Moving to Malaga
The latest in Matthew Hirtes’ Go Expat In series examines moving to Malaga. Enjoy!
Málaga province’s 7,000+ square kms doesn’t mean you can’t sit pretty in its city
Ups
Over 3,000 years of history makes Málaga one of the world’s oldest cities. Whether it’s wandering through its Casco Antiguo or being revived by the salty air of a stroll along its maritime parade, there’s so much to do in the city. Or not, as the case might be, with its beaches positively encouraging you to assume the horizontal position.
Downs
Although Spanish bureaucracy is infamous for its infuriating tardiness, official business seems to go even slower in Málaga. Maybe it’s all that sun. Or the Andalusian work ethic which they joke about over in the Basque Country and Catalonia.
In and out
Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) is Spain’s fourth-busiest airport. You can fly from and to an increasing number of international destinations, with Moscow a recent addition to the list of direct connections. Newly-constructed cycle lanes make getting around the city on bike an even more alluring prospect.
Education
You’re going to have to look beyond central Málaga if you want a private, international education from primary upwards. Novaschool Málaga Centro only educates infants. However, 15 minutes to the west of the city-centre you’ll find Novaschool Sunland International, in the Guadalhorce valley, which accepts admissions from two years old all the way up to 18.
Shop until you drop…
The pedestrianized Calle Marqués de Larios is where you’ll find your Spanish high-street fashion stables such as Blanco, Mango, and Massimo Dutti, along with more exclusive design outlets. Elsewhere, even closer to Málaga’s port is Muelle Uno, a US-style mall which offers restaurants as well as shops. For the freshest fruit, veg, meat, and fish, at reasonable prices, you can’t go wrong by visiting Málaga’s historic Atarazanas market.
Property types
Málaga’s historic centre’s home to apartments, flats, studios, and townhouses. For more square metre for your Euro, consider investing further out of town. Properties in Málaga tend to retain their value because of the city’s enduring popularity.
Market watch
One-three bedroom apartments, €70,000-€1,400,000. Detached Villas, €150,000-€2,500,000. Country fincas €100,000-€1,000,000.
In Praise Of
“Málaga’s a city of contrasts. From ancient Moorish forts to ultra-modern shopping facilities. With arguably’s Europe’s finest climate, you can enjoy the great outdoors on your doorstep all year round.” Claus Sørensen (Spain-Holiday CEO)
• Are you an expat in Málaga? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
August 19, 2013 @ 4:19 pm
why would there be any dislikes? If you do proper planning of your housing and contract an English local / lawyer things can’t go wrong
August 19, 2013 @ 5:47 pm
Hello there.
Something can always go wrong… not necessarily connected to legalities. Sometimes people have expectations of an area when they move there, but it fails to deliver. Just because somewhere is a great holiday destination, it does not necessarily follow that it is perfect for someone to live in. Or you may end up with awful neighbours. Everybody is different, and wants different things from a home. Like you say, it is better to spend more time on proper planning before you move to ensure you are fully prepared, than to end up stuck in an area unable to sell or move… becoming increasingly unhappy. However, enthusiasm can sometimes speed things along a bit more quickly.
Elle x
December 10, 2014 @ 5:50 am
Will be staying one month in Malaga to research area for relocation possibly by Nov 2015. Have never been , understand that there are many areas to stay and live and would so appreciate recommendation on where to start. Will not have a car so I must be close to bus/train/walk. Would prefer a quiet area.. not city center. I also would like to enroll in a language immersion class while there. I speak very little Spanish and would very much like to learn.
Thanks for your assistance.