What is it like to live in Arcos

Hi Lori.  We have a small but growing  expat community in Arcos. Life here is very tranquilo and your surrounded by beautiful countryside. We’re 30 minutes to the big city of Jerez and to the mountains of Grazelema. You have choices here to live in the country with a chalet and fruit trees or in town in the old town or the new town. Properties are very low here which I know is a big draw, I’m an American but most folks here are British. Everyone is very helpful.  I’d like to add you to our WhatsApp chat group. You’ll need to give me your phone number and set up an account on the phone app. My number is 685237094. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Looking forward to meeting you, Kippy &Stephen

Hi Lori,

I have lived just outside Arcos with my family since 2004 and it was the best decision we ever made. It is a very quiet town but it is very beautiful and friendly.

It is within easy driving of the stunning Costa de la Luz beaches, Jerez, Seville, quaint mountain villages and also Gibraltar.

To fly back to Scotland, there are one or two flights a week from Gibraltar, probably some from Seville but loads from Malaga which is 2.5 hours drive away from Arcos.

You did not say if would require employment or are retired. Be aware that unemployment is very high in Arcos.

Good luck with your search.

Hi Kippy,

 thank you for your reply, it's very helpful to get some inside info and make contact.

Alas, I've just found out that the property we were really keen on has been sold, so we're unsure if we'll make the long treck from Almeria to Arcos during this trip now.

If we do, I'll post another message.

(Cant wait to get some sun)

Thank you again for your time.

Kindest regards

Lori

Hi Jeremy,

Thank you for replying and for the insight.

The property we were interested in is sold, alas. It had a self contained flat attached and we had hoped that would give us - a little income, and an exciting wee project to develop. 

I'm semi retired, Andys still working, not in a profession thats transferable though and to be honest he's done his time with it so is ready for a change.

Our plan is flexible, we could 1, rent in Spain and rent out our home here in Scotland to generate a steady income and top up living expenses with savings or 2, buy something under 80k euros in Spain and have, as I mentioned above, a little project, or have a bit space to have a vegetable garden 'mini self sufficiancy', and still an income from renting out our home here in Scotland. Two options, both which require a leap of faith . . .  and courage!

We've been looking for a location that 'feels just right' for years . . . and years . .  sometimes think we've left it too long!? Time will tell.

We'll be in Andalucia at the end of March/beg April so lets see.

One last thing, can you tell us if the cost of living is much less than here in the UK, and if so how much less?

Thank you again

Kind regards

Lori and Andy

Hi Lori,

The cost of living question comes up regularly.

In general I would say that life is cheaper in Spain. Certainly utilities, council taxes etc are cheaper her than the UK.

Food and petrol/diesel prices have gone up recently as they have everywhere. I think these are probably a bit cheaper than the UK but I'm not entirely sure. Eating out is cheaper in Spain. Having a couple of tapas and a beer will cost you no more that €10 in Arcos.

What I can tell you is that if you decide to rent or buy a property in an area like Arcos, you will see that property in general is very cheap compared to the UK and the coastal parts of Spain.

I can only advise to keep doing the research and I'm sure you will find your dream place.

Good luck

Jeremy

Hi all.

I am looking at property to buy in Arcos. My sisters live in Jerez and, as I have a limited budget, found I could get more 'bang for my buck' (I'm English, not American btw) by looking outside Jerez. 

I've seen a wonderful property and hope it stays on the market long enough for me to sell here! That's another story!

I love Jerez for its' vibrancy and wonder how 'lively' Arcos is? I'm not looking for a nightclub vibe but a culturally vibrant atmosphere. 

I am keen to learn Spanish and, hopefully, integrate. 

I'm a bit of a foodie so wonder if there is a market. 

Thank you for any pointers.

Larraine

Hi Larraine

We have a small but growing expat community in Arcos. Life here is very tranquilo compared to Jerez, thus the dramatic price difference in properties but there are art and music events and a sense of small town community. We have some decent restaurants too but as a foodie, you’ll find Arcos limited. I’m an American but most folks here are British. Everyone is very helpful.  I’d like to add you to our WhatsApp chat group and the others can answer your questions too. You’ll need to give me your phone number and set up an account on the phone app. My number is 685237094. . Looking forward to meeting you, Kippy &Stephen

Thank you Kippy.

Kind of you to respond and I hope to see you soon(ish) once my house sells!

My tel no is 07939473466.

I'll keep in touch.

Larraine