Discovering Malaga: A Potential Paradise for Expats
Diane and Guillermo, a retired couple with a passion for travel, are on a quest to find their perfect forever home. After leaving the United States in early 2018 to pursue financial independence, they have spent their time exploring various cities around the globe. Their recent journey took them to Malaga, Spain—a city renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning Mediterranean landscapes. In their latest video, they delve into the highlights of their visit, examining everything from the cost of living to the extensive amenities that Malaga has to offer.
Currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, Diane and Guillermo have thoroughly enjoyed their year-long stay there, as it meets all ten of their paradise criteria—a checklist comprising accessibility, public transportation, lifestyle, and affordability. They were curious if Malaga could also tick these boxes. A week-long exploration of this Andalusian city promised to reveal whether it could be another contender for their ideal living situation.
Malaga, nestled in southern Spain on the Costa del Sol, is steeped in history, boasting a vibrant population of approximately 590,000 residents. Diane and Guillermo have a precise set of requirements for their future home, such as proximity to international airports, a good public transportation network, outdoor activities, an ideal climate, safety, affordability, and a preference for certain housing styles. They also outline their expectations in the video description, making their pursuits clear.
Their journey from Lisbon to Malaga began with a car rental—though they noted that this would be their last time making the drive, citing costs associated with gasoline, tolls, and parking. Instead, they plan to utilize options like buses and trains to make future trips more budget-friendly.
Malaga's International Airport
Malaga's international airport ranks as the third largest in Spain, just a short five miles from the city center. It offers numerous non-stop flights, making it exceptionally convenient for travel. Given their priorities, they appreciated the accessibility it provided for future explorations beyond Malaga.
Settling into an Airbnb in the lively El Centro neighborhood, they were delighted with the walkability of the area. The vibrant cityscape, which combines stunning architecture with pedestrian-friendly streets, made exploration enjoyable. They were particularly impressed with the city's cleanliness and the notable absence of steep inclines, citing Lisbon as particularly hilly.
Culture and Cuisine
Malaga's rich cultural tapestry presents itself through lively streets bustling with life. The area is home to various wine shops, parks, dining options, and more, ensuring that residents enjoy a plethora of leisure activities. Their visit to the Atarazanas Market, a historical center for fresh foods and groceries, became a highlight of their exploration.
Diane and Guillermo stress the importance of public transportation in their lifestyle, influenced by their car-free experience in Lisbon. They found Malaga's efficient metro and bus systems promising. The city is famous for its vibrant music scene, rich history, striking architecture, and cultural events, making it an exciting hub for any expat.
Their wanderings through Malaga led them to landmarks such as the stunning Malaga Cathedral, which showcases various architectural styles, and the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the city's most famous artist. They found the warm and welcoming nature of the locals to add a unique charm to their experience, with many expressing pride in their hometown and its cultural depth.
An Outdoor Wonderland
The Malagueta Beach, a popular destination just a short walk from the city center, captivates visitors with its gorgeous sandy shores and beach bars serving delicious food, like the famous espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines). The coastal lifestyle encourages outdoor activities, and with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the weather is a significant draw.
When comparing costs, Malaga seems to be an attractive option. Diane and Guillermo noted that living expenses here are lower than both Washington DC and Lisbon. They found rental prices promising, and while the city ranks as one of Spain's more expensive locales, it remains accessible in relation to the quality of life it offers.
Safety and Healthcare
Safety is another critical factor. Malaga is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s safest cities, with a low crime rate, allowing for day and night exploration without concerns. Additionally, Spain's healthcare system ranks highly, which gives peace of mind to potential residents, especially retirees.
On their exploration, they visited various neighborhoods including La Merced, El Perchel, and La Malagueta. Each area has its unique charm and offerings, catering to different lifestyles and demographics, making it crucial to take time to explore various locales if considering a move.
Final Thoughts on Malaga
Wrapping up their journey, Diane and Guillermo expressed their overall satisfaction with what Malaga had to offer. With its charming atmosphere, welcoming community, and vibrant life, the city holds endless possibilities. They acknowledged that while tourism can crowded, the allure of Malaga is undeniable.
In revisiting the idea of home, they’ve found Malaga to match nearly every requirement on their checklist, prompting them to consider potentially splitting their time between Portugal and Spain in the future. As they continue their travels, their sense of excitement is palpable, marking Malaga as a noteworthy contender in their search for the ideal paradise.
As they plan for their next adventures, including an upcoming trip to Abruzzo in Italy, the duo left with fond memories of Malaga, hoping to return and dive deeper into its offerings.
For anyone contemplating a similar journey of discovery, Diane and Guillermo's insights into Malaga could serve as a valuable resource in navigating the complexities of finding a new home abroad. They encourage potential newcomers to explore and engage with the community, embracing the beauty and richness of local life in this enchanting city.
Part 1/11:
Discovering Malaga: A Potential Paradise for Expats
Diane and Guillermo, a retired couple with a passion for travel, are on a quest to find their perfect forever home. After leaving the United States in early 2018 to pursue financial independence, they have spent their time exploring various cities around the globe. Their recent journey took them to Malaga, Spain—a city renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning Mediterranean landscapes. In their latest video, they delve into the highlights of their visit, examining everything from the cost of living to the extensive amenities that Malaga has to offer.
A New Base in Europe
Part 2/11:
Currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, Diane and Guillermo have thoroughly enjoyed their year-long stay there, as it meets all ten of their paradise criteria—a checklist comprising accessibility, public transportation, lifestyle, and affordability. They were curious if Malaga could also tick these boxes. A week-long exploration of this Andalusian city promised to reveal whether it could be another contender for their ideal living situation.
Unpacking the Paradise Checklist
Part 3/11:
Malaga, nestled in southern Spain on the Costa del Sol, is steeped in history, boasting a vibrant population of approximately 590,000 residents. Diane and Guillermo have a precise set of requirements for their future home, such as proximity to international airports, a good public transportation network, outdoor activities, an ideal climate, safety, affordability, and a preference for certain housing styles. They also outline their expectations in the video description, making their pursuits clear.
The Journey to Malaga
Part 4/11:
Their journey from Lisbon to Malaga began with a car rental—though they noted that this would be their last time making the drive, citing costs associated with gasoline, tolls, and parking. Instead, they plan to utilize options like buses and trains to make future trips more budget-friendly.
Malaga's International Airport
Malaga's international airport ranks as the third largest in Spain, just a short five miles from the city center. It offers numerous non-stop flights, making it exceptionally convenient for travel. Given their priorities, they appreciated the accessibility it provided for future explorations beyond Malaga.
Exploring the City
Part 5/11:
Settling into an Airbnb in the lively El Centro neighborhood, they were delighted with the walkability of the area. The vibrant cityscape, which combines stunning architecture with pedestrian-friendly streets, made exploration enjoyable. They were particularly impressed with the city's cleanliness and the notable absence of steep inclines, citing Lisbon as particularly hilly.
Culture and Cuisine
Malaga's rich cultural tapestry presents itself through lively streets bustling with life. The area is home to various wine shops, parks, dining options, and more, ensuring that residents enjoy a plethora of leisure activities. Their visit to the Atarazanas Market, a historical center for fresh foods and groceries, became a highlight of their exploration.
Part 6/11:
Public Transportation and Leisure Activities
Diane and Guillermo stress the importance of public transportation in their lifestyle, influenced by their car-free experience in Lisbon. They found Malaga's efficient metro and bus systems promising. The city is famous for its vibrant music scene, rich history, striking architecture, and cultural events, making it an exciting hub for any expat.
Architectural Wonders and Art
Part 7/11:
Their wanderings through Malaga led them to landmarks such as the stunning Malaga Cathedral, which showcases various architectural styles, and the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the city's most famous artist. They found the warm and welcoming nature of the locals to add a unique charm to their experience, with many expressing pride in their hometown and its cultural depth.
An Outdoor Wonderland
The Malagueta Beach, a popular destination just a short walk from the city center, captivates visitors with its gorgeous sandy shores and beach bars serving delicious food, like the famous espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines). The coastal lifestyle encourages outdoor activities, and with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the weather is a significant draw.
Cost of Living and Lifestyle
Part 8/11:
When comparing costs, Malaga seems to be an attractive option. Diane and Guillermo noted that living expenses here are lower than both Washington DC and Lisbon. They found rental prices promising, and while the city ranks as one of Spain's more expensive locales, it remains accessible in relation to the quality of life it offers.
Safety and Healthcare
Safety is another critical factor. Malaga is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s safest cities, with a low crime rate, allowing for day and night exploration without concerns. Additionally, Spain's healthcare system ranks highly, which gives peace of mind to potential residents, especially retirees.
Neighborhoods to Consider
Part 9/11:
On their exploration, they visited various neighborhoods including La Merced, El Perchel, and La Malagueta. Each area has its unique charm and offerings, catering to different lifestyles and demographics, making it crucial to take time to explore various locales if considering a move.
Final Thoughts on Malaga
Wrapping up their journey, Diane and Guillermo expressed their overall satisfaction with what Malaga had to offer. With its charming atmosphere, welcoming community, and vibrant life, the city holds endless possibilities. They acknowledged that while tourism can crowded, the allure of Malaga is undeniable.
Part 10/11:
In revisiting the idea of home, they’ve found Malaga to match nearly every requirement on their checklist, prompting them to consider potentially splitting their time between Portugal and Spain in the future. As they continue their travels, their sense of excitement is palpable, marking Malaga as a noteworthy contender in their search for the ideal paradise.
As they plan for their next adventures, including an upcoming trip to Abruzzo in Italy, the duo left with fond memories of Malaga, hoping to return and dive deeper into its offerings.
Part 11/11:
For anyone contemplating a similar journey of discovery, Diane and Guillermo's insights into Malaga could serve as a valuable resource in navigating the complexities of finding a new home abroad. They encourage potential newcomers to explore and engage with the community, embracing the beauty and richness of local life in this enchanting city.