Retiring from US

@Mbershod

It will be far more complicated than you ever dreamed.  Even for "worldly, multilingual, educated" couples.  Hire consultants and buckle your seatbelts

Thanks…what specific issues did you run into?

@Mbersho

My wife and I are 70-ish. We just bought a townhouse in the small town of Diamuz, a mile from a gorgeous beach on the Mediterranean. It is near the larger town of Gandía, both about 1.5 hours south of Valencia and 1 hour north of Alicante. The sellers are a gay couple from NZ who have to go back because of one father’s illness. Our realtor, part of a lesbian couple, is terrific. I can give you more info and contact info if you like. We’re going there in December. There’s a separate guest suite if you’d be interested in renting that. Best regards, Bob

I saw the post about complications. We also have a great Spanish attorney who has handled all of that for us. We’ve had no problems.

@Mbershod

Don’t forget Catalunya region, not cold in winter and warm but not blazing hot like in southern spain. We have lived here for 3 years now and love the fishing village atmosphere yet being close to Barcelona (50 minutes by train..)

@njadwriter Hi, thanks for the info. This would be a huge leap for us and a bit scary. Not sure if we decide to take the plunge, do we just sell everything we own here in the States or ship things over? We also have our cat who will be coming with us and that is one of our major concerns.  At 67 we’re afraid if we don’t made the move now we’re never going to do it. ☹️

@Mbershod

East of Alicante is very, very wet, I don't recommend it. :-)

Alicante is a great city and the Costa Blanca is lovely, so there are plenty of nice beach-adjacent spots both in and outside the city.

Spain has lots of coastline and a whole bunch of famous Costas, you are really spoiled for choice! You can look at the cities (Marbella, Malaga, Alicante, Valencia, Tarragona, Barcelona, Bilbao, etc.) or you can find many delightful beach towns nearby (e.g. Sitges near Barcelona, Calp near Alicante/Valencia). They're all good, so you'll probably be fine if you just want to pick one. But you might find it easier to rent something small first, and then spend some time travelling around Spain and exploring before you make a final decision/big purchase.

Take a look at Idealista to see what you can get for your money in Alicante... and all parts of Spain. Just be aware that beach places are, like everywhere, busier (especially in summer) and more expensive. We live just inland from Alicante city in Elche, a lovely UNESCO-listed city with a historic centre, famous palm groves, and a super river/riverside walk that runs through it. The downside is that we've got a 15 minutes drive to the beaches... the upside is that our apartment cost a fraction of the price of comparables in ritzy Playa San Juan in Alicante.

For a retired couple, the NLV is pretty straightforward, so I don't see why there should be any major complications moving over.

Have fun you crazy kids!

Good morning, on our last trip we explored Estepona, definitely not where we want to be, really really hot and that was in June plus one day it was extremely windy. We have been working with a realty company based out of San Pedro, but of course like any realtor they would hope that you would buy something. Unfortunately we are not in the financial position to make a purchase with also owning our condo here in S. Florida. We had met some folks in Alicante on our first trip last November and they had mentioned Denia, other than that we know nothing about it so we appreciate your insight.  I’m also concerned about that area due to the recent flooding catastrophe that happened outside of Valencia.  One of our main priorities on choosing a place to live would be the proximity of healthcare facilities as well of course grocery stores and gyms. At 67 we’re feeling like we might have missed the boat to make this big of a move but due to the political climate here in the States not sure we can stay here….☹️

@Mbershod

When we told our kids what we were doing their response was “you’re too old.” My response was “we’re too old not to do it.”

The townhouse we bought included all the furniture, so that was not an issue for us. My guess is it would be very expensive to ship furniture to Spain. The global situation including the attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea have made shipping even more expensive. We are also bringing our cat to Spain. Not very complicated. Needs up to date rabies shot, a newer chip, and a health certificate completed within 10 days of travel. We’re flying United and can keep him in his carrier at our seat. Charge is $150 and United limits pets to six per flight.

@njadwriter I know, if we don’t do it now we’re never going to do it.  We have collected so much over the years can’t even imagine where to start. In regards to shipping stuff, how do you even decide what or what not to take . We also have a cat, who is afraid of her own shadow so that is causing me great concern. It’s hard enough for us to be on a plane that long.  Would love to see some pics of the area you’re in

You really shouldn't be thinking of moving huge amounts of stuff. Freight rates are incomprehensible now. You would probably be able to replace the stuff you have, new, without the agony of the shipping, buying locally.

But get a quote. Would be interested to hear. I recently needed documents urgently from the usa - letter size envelope. 2 day on DHL. $190. 7 pages.

@Mbershod,

You did not miss the boat because of your age.

I am 67 & just arrived in Valencia, Spain on a NLV from the U.S.

And, I brought my beloved 17 year old cat with me (in the cabin

of the plane). She did fine.

I am renting a lovely furnished apt. in a great part of town for a year.

I shipped mostly artwork & sentimental items, some clothing &

(thankfully) some of my better kitchen ware, & one small dresser via

sea freight (which hasn’t arrived yet).

I checked in 3 large suitcases, had a carry-on & my cat, in addition to

my disassembled packed bike. Yes, it was logistically very difficult doing

that solo. But it can be done, and you are a couple—much easier.

I say strike while the iron is hot. Apply for your visas & get out of there!

DM  me if you have any other questions.

@rdruby699 Hi, thanks for the encouragement…My partner is ready to go, I’m the one who is hesitant especially since we really don’t know where to settle even if it’s only temporary.  Not sure about your cat but ours hates to even get in her carrier to go to the vet. I think if we made the trip with her we would have to look at taking a direct flight out of Miami rather than put her through connecting flights. And talk about “stuff”…we have a lot! Oh and neither one of us speaks Spanish although I knew a few words.  The other hiccup we have is selling our condo here….the timing would have to be right otherwise Spain taxes the capital gains from $1

@Mbershod

I have lots of pictures but I can’t figure out how to get them on this platform. For a general sense of the area just do a search for Gandia, Spain. The coast on the Mediterranean runs all the way from Barcelona to Rock of Gibraltar. You can also use VRBO to search rentals in Daimuz. But must if those are Miami-like condos and could be anywhere. The Realty Company we used is happy2spain.com and the agent is Vanessa. I just took a look and there are a bunch of listings. If you’re also on WhatsApp I can send you my photos that way. Believe it or not, the other way to bring kitty is on the QE2. There is a kennel on board. From UK you can take trains to Spain. Do it before you think of all the reasons you shouldn’t. That’s what we did.

Just reading through another reply to you. I have not found any direct flights to Valencia from NY/NJ airports. When I first went to look at the house I got to Valencia by changing planes in Frankfurt. That airport is huge and it was at least 40 minutes to get to the connecting flights. From NY/NJ there are direct flights to Madrid or Barcelona. In December when we go we’re flying into Madrid. Both airports are about a four hour drive. Google maps work and the roads are good.

@Mbershod,

I will continue to encourage you.

My 17 year old cat—the love of my life that I’ve had since she was 4 months old—does not like change,

and will pace for 20 minutes if I move a piece of furniture. She was my primary concern. But she was a real

trouper, and made the trip just fine (never complained). We did a 10-hour flight from LAX to Amsterdam with

a one-hour layover, then a 1-hour flight to Valencia. We stayed in an Air BnB for 2 weeks until I found an apt.

& she is settled in & grateful to have stopped traveling I’m sure. During the flight I took her (in her carrier) to

the bathroom & took her out so she could stretch (she also has arthritis in her hip). I had bought a travel litter box

that folds up & took a small baggie of silica litter (which I don’t normally use, but keeping weight limits in mind, it’s

very lightweight) & just unfolded the litter box during each trip to the bathroom, but she never used it. I knew she wouldn’t.

I also DID NOT medicate her to sedate her—sedation can interrupt their ability to regulate their temperature. I would not

have made this trip if I couldn’t take her with me.

I picked Valencia arbitrarily just from what I read about it: I don’t know anyone here, and the Spanish I spoke 35 years

ago I’ve since forgotten. I know about 20 words. And I’m doing just fine. Any of the places you’ve mentioned have large

ex-pat communities & as long as you’re not in some rural village, at least some English will be understood by shops & vendors.

Between my poor Spanish & they’re little English (usually better than my Spanish), we understand each other. And there is

Google Translate which you can download on your phone. A huge learning curve? You bet. And a ton of work (organization with paperwork & sorting out what to get rid of & what to take & what to ship), but so worth it. The whole experience continues to expand my mind and intellect. I’m so glad I made this move.

Wow, now that is encouraging…Interesting that you didn’t medicate her but I completely understand, plus there are some natural remedies that might do the trick. Did you feed her during the trip? I would be so afraid to take our Sophie out of her carrier as she always finds that perfect place to hide.   Can you tell me roughly what the cost was to ship whatever stuff you decide to take? Really do appreciate the encouragement 😁

@njadwriter

My dad is a new expat (he joined me in Bulgaria via Family Reunification a few months ago)... and he's 97 next week.