The Perfect Location For Ex-pats? Exploring Spain's South Costa Blanca

[@jjoel609]

I liked this video and how you didn't "sugarcoat" the negatives! I will be in Alicante/Elche in 3 weeks and am very excited to check it out! Thanks for the info.!

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you! I do appreciate it. New video coming in a couple of days time that I expect you’ll be interested in!

[@tommytee8387]

You mentioned flash flooding this can be devastating ..We were in San Pedro del Pinatar September 2019 when flash flooding devastated tens of thousands of homes hotels and businesses for many miles along the coastline not normally affected by such weather..our climate is changing as it has from day one ..as you say it’s an important factor when choosing a location.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks @tommytee8387. Thanks for your input! (this response is partly for you but also to expand a bit for anyone else who's reading!) It is an increasingly common problem. Heavy rainstorms have always been an issue on the med coast. I think it's to do with the difference in sea and air temperatures at particular times of year (I think, I'm not a meteorologist!). It's known as a"DANA" or a "Gota Fria" They are good at predicting that an event will happen somewhere on the coast on a given day but as the rain is very intense (200l/m2 or 9 inches of rain in 24 hours!) and very localised, it's difficult to predict exactly where it will hit. Any coastal area has always been at risk of a gota fria but, as you say, over the last few years they're getting more, frequent and more intense. Just by the law of averages areas that haven't seen floods for decades are more likely to see them now, but then they still might not see another for a very long time. The big issue to look out for is areas which have become pinch points through bad planning. Some parts of Torrevieja, or parts of the old town in los Alcazares for example. Here you will find far more frequent flooding because the Gota fria could hit anywhere in a relatively large catchment area and then funnel down to the problem area. As I say in the video, it's most likely to be a problem in coastal urban areas (on low ground). The good news is that the councils are waking up to the problem and improving defences. In Los Alcazares 10 of millions are being invested in tackling the problem - www.miteco.gob.es/es/agua/temas/gestion-de-los-riesgos-de-inundacion/planes-gestion-riesgos-inundacion/proyecto-proteccion-inundaciones-pescaderia-cartagena-fase2.html (in spanish but the pictures alone can give an idea of the scale of the work) Take a look at this bit of my video about Pilar de la Horadada and you can see the work that they have put into storm protection. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6O9p3iAecR0gbcsi=YFen7O4rfecO2XBF&t=138

[@samurai-capybara]

Great video!

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks!

[@minicooper2572]

Very informative,do you have any information on the northern Spanish region

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thank you! Videos for areas north of this on will be coming, but not for quite a while. What area are you interested in? I might be able to help with some info!

[@barbarahallowell2613]

Or, Asturias 😊 that'd be brilliant!😊

[@jokkeowre3382]

Nice tips!!❤

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@jokkeowre3382 thanks! Your comment is really appreciated. There’s a pretty ‘epic’ video coming next month. To be followed by regular “tips and tricks” videos . So if you enjoyed this please subscribe! And if you want comprehensive advice about buying a property and moving to spain please check out my guide at www.spainunfiltered.com/chasing-the-sun Thanks again! James

[@Realworldnews247]

Beautiful place

[@Spainunfiltered]

It really is!

[@Frank-wo3qm]

How would you compare costa blanca vs Marbella (golden mile), Estepona nd Nerja, those are the areas we are looking at. Also are you saying that Alicante has lost its local flavour? That would be a shame, I loved it as a kid in 80s. I’m sure things change. Great video by the way James. Just finished watching your lawyer one and that was even better as it pointed out that we may be about to make a classic mistake.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Hi Frank, Thanks for the support, it's appreciated. I'm not sure that I'd say that Alicante has lost it's charm (it's a bit of a subjective take so would require a longer conversation!) but the coastal area certainly has changed enormously from the area I remember as a kid in the 80's. Many of the most popular residential areas simply didn't exist then. To be honest, there was a time that I thought the property boom had ruined the south CB, but when I was having a good drive around to film for this video (and some that are to come) I changed my take. A lot of the areas that I last looked at closely when they were either under construction or brand new, have how matured and now that infrastructure and amenities have (largely) caught up with population, it is now an area that has plenty to offer; all be it unrecognisable from the area it once was. In the 80's I remember Ex-pats communicating by CB radio as there were no phone lines, and banding together to build a makeshift ambulance so I guess that what has been lost has been replaced in a different way - its down to the individual to decided if that's positive or negative. I've got some videos coming about locations in the CBS which should help give you a better idea. I would say that the biggest difference between the Costa Del Sol and South Costa Blanca - aside from the landscape (the South Costa Blanca is mostly flat) is that the back in the 50's the CdS was already an established tourist destination. The areas you ask about existed then and have been developed upon so at their core they are much more established and have a stronger sense of identity. Also, what attracted people to the South Costa Blanca, rather than the CdS, during the boom years was primarily price, and your money still goes further. There's not much in the area that can compete with the luxury destinations on the CDS, especially the Golden Mile, however, there are some really impressive coastal properties in some areas, like Campoamor and Cabo Roig and resorts such as Las Colinas are aimed at a high end luxury market (it's not La Zageleta, but it is very luxurious). I hope this helps. while considering a lawyer please do take a look at this page, using them help support this channel! spainunfiltered.com/costa-luz-lawyers/

[@Frank-wo3qm]

@@Spainunfiltered Thanks James. One last question is there any noticeable climate difference between Alicante and Marbella that you know of?. We are primarily looking at this as an escape from Canadian winters, not as full year round retirement. Having grown up Costa Brava I honestly want no part of Spain in August. Fun as a kid and a teenager not so much as an older adult imo.

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@Frank-wo3qm No Problem! In terms of temperature, the difference between the Costa del Sol and the and the South Costa Blanca is marginal (and I stress the South Costa Blanca as the climate is noticeably colder to the north of Alicante) If anything it will be a little warmer, in CDS but not drastically. The main difference is rainfall. You will get considerably more rain on the Costa del Sol.

[@Spainunfiltered]

Hi Frank, After I responded to you yesterday, I thought that your question would actually make the basis for a good blog post so... here you go! spainunfiltered.com/costa-del-sol-vs-costa-blanca-weather-a-detailed-comparison/

[@Frank-wo3qm]

@@Spainunfiltered Great article James, thanks. We are going to Costa del Sol this winter to get a feel for the place during winter. We will probably do the same next year with CB. It will probably just come down to what municipalities we like best and what tennis clubs are around.

[@AivarSool]

Please, what do you think, is CBS a good enough place to rent out an apartment (short term rental) or rather not? Why? Tourists are probably more interested in CBN because there is a lot to see? What locations (villages) in CBS are good for golfers to rent out? Thanks!

[@Spainunfiltered]

I actually think you have it the wrong way round. Residential Tourism is a key part of the economy in CBS whereas Hotels are more prevalent in the north take a look at this google search for example. tinyurl.com/4cn9dn8e There are now quite extensive regulations surrounding holiday rentals and they are applied differently in different areas. Areas where there is a strong hotel industry tend to be more restrictive on holiday lets in order to protect the hospitality industry (who can lobby more powerfully in bigger numbers). Altea council have, for example, just suspended all new licences. Look on Airbnb etc and you can see yourself where the rentals are prevent and where opportunities lie. Also there is a quite a lot that goes into getting a license so it is worth considering buying a property that is already set up and licenced for rental. You are more likely to find one in the SCB. There is a whole chapter dedicated to holiday rentals in my upcoming book which includes help with planning and compliance. It has just been proofread by someone who is in your position who had this to say: "I've read and re-read your chapter on the Spanish holiday lettings. The quality and quantity of the information in it is absolutely spot on. It's well written really easy to read. You must have put some hours into it and if the rest of the book is as useful and informative then you should be onto a winner. I'm going to be using your templates and business plan advice before I make a decision. I haven't really got any negatives and I would say if I had". You can pre order a copy here if you are interested: spainunfiltered.com/chasing-the-sun

[@matttdavey4693]

How it is it in late may

[@Spainunfiltered]

One of my favourite times of year to be honest. It’s hot enough to make good use of the beaches and swimming pools, but not as hot as the peak of summer (which can get very hot). Busy enough but not as busy as it is during the school holidays. Definitely a good time to visit.

[@soonyhodroj7559]

How much do I need to live in a month

[@Spainunfiltered]

That depends on the lifestyle you want to lead but a minimum of €1000 for a frugal lifestyle. If you are not an EU citizen then there are minimum income requirements for a visa. The details for that are on my website www.spainunfiltered.com/moving-to-spain-guides/

[@joaquindiaz7818]

1000 IS little ,you need 2000 euros to live comfortable,1500 would be the Minimum

[@dpboy8]

For a family of 3 I calculated we'd need about 3000 a month, given you have your house paid off already.

[@michaeljones3774]

If single & no rent to pay . €700 a month if car owner here . That is everything. €25'food shopping a week. €40 a mth electric & €60 in winter months. Including 4 afternoon bar visits a week at €2.80 a pint & €30 a week for smoking.

[@itsnowjoke1381]

South Costa Blanca is a bit barren the main reason is popular is that it’s cheap ! You get what you pay for Better go further south to Almeria or go to the Northern Costa Blanca

[@Spainunfiltered]

Thanks for commenting! Most of the Veja Baja area is indeed very flat, but there are some lovely green areas to explore. Check out my video about Pilar de la Horadada for example, The salt lake nature reserves, the Palm forest at Elche or Nature reserves that surround Guardamar, or for less natural but nonetheless stunning greenery, Las Colinas, Campoamor, Lo Romero. The North Costa Blanca is indeed greener and the topography is hillier so you do get some lovely views and there are some well established towns to visit. There is also a measurable difference in the climate and that's what makes it green. I worked in the Almeria Province for a number of years, working out of Garrucha, near Mojacar and while it certainly has its charms it is home to the largest desert in Spain (Tabernas). In fact it's so arid that it was used as the location for the Spaghetti westerns, it certainly doesn't make the South Costa Blanca look barren or cheap in my opinion. It definitely doesn't have the amenities and convenience that the SCB has. 20 years ago I probably would have agreed with you entirely, and if I were to focus on the areas that are attractive just because of price then I'd probably still think the same, but I think the SCB has come on a long way.

[@peterlbaldwin511]

Something that has always amused me is that, in the popular "expat" location of Torrevieja a popular beach is "Playa de Los Loco's", which translates into English as "Beach of The Lunatics",...!! Jajaja. Apparently so named because, in the late 1880's/early 1900's it was the site of a sizeable mental asylum, long since demolished..! But still a classic case of, an appealing place losing something rather in English translation...

[@Spainunfiltered]

Yes, one of those stories that sounds like an urban Myth but is entirely true! The road that runs along it is named after the Dr. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, the doctor who ran the Hospital.

[@hansdekkers5375]

Sorry emigranten no ex pets

[@Spainunfiltered]

@@hansdekkers5375 that’s just a question of perspective. If you’re watching this from outside of Spain, they’re ex-pats, from inside they’re immigrants. Thanks for your comment, I hope you enjoyed the video.