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Why You Should Consider Moving to Alicante

Here’s one for pub quiz aficionados. What Spanish province has the highest proportion of expat property buyers? Málaga, which takes in the Costa del Sol? Perhaps Madrid or Barcelona, home to Spain’s largest two capital cities and both major European cosmopolitan metropolises? Or maybe the Balearics, both a province and an island archipelago?

No to all. The correct answer is Alicante, which attracts the highest number of foreign property buyers of all 50 Spanish provinces, not only expatriates settling in Spain but also regular visitors looking for a second home in the sun.

Alicante province has an estimated foreign residential community of 450,000 people, representing around one-quarter of the total population. In as many as 19 municipalities, the proportion actually exceeds 50 per cent.

Here we look at the key reasons why Alicante is such a popular destination for expatriates, retirees, and frequent holidaymakers.

Property Market

First the economic... According to Spanish Property Insight , house prices have been gradually recovering since 2013, but remain around 20 per cent cheaper than in 2007. “Alicante province was one of the first to recover after the crash because of the boost it got from international demand, as foreign buyers from stronger economies swooped in on Costa Blanca taking advantage of the slump in house prices.”

This means there are still great bargains available in Alicante for property buyers, including in the more popular coastal areas, although the market is slightly volatile due to ongoing uncertainty over Brexit. 

Location, Location, Location

Alicante is the southernmost province in Valencia (Spain’s fourth most populous region) and encompasses one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque stretches of coastline, the Costa Blanca, as well as mountain havens to the west. To the south it borders Murcia, also a hugely popular region for expats from northern Europe.

The province is home to such iconic holiday and residential-tourism areas as Benidorm, plus numerous other medium-sized towns and smaller villages dotted along the coast and inland, including Calpe, Dénia, Jávea and Torrevieja.

So, whether you are looking for a new life in a vibrant coastal resort area, or prefer a more sedate lifestyle in a bucolic hinterland setting, you will have no trouble finding your dream home in Alicante province.

Transport Connections

Alicante province is well-serviced for air travellers by the modern Alicante-Elche International Airport near the capital city, while the new Corvera-Murcia Airport is also convenient for those living in or visiting the southern part of the province.

In addition, the excellent Autovía del Mediterráneo highway route extends from Barcelona to Algeciras (on the Costa del Sol near Gibraltar); and Spain’s celebrated AVE rail network is earmarked for future extension to Alicante and Murcia – perhaps as soon as 2021 in the latter case.

Climate

The Mediterranean’s enviable climate is one of the great attractions that lure so many people to southern Spain.

Alicante, specifically, has exceptional weather throughout the year, ideal for those who want to enjoy an active outdoor life or simply relax with friends or family over an al fresco lunch by the sea – in the midst of winter!

As to be expected in an area with almost year-round sun, the range of sport and other leisure activities is impressive: from championship golf courses to water sports including sailing and diving, and lazy days on the beach to intrepid hikes through Alicante province’s magnificent nature parks.

Medical Care

Spain’s health services are consistently ranked among the best in Europe . As in other parts of the country, both local nationals and foreign visitors and residents have access to well-equipped and professionally-staffed suburban medical centres for day-to-day care and treatments, and modern hospitals for more complex medical matters.

Many Spanish health professionals speak good enough English to be able to communicate effectively with patients, and in recent years the Spanish health system – especially private clinics – has incorporated qualified staff from other European Union countries.

International Schools

Many young families settling in Alicante are keen for their children to attend state schools so they can learn Spanish easily and make local friends. However, for those who prefer an “international” education, the options are diverse.

One of the most highly rated is The Lady Elizabeth School in Javea , which caters for children aged from 18 months to 18 years, offers both a Spanish and a British curriculum, and has a wonderfully multicultural learning community of 30 different nationalities.

Cosmopolitan Lifestyle

New residents moving to Alicante will not only be able to take advantage of the renowned Spanish lifestyle but also maintain some of their more cherished “home” traditions.

The Costa Blanca is well-serviced with supermarkets and other niche commercial outlets catering for foreign tastes, sports bars showing major global events abound, and the cuisine is a blend of classic local dishes and international favourites.


 

Mar 15, 2020 | 656 Page Views

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