MURCIA: Spain's Florida or a Land of Broken Dreams?

[@Spainunfiltered]

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[@ignaciorevertemarin8154]

I was born in Murcia 60 years ago. The video is absolutely accurate to the reality of our region. We have gone through difficult times but the current reality is that we are a region of enormous cultural and natural riches where the lifestyle and kindness of its inhabitants continue to make it a wonderful place to enjoy life. I hope it never becomes Florida. Wonderful vídeo.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Gracias Ignacio. Sus palabras significan mucho . 🙏

[@Fellowrser]

My great grandpa is from here

[@MontanezMonti]

Estoy may de acuerdo con usted. Yo vivo en Florida y voy a retirarme en 2026 a España.

[@Demetri450]

I hope it never becomes like florida. I would go there It's shameful what investors and speculators are allowed to do around the world.

[@nandojoven]

As a Murcia citizen who is considering moving to Florida this video really makes me think if I should! Thank you for the great video and your love to this area.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@nandojoven Gracias! Como dicen, “murcia, que hermosa eres”

[@marcelyto]

I’m from Murcia (Cartagena) I love my city and this video . I learnt a lot

[@Spainunfiltered]

Gracias. Me encanta Cartagena. Estoy planeando un video sobre el ciudad y su historia. Si quieres tomar un cafe cuando estaré aqui (asiatico porsupuesto) enviarme un correo a [e-mail] te poderse explicarme porque es uno de los ciudades mas impresionante del mundo!

[@Sloarot]

Well done. I loved how you show both sides of the story, not only the real estate promo, and still make Murcia look good. You come off as a genuine person, I like that.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you, I really appreciate that!

Great video on the Murcia region and it has had it's problems but still love living here with so much to explore - many thanks for sharing the info - well made video

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you! The last time I’d been to Santa Ana was when the builders had just opened the show house and it was your video that inspired me to drive up there, so thank you. I’ll hopefully be coming to Camposol in January so perhaps we could meet for a caña?

[@whispie.]

I've been going every summer to La Manga since I was born, very interesting to watch your video!

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@whispie. glad you found it interesting 🙂

[@AndyG13GLA]

This is the second video I’ve watched in this series, the first being Pilar de la Horadada/Campoverde (which is where we ultimately settled). We moved to Spain in 2019 just as the Gota Frías hit. We bought our house & had all our legal documentation & residencia by one of the failed Brexit dates. Next came the Pandemic which curtailed any great exploration of Spain. These videos are an honest appraisal of our two local regions. I look forward to more in this series.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks Andy I appreciate the feedback! You chose a really great place to settle...

[@billb5625]

enjoying your video. I bought a property in La Manga strip in 2002 and although I've sold it, I return to Santiago de la ribera 2 or 3 times a year. I should add that I'm almost 80. but still think it's a wonderful place!! Bill

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks Bill, Santiago de la Ribera is a lovely spot especially the promenade. I very almost bought an apartment on La Manga strip not long after you. It was so close to the sea that you could see fish swimming in the water. The commute to San Pedro would have been a nightmare though (unless I’d bought a boat too!)

[@neil-oneneil]

This is a cracking effort James, not just for the content it's also a very well put together video! 📽

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@neil-oneneil thank you. I try to get better each time so it’s nice that it get noticed. Lots more in the pipeline!

[@JustinTurner-s9q]

Cool video! I did not even know that Murcia can be considered as Spain’s Florida. Your analysis has painted a very rich picture of this area, from its sun-kissed coasts to possibly the challenges that concern the economy and development. Now I want to visit Murcia and experience it first hand. Thank you for the useful information!

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@JustinTurner-s9q thank you. There’s lots to see. I’ll be making more videos about the area in coming months so please keep an eye on the channel!

[@brett_flower]

Liked, subscribed 😀. Excellent information. I see the rebound is already happening with Murcia being rated as the 2nd best region in Spain for Real Estate Investment. You're on a winner there!

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks for the Sub! Murcia took longer to recover after the crash than most areas but there's a really strong foundation for growth there now and property is still relatively cheap compared to other areas so I think the future's looking good for the region.

[@daveboston5929]

Ive lived in Murcia for 10 years now, but have been coming for much longer. I didnt really know how bad it was at one point. Really glad we're on the rise again. ❤

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@daveboston5929 definitely on the rise, but I’m pleased that its at a more traditionally Murician pace. I’m looking for residents in the area to talk to for a future video, if you would be interested in having a chat (off camera) then I’m sure that you have some insights that would be helpful to people to who are thinking about making the move. You can email me at [e-mail] if you are interested Thanks!

[@ffi1001]

10:22 I know that view! Can’t wait to get back to my happy place for new years ❤

[@sallyking8606]

Great video and both balanced and nuanced. Trying to explain to people why we bought on a golf resort has been interesting, as people are either over wary of bankrupt stock or all Tigger and can only see the positives. I can now show your video so they can understand.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you! I have tried to be fair and balanced and it’s nice to see that someone with direct experience agrees. I would like to talk to people who own property in golf resorts for a future video if you’d be interested in having a chat can you email me at [e-mail] please?

[@CuevasHelena]

Great video! we got caught up in the hype bought off plan in 2004 loved Murica now living in Andalucia . Knew every place in this video was a trip down memory lane for us .. Still waiting on Paramount 😂

[@Spainunfiltered]

That's interesting, I'll take a look at your channel! To be fair to the salespeople who promised Paramount it did have planning permission and the foundation stone was laid. The final nail in the coffin was when the planning permission was overturned by the regional courts as it infringed on protected land. It might be wishful thinking on my part but I see that as a turning point, that no matter how rich and influential you are, murcia will no longer turn a blind eye when its natural assets are put at risk.

[@leejenkins6495]

I'm looking to migrate here in 5 years from the UK and found this video every informative.. Thank you.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@leejenkins6495 good to hear Lee, thank you. Keep an eye on the channel as theres plenty more to come!

[@nicolajohnson1887]

Property prices have increased markedly over the last 6 months.

[@RaymondKilloh-hj4ki]

Loved the video we just purchased on MMGR and love it 🥰

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@RaymondKilloh-hj4ki thank you! and congratulations! 🥂

[@condadodealhamahomes]

I lived 7 years in Condado. I think that the region of Murcia is still a hidden gem and very undervalued. It has a very stable and dry warm climate which is unique and has some of the nicest and cleanest beaches of the world.

[@AndFrancis17]

Great video we went to Murcia for the 1st time last week mainly to go to ikea. But we got the tram into Murcia centre and had a wonderful afternoon waliking round and having Tapas. Will definitely visit again 👍👍👍

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you! Its a lovely city. Definitely worth a visit before christmas. There will be red carpets and decorations are down in the old town, christmas markets and El Corte Ingles will have pretty grand decorations. Its my favourite time to visit (Summer is exceptionally hot in the city!)

[@AndFrancis17]

@ Thanks for the information we do plan to visit again next year when we return back to Spain to our Casa on the Orihuela coast which we bought last year we do find your you tube videos very informative and very professional as we do plan to spend more time in Spain in the coming years and to visit all the Surrounding Areas around the costa blanca. Look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future 👍👍👍

[@stuartcrawford3045]

No mention of the huge water supply problems. Desertification is the nightmare that affects so much of Spain and not only in the south - cuidado,cuidado much cuidado.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@stuartcrawford3045 there’s only so much I can fit in one video… but don’t worry, there are videos in the pipeline that look at flooding and also a video about swimming pools. Both will include a lot about water management.

[@Gauchothedog]

A major problem,nobody spoke about,is the shortage of Water in Spain.All this developments,specially golf courses and thousands of pools requiring an enormous amount of water.There should be a law saying :no Pool closer then 3 km to the sea.

[@nanemoon9968]

Very informative video about a beautiful region. The south of Spain has had so many perilously hot summers with a high death toll and draught plus severe flooding in autumn that any potential new resident should look thoroughly into the climate data.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@nanemoon9968 Thank you 🙏 You raise some really important points. I will be dedicating a video to flooding soon. In my book I also talk about different generations of building and how well the are prepared for heat.

[@musashidanmcgrath]

When was all this supposed to have happened? 😂 Been living in the south of Murcia for years and the annual climate is extremely predicable and consistent. Murcia región also has the best water management system in all of Europe. There are no droughts or water shortages. It's sounds like you should do some research yourself as you are misinformed.

[@nanemoon9968]

@musashidanmcgrath I'm sorry you feel attacked by my words. Still I think that being informed about climate is extremely important. As you suggested I did more research "Spain is one of the most vulnerable countries to change climate, whose effects project a future scenario with increases in temperature, added to a variation extreme rainfall and droughts, which will critically affect future water availability, and it will have very important implications in sectors such as agriculture, ..." Spanish Department of Economics and Social Affairs. Searched with "climate change in the south of Spain". "At the same time, the researchers also point out that climate change is aggravating the risks of drought, aridity and desertification in the Region of Murcia. Each year, periods of drought are becoming longer, while wet periods tend to be shorter but more intense. " From "Murciatoday" 03.12.2024 Now you go "Oh no I live there and it's wonderful." It is. You are right.

[@musashidanmcgrath]

@@nanemoon9968 Attacked? Why would you say that? This is all political. The Madrid government in Spain are extremist, EU-centric globalists, pushing an extremist 'climate change' agenda. If you want to understand the politics behind it go and speak to the farmers. The water shortages you're talking about are mandated by the EU. Murcia produced 25% of all of Europe's fruit and vegatables on 3% of the entire water supply of Spain, which is currently in the process of being cut in half by EU ductstes. As I mentioned, Murcia has a highly advanced and effective water management system of recycling and desalination. The rest of the world's water shortage issues would be solved if they were like Murcia. The recent tragic floods in Valencia were again political, not 'climate change'. And again, it was radical EU and Madrid climate policies that caused the severity of the flooding, by removing and demolishing vital waterway protections.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@musashidanmcgrath im not sure how you managed to miss the flooding in 2019 that directly led to the eutrophication event in the mar menor that I talk about in the video. Or the flooding that hit southern spain this autumn and the tragic events in valencia. Empirically and anecdotally the summers are getting hotter and Dana (heavy rain) event’s more extreme. The water supply management in Spain is remarkably good however management of floodwater and irrigation is, in some locations, very poor. The huge flood protection infrastructure planned for los alcázares, to protect the old town and the mar menor, is welcome and a very positive indication that the authorities are taking the issues seriously. Overall I think the benefits of the climate in Murcia and southern spain out-way the negatives but denying, or ignoring those negatives is foolhardy. I will give a more detailed explanation in a future video. In the meantime, there is an interactive map available on my website that shows areas that are at risk of 10 year flood events. www.spainunfiltered.com/flood-map/

[@Jewellerybybarrie]

We live further up the coast north of Benidorm. And I must admit the Mar Menor is a nice place and we are maybe looking at moving that way in a couple of years. The only thing that bothers me is that it appears to be majority tourist second homes. Which to be honest is the one thing putting us off. Thanks for a good video.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Glad you enjoyed the video! There are a lot of tourist homes around the mar menor, particularly in the southern towns like Mar de Cristal . Of course, La Manga Strip is almost entirely touristic. Traditionally it has been a very popular area for domestic Spanish tourism and there are lots of second homes owned by families from Madrid and other inland areas that get very hot in the summer. Some areas of the towns on the northern shores do have strong year round populations, like Los Alcazares, San Javier and San Pedro and you might find Pilar de la Horadada which is just over the border into Alicante to be interesting too. Check out this video for more about that area! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6O9p3iAecR0gbc

[@theSSHITT]

Both! Florida is a land of broken dreams. I'm native Floridian, highly credentialed, and used to be hard working and the Florida labor market broke me. I could not find a decent paying job anywhere near my home. We had a housing boom and crash. Florida has a ton of enviornmental problems. It's a weird transient place with a ton of beauty and uglyness. I'm friends with a Murcian and visit her every summer. I love Murcia, but because I have seen it up close, I can tell you that it also has its pretty and ugly parts. The difference is that the Murcian people are much warmer and more welcoming than Florida Man.

[@Spainunfiltered]

TO be honest I think you can say that about anywhere. I wa born in Dorset in the UK, where in the middle of a UNESCO world heritage site you will find the ugliness of Portland Port and some of the most impoverished housing estates in the UK but you are right there are lots of parallels with the housing boom and similarly there was a generation that really suffered from huge unemployment rates following the crash, Coincidently, much like "florida man" Murcianos have traditionally been the butt of a lot of jokes in Spain - most of them unrepeatable here - but they really are lovely warm people who are very proud of their region.

[@Westhamsterdam]

¡Has olvidado la crisis "Condo"!

[@ArtJorgeCom]

well done docu👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼♥️

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@ArtJorgeCom 🙏 gracias

[@WalkWithMeFinland]

Hello from Finland! 👋 I had such a relaxing time watching this video. Thanks for bringing the beauty of Spain to us! I just subscribed and liked your channel. 🙌 Keep it up!

[@Spainunfiltered]

@WalkWithMeFinland what a nice thing to take the time to say! Thank you.

[@johnharrison8089]

great video. I live in Villa Martin but would now consider this area

[@Spainunfiltered]

That's good to hear, there's a lot to offer in Murcia but I think the biggest difference compared to Villamartin and the Orihuela Costa area is just the pace of life. Not that those areas are frantic, just that Murcia does feel more laid back to me. I hit two traffic jams in 2000km one was where they are raising a Bridge over the motorway for the AVE to pass under and the other was a goatherd blocking the road.

[@jochen.allardice-grein]

Murcia region is amazing we rented a flat in the Santa Rosalia resort, in 2024 and will be returning in 2025. If we would move to Spain (have been toying with the idea for a long time), Murcia would be the area, and your guide would be the first thing I would read. Thank you for the great video.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you! Santa Rosalia is coming along really well. I appreciate the support!

[@jochen.allardice-grein]

@@Spainunfiltered You are more than welcome, Costa Blanca is definitely our area and Los Alcázares, is lovely. It is just easy living, everything you would ever need is a short drive away. We also stayed at Las Colinas Golf Resort last year, which is nice if Golf is your thing (which is not our bag at all 🙂) so we saw the Alicante area too, in all Costa Blanca offers all we need and want.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@ Las Colinas is a fairly unique offering in the south east. It’s a pretty spectacular setting even if you’re not a golfer! The brass band and Caldero (caldron) in the video were filmed in Los Alcazares it was quite a rainy day for ‘dia del caldero’ but still so much fun. Just one note (sorry to be pedantic but if I don’t point it out I expect someone else will point out that I didn’t!). The Coast of Murcia is known as the Costa Cálida, the Costa Blanca is the Coast of Alicante. The boundaries do often get blurred though!

[@jochen.allardice-grein]

@@Spainunfiltered Costa Calida it is 🙂

[@lancashirebob3]

Murcia is a superb, no doubt about it. I have been visiting for the last 10 years and love the region.

[@Spainunfiltered]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@olafvonbraun7300]

Didn’t even know what Murcia was 🤷🏻‍♂️cool video. It sure looks like San Diego I have to say, not so much Florida, but I get your point. I felt like I’m walking through European San Diego

[@barryonions9893]

Great video 👍😀😎

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@Stu-124]

Great video, balanced and informative. In recent years I've seen plenty of Sea Bass, Bream and Mullet whilst snorkeling of the beach in Los Narejos. Still hoping to spot a sea horse, maybe one day.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks! Thats good to hear. If you every get the chance to go snorkelling near Isla Grosa on the other side of La Manga take it (you’ll need a boat!).

[@daveboston5929]

Yeh there's some absolute beauties if you look hard enough. Lots of glass shrimp too. Always a good sign of healthy water. 🤞🏼

[@kevinomalley1521]

He's back, wondered where you'd gone

[@Spainunfiltered]

Ha! If I had had any idea how long it would take me to write a book and to make this video I probably would never have started.... but I'm glad I did, it's good to be back!

[@silkedavid8876]

What about the environmental impact? It looks more like a desert area, how is the water management? Not only fresh, but waste. How about waste? Where do all the staff come from and how do they live? How is the electrify supply?

[@Spainunfiltered]

All good questions for future videos!

[@McLarry88]

Es tan desértica que ha sido una de las zonas que mas productos vegetales ha producido en el país. La llaman la huerta de Europa, con uno de los terrenos mas fértiles del país y un sistema de regadio que viene desde la epoca medieval. Los tribunales de los hombres buenos que es patrimonio inmaterial de la humanidad. Es junto a Alicante las dos regiones donde mas aprovechamiento del agua se hace, por encima del 85%. Un desierto si...

[@charlenemcgreig3865]

Great video thankyou I've heard that renting in murcia is extremely high now Highest in Spain is that true? I'm in ibiza and rentals have gone crazy 😮😢

[@eugene4950]

nice , did anyone check who bought all this resorts/real estate for pennies ?

[@mariopeedor7433]

I been trying to visit La Manga for awhile from Malaga, however, it seems that every time I been checking properties and hotels over there, everything seems outdated. I guess that area needs to catch up still.

[@jedw5210]

I was in Murcia for the COVID lockdown when it was house arrest with no exercise. The Guardia Civil went "full Franco" with armoured personnel carriers, machine guns, drones, armed checkpoints...and they'd search your shopping to ensure you'd bought enough for a week's shopping, they'd check your car boot to ensure you weren't snuggling anyone, and they issued 1M fines averaging €400 a pop and came to your house, armed, with a card reader to collect the money on the day. That aside I loved Murcia, it was the closest thing I ever experienced to North Korea. Moved to Portugal where the police state is absent - much happier. Just sayin'...

[@edrumal]

Not a mention of Camposol, home to probably the largest ex pat population in Murcia and consistently ignored by Mazarron council. The derelict villas in your video are on this urbanization and are still the same. Having said that I have been here for over 20 years and such is the wonderful community spirit and determination to make Camposol a better place that life is not only tolerable but mostly enjoyable despite complete apathy from those who are supposed to support us

[@madgringo9263]

You should be supported in the Old Devil's Island (U.K) from where you disgusting Wet weather baboons stem from... There is where you should all reside ... NOT E.U./Spain... Where you don't belong... Nor you'll ever Will...!! So Chop,Chop... Spain never was a land of P. I. R. A. T. E. S. 😂😅😅😊

[@Spainunfiltered]

Hi, I'm really sorry I could have sworn I had replied to your comment but I must have written the response and not clicked the send button... (I was a bit overwhelmed by all the attention at that point!) You're right to point out that Camposol is not in this video but it's not because I am ignoring it rather because there is a lot to be said (about the urbanisation and about Masa) that wouldn't have fitted the flow of this video. I was there a few months ago (hence the clips) and I am planning to come back in January. I want to explain what happened with Masa but I want to be fair and not run some hatchet job on the area so I would really like to talk to residents about life in the urbanisation. It struck me a few years ago when I was in the area and saw that people in sector C had created communal garden areas and made efforts to tidy up some of the spaces that there is a human story and the community spirit you talk about is really interesting. It would be great to talk to you about it. If you wouldn't mind please drop me an email to [e-mail] and we can make arrangements.

[@malcolmturner214]

Visit camposol weekly for shops and restaurants , I like the lively buzzing atmosphere , shame the council don’t help out more with the roads lighting and parks , locals do a great job of maintaining garden areas and greenery 😎

[@ToRo-wm4bu]

Hi, what is connectivity (public transport) like from the airport to any of the resources mentioned and to both Mazarron and La Manga?

[@Spainunfiltered]

Hi, there are buses from the airport to Murcia and Cartagena although they are only available on a couple of days of the week in the winter. There is a bus network that connects up most of the major towns and also a light train that connects murcia and cartagena via balsicas. Of course the AVE is in its way. If you are used to the regularity of buses in urban areas of the UK you will find the frequency disappointing. To explore the golf resorts you will need to go by car.

[@ffi1001]

Not much at all unfortunately. You will need a car

[@samurai-capybara]

Great stuff.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andydunkerley8465]

Really intelligent video Ive now been a couple going back in February now Will have a hire car again.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks Andy. Theres a lot to explore so definitely worth having a car. Feel free to drop me an email of you want and pointers!

[@julianb4447]

There seems to be some incorrect information. The hotel resumed operating under the InterContinental brand but also discontinued again, I think 3 or 4 years ago

[@carolewood3482]

Living in Camposol Murcia for 15 years and its a great place to live but more like California than Florida with lower rainfall than Los Angeles and without the fires. Economically things are improving again with new developments and house prices rising again.

[@tudi]

How come nobody’s talking about the air pollution? The moment you cross the mountains towards Murcia capital, you can see and feel it.. Yes, the seaside part is nice, but that’s the case in most places in Spain - and that also makes it more expensive…

[@blacknwhite5451]

I think this is another nail in the coffin for British property investors. If I'm not mistaken, from this year you can no longer deduct expenses from your rental income if your from outside the EU when filing the yearly 210 form.

[@yanassi]

And drought concerns if there’s overbuilding golf courses, homes with gardens and pools, a theme park too?

[@pennybaxter4]

Argh san javier “ your so missed ✈️ .

[@Spainunfiltered]

It was very convenient!

[@borisgrund7051]

Why didn't you o to the pearl of Murcia, Aguila is such a nice place to go

[@britslivinginspain]

Cracking video. Well done

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you!

[@easydrive3662]

With the murcia region been south east spain it officially is the mildest and most temperate climate in spain and the whole of europe in winter, the figures prove this! Its also one of the hottest places in europe in summer too! This is all due to its south east location, mountains that extend to the back and more sheltered from the atlantic which tends to affect the south of spain.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Murcia does have very mild winters, although it does get cold in the mountains. The summers do seem to be getting hotter though. Its definitely worth considering insulation when looking at properties…

[@tressandooleykelly9465]

Terrific video. I live half of the year in Lá Ribera. Life transforming lifestyle,and huge warm local and ex pat communities.

[@simonwalters4999]

Interesting video. We have been focusing on Valencia for relocation (from Nicaragua) but Murcia is an option we are consdering. But we are focusing on the city of Murcia itself. We are not fans of Florida (or the Costa Del Sol which seems to have a similar story to the one you deacribe here). Do you have any insights about life in the city itself?

[@MrsParsons63]

Great video we live in Sucina we love it ❤

[@Spainunfiltered]

Lovely little town. I stopped for a cold drink after climbing up the Sierra Escalona next to it (really briefly shown at 13:46!) 🙂

[@markg6953]

when my partner and i travelled there in our camper we renamed la manga as la manky.We did not linger long,as too depressing.Rape of the natural world is continuing apace then by the sounds of it.The power of marketing eh.

[@dieselmonster]

I absolutely love LA MANGA - Im under impression that the issue is with councils not able to cope with responsibilities. another problem is that the strip is divided between 2 councils SAN JAVIER and LA MANGA whcih makes ZERO sense

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@dieselmonster The part furthest from San Javier (by land) is the part under their control!

[@dieselmonster]

@@Spainunfiltered that part is called Veneziola Im surprised you didn't include it in your video - it looks like it was Dubai not Spain. I still have pictures of the original massive 3 wing hotel planned for that artificail island - still very neglected which is super strange as this is probably the most undervalued area in Murcia IMHO

[@alfaeco15]

No hurricanes.... 😊

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@alfaeco15 it didn’t feel like that in my house last night!!

[@joseluisortsagullo3008]

Who wants to be Florida?

[@kevinomalley1521]

A top 5 places to live in Murcia vid would be awesome, like the Alicante one

[@Spainunfiltered]

Okay, I've got a lot of footage to work with so I'll keep that in mind!

[@kevinomalley1521]

@@Spainunfiltered Excellent. Wife & daughter (5) & I moving permanently in 2 years ish. Your vid helped put Pilar de la Horadada ahead of Quesada/Rojales (bit too far from the sea for us)....we've never visited Pilar, but coming over in March/April for 9-10 days to have a real good drive around. Gran Alacant and Playa Flamenca/La Zenia area also on the shortlist. Murcia is lovely and interesting, but we're too invested in Alicante to widen our search even more!

[@Spainunfiltered]

@ thats good to hear! Pilar is right on the border of Murcia and a lot of murcianos (from the city) have weekend properties there. In many ways its more characteristic of The Murcia region than Alicante (or the Communidad Valenciano). So much so that I often see people misidentifying it as being on the Costa Calida rather than the Costa Blanca. When you’re heading over feel free to drop me an email and I’ll be happy to give you some pointers.

[@kevinomalley1521]

@@Spainunfiltered Thanks a million mate, I'll keep in touch. Do they teach Valenciano in schools as far south as Pilar? Im obviously keen for her to learn Spanish properly, but learning Valenciano too could be tricky along with having to settle into a whole new life. We currently live in Croydon South London lol

[@Spainunfiltered]

@ I’m not sure about the curriculum to be honest (I don’t think it’s compulsory and if it is none of the kids I know speak it) but its not spoken in the area.

[@Beanbag753]

Given the burgeoning property crisis in Florida (insurance, storms, etc.), I'd be careful about using it as a positive analogy.

[@daydays12]

you mentioned 'farming' and its causing of water pollution at one point but then made no further mention of those ecological disasters while you celebrated real estate How is the environment in Murcia? Where does the water come from for all these golf courses?

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@daydays12 i not sure you watched the whole video as i bring up SOS Mar Menor again and I link them in the video description. I specifically mention illegal irrigation as it it the nitrates used in farming that lead to the destructive algal blooms in the mar menor, however I also refer to poor water management on new developments. However if you would like to see more on the subject please subscribe to the channel. There is currently a video about flooding and water management i production. One about swimming pools (that looks among other things at their environment impact) and also a video specifically about water management on golf courses.

[@daydays12]

@@Spainunfiltered You did not refer to ecological problems again. Some time after your advertisement for your book, you said the words "Mar Menor" once only with an almost subliminal photo of a banner saying SOS Mar Menor. That was it... you went on then to a really strong advertisement for Murcia.. i watched you video twice just to make sure. There is no link to anything about Mar Menor. For you information the European Union says of Mar Menor: "Europe’s biggest saltwater lagoon, the Mar Menor in Spain, is being slowly poisoned by pollution from intensive agriculture and livestock farming, old mines and rampant tourist infrastructure and development. Yet the irony is, it is - on paper - protected by numerous environmental laws" ( Source: European Commission). You didn't answer my question about water I suppose you are aware that Murcia is facing a water crisis....not surprising given the water- intensive agriculture, large numbers of golf courses in an arid region, and the rapid growth and occupation of residential and tourist developments "Over the past year, a lack of rainfall has resulted in a massive die-off of trees and shrubs, prompting calls for immediate action and increased funding. Entire slopes are drying out, and this situation has become the worst drought in 50 years." Source Euro Weekly News Oct 9, 2024 Any comments?

[@Spainunfiltered]

As I said there are videos coming about water management. It is not something that had been, or will be ignored on this channel.

[@daydays12]

@@Spainunfiltered That will be interesting. When are you likely to release such videos?

[@daydays12]

@@Spainunfiltered Interesting. When will you be releasing such videos?

[@chrisclarke7828]

I bought a brand new terraced house in Murcia in 2007, communal pool that never had water in it and it was completely furnished, l could have walked in with only a tooth bush it was on 4 floors, garage, first floor, bedrooms and then a terrace over the roof area. Good price, i was happy, but never got to use it so much. The price was 123.000 euros all in...........................i had a job to get 87,000 for it 3 years later. There is a video here of a new urbanisation near the pink late where new finished houses have been broken into and are left abandoned.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Sorry to hear that. I really hope that this video doesn’t make light of your experiences because it is absolutely not intended to. I really do believe that under current banking regulations the conditions that led to the crash can’t reoccur, but it doesn’t make much difference for those who had already lost.

[@chrisclarke7828]

@@Spainunfiltered I never watched.

[@info781]

The thing to remember is how poor this region was before all of it was all built. Yes some of it is ugly, but the amount of jobs and money it provides is staggering.

[@MontanezMonti]

I am an American living in Florida. I will retire to Spain in 2026. Please keep Murcia, as Murcia. Don't try to imitate Florida, PLEASE.

[@TheDAT9]

Poor people keep out, unless you are going around the back to empty the bins.

[@JanetTrout-x7z]

Real estate 101. Deposits should be held in escrow, not held by the developer

[@Spainunfiltered]

Things are done slightly different in Spain, however nobody should deposit any money without specific guarantees in place that serve to independently protect the funds, all governed by legislation that was passed in 2015 following the crash. To be able to get those guarantees certain conditions need to be in place, so not only does the system protect the money, it also massively reduces the possibility that the funds are at risk in the first place. All the details are in my book - www.spainunfiltered.com/chasing-the-sun

[@HarryPujols]

For a lot of people, calling a place the Florida of ____ isn’t a compliment

[@Spainunfiltered]

Nor was it meant as one…

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Spain is different mate

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@benjamindejonge3624 as said the advertising campaigns… it most definitely is!

[@Stuart.Branson.]

Unfortunately it's a bit of a dump and wont be changing any time soon. Geographically beautiful as is most of Spain but people ruined it as always.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Its a huge region and has its good parts and bad. I guess its nothing like the super villa Ibiza or Marbella lifestyle but as I say in the video, beyond the beaches and golf courses there is so much more on offer. I certainly wouldn’t call it a dump.

[@billblunden1549]

Mojacar...! Maybe?

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@billblunden1549 all in good time Bill 👍

[@kashmirsingh820]

Hello sir I’m looking to buy house in murcia House with approximately 100 acre farm land so we can grow food and vegetables and fruits tree not very far from airport Please advise me price for land And house Thanks

[@tommykidd8179]

Unfortunately Mar Menor lagoon is now. Full of algae

[@chrisvalford]

A great video showing the destruction of the Spanish culture and nature. If you want to live or stay in a place no different from any over developed place on the planet and be served by local people priced out of the market, go ahead. This guy is not being honest, the Mar Minor still has major problems and there are still legal disputes regarding some of the properties and land ownership.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@chrisvalford I said word for word that “there are still problems to be put right, not least the damage that has been done to the Mar Menor” have thanked SOS Mar menor in the video description, dedicated pretty much the whole conclusion of the video to celebrating the local people of murcia and their culture and have written a 300 page book explaining to people how to avoid the the problems and yet you still call me dishonest. 🤦‍♂️

[@chrisvalford]

@ well, I could start by telling the story about my parents buying a property in that part of the country. Luckily they were warned and sold as soon as the property was finished. Or I could talk about the rampant corruption in Spain back then which still exists in places, as you know the farmers took advantage. Or I could talk about the rising anger around the affordability of housing for local people all over Spain. Plus of course there is the constant drought problem, do you think anyone will be happy with golf courses being watered to keep a few foreigners happy when they are not able to flush their toilets in Catalunya?

[@Spainunfiltered]

@ why would you start there when half of this video talks about the problems and corruption that your parents could have faced? Why would you compare the discontent caused by foreigners pushing prices up in city centres like Barcelona (where you, a foreigner, live) to purpose built touristic resorts? Perhaps you could start by apologising for calling me a liar, and then, when the videos I am currently producing about water management are published you’ll be able to see them.

[@fabiomantegazza9660]

Europe's Florida is the strip between Malaga and Gibraltar.

[@theuktoday4233]

Until around 2030 when travel is severely limited etc etc

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks for your comment. I hope you enjoyed the video.

[@henrik4438]

As a resident, Spain is dangerous for wealthy people /developers. The moment a tax inspector gets wind of wealth, they will come to seize as much as they can. Go to Spain for a nice holiday. Never, ever become a resident. Even if you have nothing to your name, you are still seen as prey for the tax hunters. After 5 years residency in Spain as a developer, I'm in the beginning of a decade long nightmare with spanish tax inspectors, who wants to criminalise my business internationally, even though it was founded more than 30 years ago. Visit Spain as a tourist and make sure you never stay longer than where you live.

[@McLarry88]

jajaja el socialismo amigo! Todo lo destruye

[@hendrik2633]

A commercial for golf courses.

[@ristorantanen5769]

I love Spain I mean the real Spain Because there is two of them Not the fake touristic Spain so much (The fake towns where only tourists live) But the real Spain where Spanish ppl live. The ppl are warm genuine and friendly and the food is excellent

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@ristorantanen5769 in that case I’m sure you would love murcia. :)

[@glumonion1454]

I love Murcia in general, I love Aguilas, Mazzaron, Lorca and the City of Murcia. I like the communities along the Mar Menor, yet maybe my expectations were too high, but I have never been nearly as disappointed with anything quite as much as I was with La Manga. We went in June, the weather was lovely yet the place was like a ghost town. Took ages to get to my adults only hotel that was full of schoolgirl footballers. Traffic lights adorn the place like fairy lights on a Christmas tree-literally a few meters apart all the way along this endless road with nothing on it. The one or two bars and restaurants were shuttered up with signs promising to open in the summer, so you had to get in your car and drive along the mind blowingly boring road with all its traffic lights to find an alternative to eating at the hotel. It has a lovely beach, but a short walk took you into some seriously run down/ boarded up areas that at night just felt sinister.

[@danielblock7036]

Mazarrón has mostly foreigners. It doesn't really feel Spanish Spanish anymore. BTW, do you speak the local lingo?

[@ristorantanen5769]

@danielblock7036 Yeah, my Spanish is a bit primitive but i understand it a lot better then i speak it I can get around, order food and go shopping but struggle with lengthy conversations. Think however that i could learn it properly if i were to stay there for a longer time. Kind of want to retire there when the time comes. Somewhere rural away from the buzzing coastlines though And you?

[@susanaescriba977]

All these areas are for real estate speculators of all nationalities. If you are looking in urbanizations, resorts, buildings by the sea, etc... you are a target for speculators. In the city and inland there is real life but foreigners who come to live here have no interest in it.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@susanaescriba977 I agree that if you are looking in these areas you can be a target for agents and some of the less scrupulous players in the market. My book guides people on how to make sure they make informed decisions and aren’t just sold to. Also not all agents are unscrupulous, some can be very diligent and helpful. I don’t think it’s fair to say that people who buy in these resorts are not interested in ‘real life’ -some of them, sure - but not all of them.

[@susanaescriba977]

@Spainunfiltered I am Spanish and I know what I am talking about. The tourist ghettos flood the coast, the only interest is the sun, many live here for years and do not even speak Spanish. That is a reality. You will only know a society if you enter to live there, work in a Spanish company and take your children to a Spanish school. The rest are just long-stay tourists.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Y con todo respeto sé de lo que hablo. Como muchos de mis contemporáneos hablo español, tengo un profundo amor por su país, tengo muchos amigos españoles. He trabajado para empresas españolas. He explorado mucho más allá de la costa y leí mucho sobre la historia de España. Simplemente digo que no toda la gente que viene a España es como usted describe y no todos los centros turísticos costeros son "guetos". Por favor, mira el vídeo hasta el final y verás el mensaje completo que intento transmitir sobre la región de Murcia.

[@susanaescriba977]

@@Spainunfiltered Gracias por sus palabras y por contestar en español.

[@lynchygt233]

We’ve been several times, we hire villas on the golf course’s, even though we don’t play golf and absolutely love the place, we would never buy here though, it has always had the feeling it could vanish over night. Rent a villa and hire a car, you’ll love it. It had a bad jellyfish fish invasion when we were there last year, so put us off our usual lagoon swimming.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank for your comment. I’m intrigued by why you feel it could vanish overnight? Do you mean the golf resorts? Thanks

[@ashblackhawk]

Spaniards are best managers of tourism in the world from Spain to Caribbean resorts their service quality for price they charge and their eye on changing requirements and latest in vogue is unbeatable any anyone.

[@Kevin-zz9nc]

Plenty of broken dreams in Florida....long before the current crisis and plenty of poverty too.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Very true, there were many parallels between the building boom, and the 'sub-prime' mortgage industry in both areas. Greedy developers and too much money lent to too many people who couldn't afford to pay it and back fixed against properties with over inflated values. But, as I say in the video, in Murcia at least, things are a lot healthier now and it's time to start looking forwards.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Hi Dicky, really sorry for the slow response, for some reason (no idea why) youtube flagged your message as "potentially inappropriate" and filtered it into a list that I only just came across! On the grand scheme of it Orihuela costa is relatively cheap compared to the Costa del Sol (in terms of property prices and green fees). But you get even better value in Murcia at the moment. You can see more in my latest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4O8eIyke8uFiqs How about Scotland in the summer when Spain is too hot to play in the middle of the day, and Spain in the winter when Scotlands' to wet and windy?

[@dhfozzie]

I was one of the lucky ones bought and sold made some money it was good to watch this and remind me never invest a penny in Spain very corrupt Spend your holiday home funds on holidays thats what Im doing

[@satanishangover]

How is Murcia in terms of illegal immigration?

[@hugueslecorre4893]

In early 70's, an apple producer in Mursia heights, wanted to export his production to France. At that time, only phone call was possible to negotiate. To speak in French he sends his son Nuno to France to learn speaking the language. 3 month after he returns and asks his son, how they call apple. Nuno replied, pomme, papa. How they call an apple tree, pommier, papa, and how they call an apple orchard, not knowing the answer, Nuno de Murcia starts singing, po rom pom pom, porm prom pom perom.....

[@cayesuomi]

So Florida isn't a land of broken dreams? In that way is still pretty similar to florida.

[@johnbate3435]

far to hot in summer

[@nicolajohnson1887]

July and August are not alot of fun, it's better in the winter tbh.

[@neptunemike]

why would Florida be aspirational? 😂pretty awful state

[@anacasanova7350]

Murcia es la huerta de Europa. Nada de la Florida. Es mejor y sin huracanes ni cocodrilos 😊 Historia 3000 años. 😊

[@michaelbentley4877]

Your hands are talking a lot lol

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@riccardogalo4540]

Murcia hasn't hurricanes

[@FERDI-f6n]

No need to compare Florida with Spain. Thats American crap and culture. Spain is Spain. Amazing Spain. Period.

[@Spainunfiltered]

SPOILER ALERT>>>> You're almost giving away the last line of the video!

[@nicolajohnson1887]

Poor food though, I live in spain, and they incredible produce but can't cook to save their lives, France or Italy has great food but spain has greasey over salted bland food.

[@FERDI-f6n]

@nicolajohnson1887 you come from an English speaking country whwre you only eat overprocessed crappy ffood. Canned food

[@timchikun]

florida is the land of broken dreams 😂

[@barryoneill-ec9zz]

Great to hear this, But The EU is shakey, Next year will be very uncertain for europe, Things are about to change for the worse

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@barryoneill-ec9zz you may be right, globally we live in uncertain times, but people have been saying the same thing about the EU for years (especially in the UK). This isn’t an investment channel, its about lifestyle, however most forecasts I see predict between 1-2% growth in the EU with above 2% in Spain and Murcia specifically is predicted to have the second highest growth of the Spanish Communities. About 0.5% growth is expected in the UK. I’m not an economist and so I can’t say with any certainty who is right and who is wrong. What I can say with certainty is that the conditions that led to the crash in the spanish property market in the late 2000’s are not apparent now, and with the regulatory changes that came about after the crash I don’t think its possible that those conditions could every be seen again.

[@wethinkweknowitall]

That's why I am moving to Spain as Oz is becoming a worry. The whole UN nations will go through negative changes. 😪 Still, at least there are other places to explore as long as it's possible.

[@barryoneill-ec9zz]

@@Spainunfiltered Thanks for that post, I did really like Spain it's got the best climate, and your right lifestyle, sun, fun, I guess once your financially secure Spain is a perfect place, If you didn't watch the news you would be fine.

[@dennishaggerty463]

I found the recent history and overview of Murcia region very informative. You have explained why I have seen abandoned buildings and half built tower blocks around the marina near Guardamar further up the coast from the Mar Menor. It was a half abandoned development and the marina a bit run down compared to nearby Santa Pola, that is far smarter and up market. It would be great to think the region is now getting back on its feet and some of the investment in Murcia spreads a little further north. Arguably a fantastic opportunity to invest now and take advantage of a potentially massive uplift in real estate values around Guardamar too.

[@Frankcarson63]

I've personally lived in Florida (3 years ) and I've lived in Murcia (2 years) , let me tell you Murcia is NO FLORIDA !!!

[@michaelrowsell1160]

Malaga has become a traffic jam and the rest of coastal Spain will follow . Head inland to real Spain for a less stressful life and better scenery .

[@Spainunfiltered]

To be fair I drove over 2000 km in Murcia while I was making this video and the only traffic jam I hit was where they were building a new motorway bridge over the trainline to allow for the upcoming AVE.

[@michaelrowsell1160]

@@Spainunfiltered Traffic jams to Malaga start at Torre del Mar .If you want to get to the Airport there ,it has become a problem .This is being driven by migration to the coast from inland . The same thing is happening in the Costa Brava They will meet in the middle .

[@PulsedProductions]

Only if it was not so dirty - rubbish everywhere, cars, dust, dog poos, pee. The Murcia region was a big disappointment ... it will need centuries to catch up with Florida

[@savosaren856]

Spain...not a really good idea in this years like Venezuela in 2012...

[@valentinvanruiz]

id say Florida is land of broken dreams. Murcia has 200 times more history than Florida 😂

[@guayab]

Desastre.