does sound a bit like you have had a few nice holidays and fallen into the "it would be lovely to live like this every day" trap. Holidays and real life are two very different things.

However, first and foremost, decide where you want to be. You know Benalmadena I guess, but the coast is full of English speakers so don't define where you want to be on that basis alone. Generally speaking the further inland you go the less that English is spoken. I would say at this stage you need to pull back a little, come across for a month in a rented apartment, rent a car and get out and about every single day exploring until you stumble across your own slice of paradise. The Spanish coast is long and changes a lot. Personally I would say forget the notion of expat community, get out there and explore. If you need to be surrounded by flag waving Brits stay in the UK. You will end up with a far more interesting life by being culturally exposed to a wide variety of nationalities and languages. English is nearly always the common factor but you will need to at least try to speak some other languages, even if its a few words. That alone gets you much further. If you plan to work then you will need to at least have a basic working knowledge of Spanish to stand any real chance of employment so if you don't speak it now, even at a basic level, start learning. Today. It's important.

There's a mass of other stuff that you will need to consider, including healthcare, residency and what you need to get that, such as monthly bank balance requirements and that is a little changeable right now simply because of Brexit but it will be a factor that you can't ignore. You can't just poll up and stay. It really isn't like that.

But for now, book that month, rent that car and nail down where you want to be. West of Benalmadena is generally expensive, east of Malaga has a different feel again and generally speaking is less expensive. Explore it all. Do you want a village, a city, the hills, the sea?.....there are dozens and dozens of questions and choices to make.

I can understand the "just go" thought pattern and yes you need to be flexible, but don't go without a plan. Those that do very often end up back where they started as they get a very rude awakening. Living as a beach bum in Tarifa sounds idyllic. Maybe it is for a long weekend but that novelty will soon wear thin. Good luck however you decide to proceed.

That is great advice. 

I cannot decide between torrox pueblo or village life. 

After spending time in torrox Costa i know that it is great to visit as is lots of coastal towns. But costal towns do not suit me long term. 

Now i have to spend time renting in a town and village. 

Village gives peace and space. Pool in the garden. 

Towns have the lively community. All about compromise, what am i willing to give up for the other. 

Any advice would be appreciated 

What a great reply, we're thinking of doing this in January , so the more messages like yours are most welcome. Thanks. Andy p.

Hi Denise 59 and Daveszed, 

As I find our website very useful, I always recommend it to any person interested on the Costa del Sol: https://www.yourviva.com/costa-del-sol, you can see a better perspective of all areas, and also a nice guide for moving to Spain: https://www.yourviva.com/living-in-spain/moving

Check these pages and learn a little bit of the weather, people and what you really can do on the different areas. 

As AndyP said, most of the people here on the Costa del Sol speak fluent English, so you'll be fine anywhere on the Coast. I would suggest renting an apartment for some time (1-2 months) and visiting some different places on your own. If you finally want to move to a specific area and invest in buying a property, we can help you with your search.

In case you have any other doubts please feel free to ask!

David

You've missed the boat.

Free Movement of People does not apply to UK citizens after last January 31st.

Anyway, your reasons to move don't sound valid and don't fit your circumstances. The Costas are full of Brits who don't integrate and appear to be here for the sunandcheapboozenfags. 

The Spanish can't find work so why should you come here and take their jobs?

I say this with all due respect, and intense sadness that Brexit has closed so many opportunities for UK citizens.

Maybe the light will start to dawn?

With village life, remember and take into consideration how you will get things delivered? Furniture, large items, paint, wood etc if you need to do DIY. Will you need a car or can you rely on public transport? How accessible is it for workmen etc? 

There is a transition period for Brexit up until the 31st Dec 2020 and until then everything is the same as it is now regarding free movement we have been told, so I assume if people want to move to Spain they should be able to if they get on with it fairly quickly.