ELS-0015Travel · Spain

How Do I Choose the Right Town or Neighbourhood Abroad?

Official sources checked
Written by Sue Berry
Practical guidance

The right neighbourhood can matter as much as the right country. This guide will help you compare healthcare, transport, shops, community, accessibility, climate and family travel so you can choose somewhere that works for everyday life—not only holidays.

The Quick Answer

The right neighbourhood can matter as much as the right country.

This guide will help you compare healthcare, transport, shops, community, accessibility, climate and family travel so you can choose somewhere that works for everyday life—not only holidays.

Why This Matters

Two towns in the same country can offer completely different experiences.

One may have: a busy expat community; frequent buses; nearby medical services; flat pavements; year-round shops and restaurants.

Another may be: peaceful but isolated; dependent on a car; very quiet outside the tourist season; far from specialist healthcare; difficult for visitors to reach; unsuitable if mobility becomes reduced.

The neighbourhood you choose affects much more than lifestyle.

It can influence your independence, access to care, ability to make friends, household costs and how easily family can help.

The World Health Organization’s age-friendly framework highlights transport, housing, outdoor spaces, community support and social participation as important parts of a place that supports people as they grow older.

This does not mean you should choose the busiest or most practical area. It means understanding the compromises before committing.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to live in an expat area or a local area? An expat area may offer easier access to English-speaking services and social groups. A more local area may offer stronger cultural integration and year-round community life. Many people prefer an area that provides a balance of both.

Should I live close to an airport? Being close to an airport can make family visits and emergency travel easier, but check aircraft noise, traffic and seasonal flight availability. The ideal distance depends on how often you expect to travel.

How close should I live to a hospital? There is no single correct distance, but consider how quickly you could reach emergency and specialist care. On islands and in rural areas, some treatment may require longer journeys or travel to another location.

Is a tourist resort a good place to live permanently? It can be, particularly if you value restaurants, English-speaking services and transport. However, resorts may be noisy in peak season, quiet in winter and dominated by short-term rentals. Visit at different times of year before deciding.

Should I live near other British expats? Nearby English-speaking residents can make the move easier, but avoid relying entirely on one group. A mixed community can provide both familiar support and opportunities to connect locally.

Should I live near the coast or inland? Coastal areas may offer beaches, tourism and milder temperatures but can have higher prices, wind, salt damage and seasonal crowds. Inland areas may be quieter and cheaper but further from airports, hospitals or English-speaking services.

How do I know whether an area is safe? Visit during the day and evening, speak to residents, check local information and observe lighting, building security and emergency access. Avoid relying only on broad national crime statistics.

How long should I rent before buying? Several months can help you understand seasonal conditions, noise, transport and everyday costs. A full year provides the clearest picture, although rental availability and personal circumstances will influence what is practical.

What should I check if I have reduced mobility? Check pavements, gradients, lifts, doorways, bathroom access, transport, parking, shop entrances and distance to healthcare. Test the actual routes you would use rather than relying on property descriptions.

What if my partner and I prefer different areas? Each partner should score the shortlisted areas separately. Compare essential needs first, such as healthcare, transport and affordability, before discussing lifestyle preferences.

Important — Read Before You Act

Do not rely only on estate-agent descriptions, property photographs or short holiday visits.

Before renting or buying:

check local transport yourself;

confirm the distance to healthcare;

inspect the area during the evening;

ask about noise and seasonal tourism;

check whether nearby shops remain open throughout the year;

investigate future development plans;

confirm internet availability;

speak to residents who do not have a financial interest in your move.

Property ownership also does not automatically give you the right to live in the country.

Residency, healthcare, tax and pension arrangements should be checked separately.

UK government guidance recommends considering visas, healthcare, tax and pensions before moving or retiring abroad.

What To Do — Step by Step

Decide what you need from everyday life Write down what your ideal week would include. Consider: walking to shops; cafés and restaurants; beaches or countryside; social groups; quiet surroundings; public transport; medical services; opportunities to learn the language; access to a gym or swimming pool; space for visiting family; pet-friendly areas; reliable internet. Separate these into: Essential Important Nice to have
Choose the type of area that suits you Think about whether you would prefer: a city; a large town; a small village; a coastal resort; a traditional local neighbourhood; an expat area; a rural property; an island community. Each offers different benefits. A city may provide excellent healthcare and transport but feel busy and expensive. A village may offer peace and community but require a car. A tourist resort may provide English-speaking services but become crowded in peak season and quiet at other times.
Check healthcare access Find out: where the nearest health centre is; where the nearest pharmacy is; whether there is an emergency department nearby; how far away the main hospital is; whether specialist treatment requires travel; whether English-speaking medical support is available; how you would travel to an appointment; whether home-care services operate in the area. Healthcare arrangements abroad depend on your residency, insurance and personal circumstances, so access should be checked before moving.
Test whether you could manage without a car Even if you currently drive, consider what would happen if that changed. Check: bus routes; timetable frequency; evening and weekend services; taxi availability; accessible transport; walking distances; hills and steep roads; pavement condition; pedestrian crossings; transport to hospitals; airport connections. Affordable, accessible transport helps older people remain involved in community life and reach essential services.
Walk the neighbourhood as if you lived there Walk from a potential home to: the supermarket; pharmacy; bus stop; café; health centre; bank or cashpoint; local market; community centre; beach or park. Notice: hills; uneven surfaces; kerbs; steps; lighting; shade; seating; traffic; noise; road crossings. Try carrying a shopping bag during the walk. A short route can feel very different in heat, wind or with reduced mobility.
Visit at different times of day Visit the neighbourhood: early in the morning; during the afternoon; in the evening; at the weekend; during peak tourism; outside the main season. This can reveal: nightlife noise; traffic; aircraft noise; parking problems; empty streets; late-opening venues; construction; busy school routes; whether you would feel safe after dark.
Check what remains open throughout the year Some holiday areas change dramatically outside peak season. Ask: Do supermarkets stay open? Are pharmacies open year-round? Do restaurants and cafés close seasonally? Is public transport reduced? Are social groups still active? Are properties mostly holiday lets? Does the town feel deserted in quieter months? Are local medical and council services nearby? A lively August resort may feel very different in January.
Understand the local climate Do not judge the area from one visit. Research: summer heat; winter temperatures; wind; humidity; rainfall; flooding; wildfire risk; air quality; dust events; shade; orientation of the property; heating and cooling needs. In the Canary Islands, areas on the same island can experience different wind, cloud and temperature conditions.
Look at property costs beyond the purchase price Compare: rent; purchase price; local taxes; community fees; rubbish charges; insurance; utility costs; maintenance; parking; security; expected repair costs; costs caused by coastal air or heat. A less expensive property may cost more to maintain or require frequent travel to reach services.
Check internet and mobile-phone coverage Reliable communication is essential for: contacting family; online banking; medical appointments; remote work; translation; emergency information; video calls; managing UK accounts. Check the exact property rather than relying on general coverage maps. Ask current residents which providers work well in the street or building.
Research the community Look for: local clubs; language classes; volunteering; walking groups; cultural activities; faith groups; community associations; expat groups; events for older residents; year-round residents. Social participation can help reduce isolation and support a sense of belonging. Try attending an activity during your research stay rather than only reading about it online.
Decide how much English-speaking support you need Check whether you can find English-speaking: doctors; pharmacists; solicitors; accountants; tradespeople; taxi drivers; community groups; emergency support. English-speaking services can make settling in easier, but you should also consider whether the area gives you opportunities to learn and use the local language. Avoid becoming completely dependent on one partner or friend for translation.
Consider family visits and emergencies Check: distance from the airport; direct flight availability; seasonal flight schedules; taxi and bus options; cost of airport transfers; nearby accommodation; whether family could stay in your home; journey time from the UK; how family would reach you at night; where they could stay during an emergency. On an island, specialist treatment or family travel may involve extra flights or ferry journeys.
Look at safety and emergency access Consider: street lighting; security of the building; local crime reports; fire and evacuation routes; ambulance access; whether the address is easy to find; whether emergency vehicles can reach the property; safe storage of a spare key; proximity to neighbours; mobile signal. A remote property may be peaceful but more difficult to reach quickly during an emergency.
Check whether the home would still suit you later Think about: stairs; lifts; narrow doorways; slippery surfaces; steep driveways; bathroom access; distance to rubbish bins; parking; carrying shopping; access to taxis; space for a carer or family member. Housing and neighbourhood design can support independence in older age when homes and local surroundings are accessible.
Speak to several types of residents Talk to: long-term expats; local residents; people who rent; homeowners; older residents; people who do not drive; local business owners. Ask: What is difficult about living here? What closes during winter? Is healthcare easy to reach? Is transport reliable? Are there water, power or internet problems? Is the area noisy? What do people wish they had known? Estate agents can provide useful information, but they should not be your only source.
Rent before buying where possible A rental period allows you to test: noise; neighbours; climate; transport; internet; seasonal changes; service access; social life; household costs. Try living there normally rather than treating the stay as a holiday.
Score your shortlisted areas Score each area from one to five for: healthcare; shops; transport; accessibility; housing; safety; social life; climate; language support; family access; internet; long-term suitability. Give extra weight to your essential needs. The highest-scoring area may not be the most exciting, but it may offer the strongest foundation for everyday life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing an area from property photographs - A beautiful home cannot compensate for poor access to healthcare, transport or shops.
Visiting only during peak season - Tourist areas can feel very different when visitors leave and services reduce.
Assuming a short distance is walkable - Heat, hills, wind, steps and uneven pavements can make a short journey difficult.
Believing you will always drive - Choose an area where essential services remain reachable if you stop driving.
Ignoring hospital access - A town may have a health centre but still be a long journey from emergency or specialist care.
Buying in an area where most homes are holiday lets - High numbers of short-term visitors can affect noise, security and the sense of community.
Depending completely on an expat community - Expat friendships can be valuable, but people move away. Build local connections as well.
Assuming family will find travel easy - Check actual flight schedules, transfer times and seasonal costs.
Ignoring future mobility needs - A steep hill or second-floor apartment may feel manageable now but become difficult later.
Failing to rent before buying - A trial period can reveal issues that are not visible during property viewings.

Your Action Checklist

Write down my essential neighbourhood needs.
Decide whether I prefer a city, town, village or resort.
Shortlist no more than three areas.
Locate the nearest health centre.
Locate the nearest full hospital.
Check pharmacy opening hours.
Test public transport routes.
Check evening and weekend transport.
Walk from the area to essential shops.
Check pavements, hills, steps and crossings.
Visit in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Visit outside the main holiday season.
Check which businesses stay open year-round.
Research heat, wind, rainfall and local hazards.
Compare rents and purchase costs.
Include taxes, fees and maintenance.
Test internet and mobile coverage.
Research clubs and community activities.
Attend one local activity if possible.
Check English-speaking professional support.
Check travel time from the airport.
Look at accommodation for visiting family.
Check ambulance and emergency access.
Consider whether I could live there without driving.
Consider whether the home would suit reduced mobility.
Speak to long-term residents.
Ask residents what they dislike about the area.
Rent before buying where possible.
Score each shortlisted neighbourhood.
Discuss the choice with my partner and family.

In Summary

The best neighbourhood is not always the prettiest, cheapest or closest to the beach.

It should support:

your current lifestyle;

your health and mobility;

your budget;

your need for companionship or privacy;

your preferred way of travelling;

your family’s ability to visit;

your long-term plans.

Create a shortlist of three areas and visit each one at different times of day.

Walk the routes you would use, test the transport, visit the local shops and see what remains open outside the holiday season.

Then ask: “Could I comfortably manage an ordinary week here without feeling isolated or dependent on other people?”

A neighbourhood that feels manageable as well as enjoyable is more likely to remain the right choice over time.

Sue’s final thoughts & experiences

A personal note from Sue Berry

A sea view may capture your heart, but it is the ordinary details that make somewhere feel like home.

Can you reach the pharmacy? Is there someone nearby you trust? Could family find you easily?

Would you still manage if you stopped driving?

When choosing an area, I would think about the life you want now and the support you may need later. The aim is not to remove the excitement. It is to choose somewhere that helps you feel confident, connected and secure.