Thinking of moving to the area. We are Irish and want to know about safety, crime in general from others living there.

Hi, I would suggest that you narrow down your search before if at all possible.  There are so many different opportunities and properties to be found.  Why not choose a location and rent for say 6 months, that would enable you to do some research before committing.     Voss Homes, based in Heurcal Overa have many properties, both rural and 'in town', on their books.  Spain, like every other Nation, has its problems and criminals but it really is not that bad.  Good luck with your search.  

Thank you for replying. Do you live there? Which area would you suggest? We have no kids. So schools do not matter. 

Hi, we are living just North of Peurto Lumbreras, Lorca, Murcia and some 20 minutes from Heurcal Overa.  There are so many different options for you to explore as it will depend on so many things, your budget, property size required, the need for land, entertainment sports, proximity of neighbours etc etc.  Both Almeria and Murcia have their attractions so it would be difficult to recommend one or the other.  We were fortunate enough to have family in the region and were able to take a good look around both Murcia and Almeria for many months before buying and I would suggest that you do the same.  Andy

Thank you Andy. And regarding cost of living, bills, has it become as expensive as some people are saying?.

We do not need land, just a nice garden and a pool. 

Most former criminals in the Costa Almería have already served time at Her Majesty's pleasure. You need have no fear of them; in fact, you'll find that those are now pretty helpful and upstanding people in the community. But, (there's always a "but") there are some hard Irish criminals residing in the coastal areas of southern Spain and they make their UK counterparts look like innocent altar boys. My outlook is that I don't bother them and they don't bother me. 

Use this forum as an end to your means. You'll get invaluable advice here regarding renting, buying, areas to live, areas to avoid, cost of living including utility costs (calculated bills no way the same as in Ireland). If you want your Kelloggs Cornflakes and that excuse for tea that the Brits drink you'll pay dearly for your tastes. But (again a "but") if you embrace the Spanish way of life you'll live much cheaper than you do in Ireland. Spaniards as a rule are thrifty people and are happy to have their earnings augmented by resident tax paying Brits. [Note:- I praise the Brits occasionally!!!!!!!]. I know, most of them voted the wrong way in Brexit, but nobody's perfect, even me!

My main advice to you is to rent in the off season for no less than five weeks. You want to live there and not just use the place for an all over sun-tan. So, tread carefully and slowly. If you decide to buy property ensure you employ a solicitor to solely represent you and not share the legal eagle of the estate agent or vendor - You have been warned!!!!! I can't think of much worse than buying an "illegal" build or just a share in a property that you thought you solely owned. 

Have a look at some of my previous posts (along with some other good posters). You'll note I advise everybody in your situation to buy a notebook with exclusive entries on your intended adventure in Spain. Draw up a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). You must be honest as the only person you can fool is yourself. Look at the notebook every day and you'll have changes, needs, mights, musts, etc. Scour the internet for properties advertised in the area you desire. 

I don't know what kind of work you are seeking, but don't depend on it. Working laws in Spain are very different to the same in Ireland/UK. You'll need to speak Spanish too, otherwise your work potential will diminish.

I think I've given you enough to start your adventure. You have a long road to travel be careful out there.

Indeed, this last year has seen Electricity prices almost double, but no more than what you would expect to see in the rest of Europe.  All energy prices have increased which naturally increases the cost of every day items, particularly supermarket goods as transportation costs rise.  When looking for a property I would suggest that you try to find one with solar panels or at least one that has a good South facing roof to enable the instillation of panels.  We installed ours earlier this year and have seen our electricity costs plummet so the panel swill pay for them selves with 3 years.  That being said, in our experience we have found the weather to be great, (generally) so a good deal of outside living to enjoy, and overall costs are probably less that they are in Northern Europe.  

Oh THANK YOU SO MUCH. That's wonderful. Being Irish  we know what you mean. And that's easy to manage. I work from home and intend to just do that. Is there much English speaking areas? 

My husband has Spanish and I have some too. 

Have you lived in Almeria a long time now?

Tanya, Still I live in south east Ireland (Co Waterford). I can spend six consecutive months in legal residence in Spain and found I can have the best of Ireland and Spain can offer. I'm retired nearly six years. If I moved to Spain I would be paying more income tax so I am happy to reside in Ireland and pay my tax here. But, all that could change! We bought an apartment in Mojacar Playa 21 years ago having first bought one (disastrous move) in Torrevieja (known to us a Ballymun-in-the-sun). It was a major relief when we sold it. I didn't do a proper SWOT Analysis beforehand. 

Most areas near the coast have much English speaking people. Mind you, when the Brits learn to speak English like us they'll realize how superior our English is. But, continue to improve your Spanish; it'll become your best friend. Another thing, forget about the steriotype Brits. They are a sound race although it's difficult to wean them off fish 'n' chips and PG tips. You'll love them though. They like dogs, cats, walking, driving, drinking, reading and even some of them are capable of good conversation. But collectively they are a mine of good information and (thank God) come with the Spanish territory.

Lol. I love your h9nesty. You sound like our type of guy lol. Yes, English has many ways to speak it (or not) lol. I have a son in Liverpool, and I love that area. Yes, each bit of Spanish is good. We have a second son living in Greece  and a third off around the world in Sept with the R.A.F. so God knows we could live anywhere lol