It seems that Spain is an ideal destination for those seeking a better quality of life, a more affordable cost of living, and a warmer climate. With its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and culture, it's easy to see why so many people choose to make Spain their new home.
We reached out to British expats Jo and Joanie living in Spain who bought property abroad to improve their quality of life and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Spain offers a more relaxed pace of life with fewer stresses. The pair have been neighbours for several years living in Arboleas, a popular village among expats in Almería.
Here’s what they have to say…
Jo: “The weather! Other than that the healthier lifestyle that can be had from living in a better climate.”
Joanie: “It was totally my husband's wish to leave England. A few of his work colleagues were retiring at the same time as he was and were looking into living in Spain. He got caught up in their planning and here we are.”
Jo: “The weather! And the healthier lifestyle.”
Joanie: “The quieter pace of life. The different culture, more oriented to family life. Having the sun around even in the winter to enjoy walking in the countryside on our doorstep. Oh and swimming in our pool for many, many months.”
Jo: “It’s only a slight change of culture and this is a change for the better. It’s a nicer way of life, a lot more relaxed with fewer stresses!”
Joanie: “A strong bond of expats together forming a network of close friends over the years.
After twenty years it's harder to remember what life was like in England. A working life at the time. Here I have the time to paint, my passion, and run free classes for anyone who wishes to turn up. So far the ladies still come and have fun learning.”
Jo: “For me I spend as much time outdoors as I can. I have long walks in the mountains early every morning. I have time to have a daily yoga practice - outside at some times of the year. I can cycle for nearly the whole year. We have a pool and can swim 6 months a year (8 for my husband who is harder than I am!). The coast is accessible and we have hundreds of gorgeous beaches within driving distance. My husband can play golf all year and it is an affordable hobby here. We have a much better social life as the majority of people here have time to talk and take part in a café society (there’s bars too of course).”
Jo: “Getting residency was perhaps the biggest challenge. Having good, professional advice is the only way forward. We were prepared for delays, to require every official piece of paper we have ever considered owning (25 metre swimming certificate is always the standard joke) and also things in Spain move at a pace you could never predict. The whole country closes down for August - who could imagine that? Also mañana means any day other than today - not necessarily tomorrow!”
Joanie: “Our biggest challenge was coming to terms with the bad news of finding out we were conned by the builder into buying an illegal property. As were 300,00 just like us. Finally after 20 years and a lot of money a Spanish solicitor Gerard Vasquez and Pedro Sanchez a litigator fought on our behalf and we had the deeds and Pedro went to court to get a tax debt of the builder lifted. So now we own the property.”
Jo: “Our decision has been to learn the language and have friends of both nationalities. We are very choosy now and are happy to be selective and not just be friends with people just because they are English.”
Joanie: “The local village community is very welcoming. The English and the Spanish locals get together and work on Fundraising to help those of the village who are in need. We raise a lot of money for the Town Hall.”
Jo: “How the Spanish drive!! Stopping in the middle of the road for a chat with someone with a huge queue of traffic behind is not an unusual occurrence! We do live in rural Spain though!”
Joanie: “The village has a strong family feel. The shops are not open on a Sunday, it's still a day of church and family time.”
Jo: “Grey and stressful. Grey skies, no time, tired all the time. Fed up with traffic and bureaucracy!”
Joanie: “I worked in Social Services in Admin for learning Disability Social workers. My husband was a Housing Inspector with Truro council. Both my husband and I sailed with a local boat as crew in the races, that was the extent of our social lives. At home we had an Autistic son which meant any other social life was few and far between.”
Jo: “Go for it. It’s a brave decision. Have holidays in the place where you want to live to get an idea of what it is like. Places change and the people change but you have to have a vision of what a life in Spain would be like. It’s not always sunny. The houses can be cold in winter. It’s not all beer and tapas. You definitely get back what you put in but it is a dream life and has most certainly added to our lifespan!”
Jo adds: “As a footnote we are moving to a more Spanish town later this year. Living in Arboleas has been brilliant but we want to be with more Spanish people and live in a thriving town with a range of ages and not in a retirement community. Hey we are retired but we don’t have to act like we are!”
Joanie: “Look into whatever property you buy with a fine tooth comb. Learn the language, seriously, it costs a whack to employ a translator and you will need them. English is spoken, but only by the few. The medics will expect you to have a translator or they won’t see you.”
So start planning your retirement to Spain now, we have plenty of support and advice to help you find your sunshine. Why not check out our buying guide to help you get started with the process! We also have our favourite destinations to retire to here.
1 comment
Add your voice29 Apr. 2023
This was a candid, pretty accurate and well rounded description of life in rural Spain.