Thinking of moving to Marbella, Spain? Then you’re in the right place, read below to discover more about what you can expect when you get there and how to settle in quickly.
There are some challenges that expats face while settling into their new homes in Marbella, but all these challenges become easier to face when you know what you’re getting yourself into and keeping the pros in the back of your mind.
Marbella is a great location to call home, whether it is for retirement or just looking to settle down in a new city with a great climate. It is a magnet for tourists and expats looking for a sunny place to call their home. It is famous for its beaches, nightclubs, and luxurious venues. If you’re looking to move to Spain, Marbella might be an attractive option. It is only a town, but it has all the amenities that a city would offer and is located by a coast with beautiful beaches.
Safety
Generally, Marbella is a safe place to live. However, it is good to be informed about the Costa del Crime reference and that Marbella might be referred to as a spot for international drug traffickers, mafia, and dodgy money. This reference comes with some truths to it, since it is a magnet for tourists and expats, you’ll come across all sorts of people. But it doesn’t mean that you’ll be at any more risk than you would’ve been had you moved to London, or Madrid for example. Drug related crimes are on a moderate level, while the more violent crimes like robbers or assault are low.
The advantages of living in Marbella
1. Accessibility: Marbella is extremely well connected, and you have easy access to the rest of the world!
2. Beautiful weather: You’ll get plenty of sun in Marbella accompanied by pleasant temperatures all year. The winters are not very cold and the summers are not excruciatingly hot.
3. Incredible nature: The nature you’ll experience in Marbella is breathtaking and there is something for everyone to enjoy!
4. The best beaches: Some say that Marbella has the best beaches in Costa del Sol!
5. Peaceful lifestyle: The lifestyle in Marbella is so relaxing, and enjoyable. It is built around spending time with family and friends.
The disadvantages of living in Marbella
1. Winter: Since Marbella is a holiday town, from October through April it becomes very quiet. You’ll still be able to enjoy restaurants but there will also be some shops and restaurants that are only open during the summer season.
2. Winterproofing your home: There are some homes in Marbella that don’t have heating, which you’ll need as the winters can still be chilly.
3. Everything takes time: We mentioned the slower lifestyle in Marbella as an advantage above, but it can also be a disadvantage because everything takes time. Patience is vital.
4. Traffic: During the peak seasons, the traffic in Marbella is chaotic.
Marbella is one of the most popular locations in Spain and it is truly a beautiful place. If you are ready to cherish the positives of living there, and face the negatives head on, then you will not be disappointed!