Retire on the Costa Blanca - 10 Reasons Why you Should

Thinking about retiring to somewhere warm, healthy and fun? Read On….

1. Live Longer and Healthier

- the best and healthiest climate in the world. It’s Official - the World Health Organisation say so. An absence of heavy industry ensures low pollution levels and blue skies keep the spirits high. Northern Europeans who move here usually live longer than in their native countries.

2. Lots to do, inside and out

- in this area you can plan a barbecue and have it, go cycling, walking, socialising and golfing without getting freezing cold or soaking wet. You can also get out of the sun or occasional bad weather and join one of the many clubs and associations that abound on this coastline. You need never be bored, or look out of your window at the pouring rain day after day. You can do outdoor things all year round.

3. There are lots of people like you here

- and they are more affable because they are happier and glad to be here. You will meet lots of friends with things in common. Mature people are more respected in Spanish society and the binge drinking culture so prevalent in the UK is rare here. (Apart from the odd English tourist!)

4. Your money goes further

- Even with the recent unfavorable exchange rate scenario, bills are lower with socialising and eating out much cheaper, you can do it more often.

5. Free healthcare

- If you live in the Valencian region, do don’t even have to wait until retirement age to benefit from the health system. Waiting lists are generally shorter and hospitals much cleaner! You can elect to go private or have a top up scheme for prescriptions etc., if you so desire.

6. Why Worry?

- Forget about stupid British politics and dumbed down TV programmes, do something else. Or watch them all on the numerous TV systems available here, if you must.

7. Wonderful Facilities

- You can use the many facilities offered by local authorities in every town. Take Spanish lessons at the Local Casa de Cultura, or use the reasonably priced sports centres, pools and gyms. Take advantage of the relatively traffic free roads and safe railway systems to explore the country and to strike out at others. No need to cross the channel so save on ferries!

8. Property is still good value

- and in a buyers’ market, bargains can be had. Nowhere else offers the facilities geared up to the expat as does the Mediterranean coast and in particular the Costa Blanca. You could buy a better investment in a developing country, perhaps, but you are interested in a second life, not in how much you will leave to your relatives! Rents are also cheaper, so you don’t have to buy or even sell your UK property to sample the life. Do your other countries of interest have the infrastructure now present in Spain, or are they still in the third world? Are they easy to get to? Islands can be expensive, restrictive and get boring after a while! Try a month on Malta! Arggghhh.

9.You could do something completely new.

- Try sailing, diving, bowls, horse riding, or start a small cottage industry from your home. Learn to play the guitar! Go mountain walking! Kick sand in bullies’ faces or laugh at fair haired people frying on the beach, it’s fun!

10. Home from Home

- You could stay at home in the UK and be a foreigner. Might as well be one here, it’s good to be a minority! Get your own back!

Mike Pick = Homesearch Costa Blanca

Tags: , activities, climate, hobbies, Retirement