Looking to retire

Hi Andy

We moved to Oria last July, we used to live in Alfoquia , but as you say you get much more for your money here in Oria. We love it here it is a very traditional Spanish village in the mountains with beautiful countryside. We are on the outskirts of Oria surrounded by almond trees and hills. Oria has good facilities shops, bars, petrol station, 24 hour medical centre and only ten minutes to motorways. 

Because of the altitude which is 1000 mtrs above sea level it is a bit cooler here than lower down but in the middle of summer that is a blessing, can get a bit windy in winter too but overall a great place to live, very quiet. There are some Brits living here and we have met quite a few, but mostly Spanish.

You can drive to the coast in under an hour and major towns like Albox, Olula del Rio etc in about twenty minutes where you will find large supermarkets etc.

Definitely worth considering buying here if you want a house that is value for money.

Regards

Chris 

Hi Andy,

I agree totally with what Chris said.  However if you want areas with higher expat numbers then Albox and Arboleas would fit the bill. I'm coming up to my second year in Oria and really like living here, my partner lives in Albox so I spend some time there too but always glad to get back to Oria.  The town hall staff in Oria are very friendly and helpful too!  Maybe spend a few days in each area if you haven't already so can get the feel of the towns, my place can be found on Booking.com as Mi Casa, Oria if wanted short term accommodation. 

All the best,

Andy (yes another Andy lol)

Hi Andy/ Chris

I personally like the sound of the slightly less British Oria but you are right about having a good look around. I know Arboleas Alfoquia Albox quite well but haven't exploredvmuch further inland yet. We have an apartment near the coast which we want to keep so we can always have weekend breaks there if we feel the need. There is a property in Arroyo Medina which I like the look of! A few miles out of Oria but possibly too isolated. 

I’ll have a look of you place Andy on line.

Thanks for your advice guys and hopefully we may bump into you! Andy & Sarah

Thanks for your info about Oria.

We are looking for a house at the moment and Oria is a possible area of interest.  The weather may be a determining factor as I boil in hot weather but cool is ok whereas my wife likes the hot weather but freezes in cold weather.  Could you let me know about the weather in Oria, especially the winter months.  Also how long are the swimming pool months.

Thanks

Keith

Take a look at Los Lobos near San Juan de Los Terreros. Less than 10 minutes from great beaches.  Plenty of ex pat's and European and good road network to Vera, Turre, Mojacar etc.  Often overlooked but once visited people surprised by local amenities,  beaches, views and value for money.  Great local markets. We are a bit biased as have house for sale but definitely recommend checking out the area.

Well it’s beautiful here in the summer/-  hot in July and August but cooler than on the coast or at lower altitude. This is particularly good at night where temperature drop to a reasonable level which means fans are almost always sufficient. We have aircon but virtually never use it.

Its cold in the winter which is only really an issue if your house has not been winterised- a lot of houses in this area where built as holiday homes and haven’t been adapted for the colder months. But winters are much shorter than the UK- it’s often warm until Xmas.

Once the suns up it is usually very pleasant and most days even in Jan there’s warmth enough to sit out in shirtsleeves by lunchtime.

Oria is a good mix of mainly Spanish but enough Brits to help you out if necessary. The community is very strong and there’s always plenty going on.

Andy