Friendliest Place For 40-Somethings To Move To In Spain?

Question

My husband & I want to move to Spain next year. We are currently living in Canada but have grown tired of being here.. We would like to live somewhere with a mixture of Spanish & other nationalities (Brits, Canadians or ?). Any suggestions as to where we might receive a warm welcome?

Answer 1

Oooh!  I wouldn't recommend Málaga unless you want to be surrounded by English speakers, though there are some other towns nearby that have a better mixture.

If you want a more Spanish culture, I agree with Mimosa:  Andalucía will give you a warm welcome, but truly, almost anywhere, you will find tons of really great people!  And they'll all be great and welcome you warmly, especially if you make a little effort to try to use some Spanish...you can be fluent in very little time if you really try.  I have a special warm spot for Sevilla...fairly large city, lots of people of all nationalities...lots of international programs at the University (so, if you aren't interested in the college students, they have international group leaders and directors, and those who studied there and returned...you can find all sorts of people from different nations there).  Same can be said of Alicante, Granada, Salamanca, (no longer on the coast, though nor Andalucía, Salamanca is a bit isolated, but is home to the oldest University in Spain).  Also, Santander has a great reputation.  And, I must say I'm a bit surprised Mimosa didn't suggest Barcelona, an especially great place if you are interested in more modern art or in architecture...really outstanding examples there.  

I think, if you have the important stuff in place:  work permit, and, preferably a job, too, or you don't need that...you can be happy almost anywhere...I might avoid the party cities, though.  Places like Ibiza, and some of the Mediterranean coast towns like Benidorm, and the big touristy towns, because they are bound to have too many partiers, unless that's what you're into.

Answer 2

Anywhere in Andalucia is perfect. Somewhere like Malaga, Torremolinos ( near malaga city, its very touristy) Both Places are wonderful . they both are part of La Costa Del sol here in Spain..

http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/

Take care..

Bcn_mimosa from Barcelona