Thinking about moving to Estepona (Dutch family)

Hi Laura,

Welcome to this Forum.  Sorry you have had no responses yet.  I do not have children and I don't live in Estepona myself but I can give you my thoughts.  I live a 30 minute drive from Estepona and am there alot!!  I love Estepona really.  Its a very up and coming town.  The Mayor is very active and has been very active in turning this old Port town into the 'town of flowers' and changing roads into walk ways.  There are many parts of Estepona though and I think that is the main distinction.  There are the extremely expensive areas targeting foreigners and wealthy Spanish and then there are the poorer areas.  Estepona, if you look up the history, was not that long ago a poor sort of Spanish port town.  Now it is in the later stages of transformation.

One of the really great things about Estepona is the variety of things to do and its accessibility to other towns.  Its a vibrant place where children play on the promenade.  This always surprises me when I go there because where I am from you do not see children playing like you do in Estepona.  There is a strong Spanish sense to the town although many foreigners live there.  I hope that long term they can manage the traditional flavor of the town with the money that flows in from outside.

The Old Town is a favorite with many because of the beautiful nature of it.  You can look it up and find many pictures. Tucked away are so many little shops that service the local people even in the Old Town.  There is alot of history there if you are interested and it seems something that Estepona is promoting and building up - Museums and Roman explorations.  

As Estepona is also being promoted as a foreigners delight there are many activities within a short drive and I am sure on the internet you can find them.  It depends on your family's choice of activity.  Estepona always has a safe feel to me.  Someone might disagree but I have walked around all sorts of parts and never felt unsafe or seen anything.  There are at least 3 markets/rastros that happen there throughout the week.  They also have lots of parking which many towns, such as San Pedro, do not have (or at least I have not found).

As far as children go as I said I cannot speak specifically but it does seem your children are at a pretty good age to adapt to the change and pick up the language swiftly enough.  I live near a school where I am and the kids all seem very inclusive of those that are different in color or religion. At that age I think kids are still kids so in this regard the move is better now than when they hit 11/12/13.

Estepona also has the Sierra Bermeja which is an outstanding mountain if you like hiking.  And the Estepona Bus Station that can get you to most places with a connection to most places.  But its still small enough to feel like a community.  Recently I attended the Foreign Residents Day Fiesta and it was such great fun with the Spanish children dancing Flamenco and all the international food booths.  In fact if your children are inclined toward dance this would seem a good way to introduce them to friends.

As you can see I love Estepona and although I do not live there my Doctor, Dentist, Health Center, shopping and activities often take place there so I have been around and about for 5 years now.  I cannot see anyone being seriously disappointed with the area.  But with all locations in Spain you need to check out neighbours and ensure they do not keep dogs in cages that bark 24/7.  That is true of any area unfortunately.  I hope you will hear from others who live there to add to your research.  Good luck, Kerri