Moving in Europe, where?
 

Hi

This is my third attempt on forums trying to find out where I can find the lifestyle me and my family are looking for.

Basically me, my husband and 2 year old are looking to relocate abroad (somewhere in Europe, not to far from the UK) it's as cliche as..... "A new life in the sun" I have lived abroad (Turkey, Benidorm, Malta, Marbella and Portugal) and know that in my heart that's the lifestyle I want to bring my little boy up in.

Now I have only been using forums for a bout 3 days and already realise my post is going to annoy loads of people as I am not giving as much detail as most require, and the fact I am asking advice on the whole of Europe but as stupid and naieve as that might make me, I am just hoping I can get some direction as I feel lost with my search.

A few details about me and what we are looking for, we have enough money for a deposit on a small Villa but obviously would be renting before we make the decision to buy in the desired area.

We are also looking to rent a shop to sell personalised gifts aimed at children (I am not to concerned about the shop) as the product sells itself, although I do need somewhere with an all year round tourist trade

We are looking for somewhere coastal with a fair Expat Community, somewhere suitable to bring up children.

I totally understand from previous comments that the Ecodomy in Europe is not at its best, but I don't like the way the UK is going and prefer the relaxed lifestyle many places in Europe have to offer, I literally am a young girl looking to provide a better life for her family, I know it might seem a bit like a pipe dream, but I am really ambitious and not scared to take the plunge, if it doesn't work I am prepared for that I have a great support network around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, I am most grateful

coastal, ex pat com, all year around tourist trade, kid friendly.

Algarve, Malaga and environs to Granada, Cyprus, Monaco (scratch that for the kids).

American passport? Residency requirements looked into for sales? I don't know, but those come to mind.

Add some of the Canaries to that list, any of the eastern islands have quite a lot of British expats.
If I were you though I wouldn't pin too much on an expat community. Better to go, learn the language and join the local community. Your son will go to a local school and need to know the language. Once he starts bringing friends home you need to be able to understand them.

I think you need to visit some areas and see what they are like, and whether they offer what you are looking for.

This is primarily a travel forum, so few people here can offer you the advice you are seeking. Have a look at the expat sites listed in your other post.

Gretchen - the impression I get is that the OP is a brit, in which case she and her family will be able to settle anywhere in the EC so long as it's for work.

Rachel - many of us have this as a pipe dream, not many have the drive and verve required to make it happen. Good for you if you do.

all year round tourist spots can be found by looking in any travel brochure - where are the places that are aimed at the over-wintering trade? where are the resorts attracting the families at October and Feb half terms?

The costa brava, Cyprus, the algarve, do spring to mind, but also the Canaries, Malta. [not Turkey - it's not part of the EC].

you'll need to do your research about residence requirements, what you need to start a business in your chosen country too - your local library will probably stock a series of books called "living and working in ...."

good luck!

Ah, thanks.

Ann will love this,

Not abroad, why abroad but....

Cornwall. Good retail opportunities, great beaches, same currency and busy tourist season.

Other than that be careful sinking any money into mainland Europe, most I know of are coming back.

Possibilities : Mallorca, still good economy : Puerta Pollensa, Soller
Corsica
Croatia : economy will grow following EU entry.

Cornwall. Good retail opportunities, great beaches, same currency and busy tourist season.>>

Nice thought, Dickie.

sadly, though, it's not what I would describe as a thriving economic climate. a few very favoured places can do well, but there is a long "off season" and the weather can be lousy.

OTOH it's pretty laid back and a great place to bring up kids.

Rachel, please some back to me if you'd like to hear more.

Croatia? Maybe instead of learning Serbo-Croation, rachal1084 could become a mime, since the product sells itself. But how does a mime say, "I'll need 30 dinar more"?