2. If you're partial to warm climates and hearty helpings of sunshine, Las Vegas is a great place for you. Tenerife usually has the cloud-free sky due to the wind which blows across the Atlantic. Our move was a business decision as well as a personal choice. Andy . If you have to go to the bank for any reason (usually to pay a tax bill) its another long wait. If you like the idea of the Canaries but want a quieter life, one of the smaller islands would be a better option. Luckily, down South, the value of a dollar still goes a long way. Hi Oliver, thats an interesting and challenging set of questions you pose Bear in mind I can only answer from my personal experience but that said Few natural disasters compared to the rest of the state. Tenerife actually does okay in terms of exhibitions and talks and we do have the Tenerife Auditorium (https://auditoriodetenerife.com/es/) which stages a full programme of concerts ranging from classical to rock. As lots of people go to the Correos to pay their bills, that means posting something can take anything up to 40 minutes waiting to be served. The pros of living in Aruba are high quality of health care, stable currency, sunny weather is almost always guaranteed and the low threat of natural disasters. Pedestrian crossings are carelessly placed directly next to bus stops . It also rains very rarely and not too much. Maine is the number one safest state in the US and has the lowest amount of violent crime. Tenerife has some fascinating towns, yet many visitors miss out on the best bits of them. As a result of the northernmost position with only one bordering state, which is also a one-of-a-kind Maine thing, housing is cheap. We are seriously thinking of moving to Tenerife, we have 2 children aged 11 &7. 1. Expat communities especially help if you . So anyone who has a stable income either through dividends or pension will really enjoy here. Living in the Canary Islands: the pros and cons. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Of course, not all areas in the country have excruciatingly bad traffic. You can buy a single ticket for each journey (a tram ticket costs 1.35 ) or get a Virtual Wallet card which you can top up with sums between 5 and 100. The suggestions below are based on the idea that you wont mind either tourism or large expat populations. Do you have a powerful personal story about you coming to live in Gran Canaria and you want to share it for a documentary film? Its also very difficult to make friends with locals and feel like at home. The ayuntamiento, banks, medical centre etc all speak only Spanish. Tropical forests, museums, ancient temples and cities, arts and architecture, heavenly beaches: Tenerife is a real blend of cultures and modernism. Hi Sam, thats a very specialist question. The average price per square metre across the main eight islands ranges from 900 (1,050) to 1,900 (2,200). [], You know that feeling, when the last day of your holiday looms and you head to the beach or the pool, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and wish you could stay [], Its true that Tenerife has felt cooler than normal this winter but thats not necessarily the reason that the Santa Cruceros were in woolly winter gear []. Arts And Cultural Scene. Other popular locations in Spain to consider: Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Ottawa residents enjoy living in a city with great living standards. Are the Canary Islands a good place to live? This will be more than enough for a comfortable life on whichever Canary Island you choose. Its capital, Las Palmas, has a lively food and shopping scene too. There isnt a concept of now; the earliest youll probably get something is within a day or so. Although online banking is common, few people use it and prefer to stand in line to deal with a person. This could be due to factors like a faster pace of life . It does not store any personal data. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tenerife is known as the Island of the Eternal Spring. When you really need something NOW, you are probably going to have it tomorrow. The air is clean, the water is safe to drink and the living standard here is higher than in most other cities. While none of the drawbacks is major, theyre definitely worth considering before making the jump to island life. Light, thin clothes also let the sun through to damage your skin. Expect lots of fresh meat, fruit and veg at the local markets along with a range of interesting regional wines to wash it all down. Here in the north were lucky enough to also get a half decent amount of rain a couple of months a year, so we get the best of all worlds, great summers, spring-likewinters and lush landscapes. 1) The impossibility of online shopping. And San Cristobal de la Laguna, a city towards the north of the island, was pretty awesome too. However, if you prefer traveling by boat you can choose one of two companies, Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas, which operate between Tenerife and all other Canary islands. We haven't been paid to write them or to advertise any hotel and we don't earn anything if anyone books a hotel after reading one. The Cost of Living in Tenerife is average. Housing Is Affordable. List of the Cons of Living in Tennessee. Basically, if you are looking to live in Spain for a short time only then we suggest a busy area such as one of the cities or . But if thats not your thing, the islands are of course home to hundreds of stunning beaches. The others are Biosphere Reserves, which should give you some idea of the quality and beauty of the local scenery. Pros and Cons of Living in Amarillo TX - Our Top 4 Cons. In short I didnt have a good time there at all and got assaulted and robbed by a group of teenagers on the way home after watching a football match in neighbouring Las Galletas! October 20, 2016 Andy About Tenerife, Tenerife, Tenerife Talk 33. However I spent a full year living in Costa Silencio in the south of Tenerife and was climbing the wall la muralla to finally get out and head back to civilization on the peninsula. While learning Spanish will help in the long term, it wont matter as much during the buying process as it might in mainland Spain. The range of tropical fruits is giddy-inducing at times and we have fresh, exotic varieties at our fingertips for very little money. El Hierro is one of the smallest main islands and has a population of around 11,000. However, if youre happy to live in pretty much any British city, the Canary Islands shouldnt be a big concern. Andy. Its hard to credit in this day and age but many businesses still do not have a website. It's furthest north of the seven main islands and comes with a bunch of pros and cons to consider. Andy , Hi Andy, Im from Tenerife and same to the UK to study when I was 23, stayed here as found my husband and have been living here in the UK for 22 years. Hi Julie, thats a tough ask because everyone is different in respect of what they want from their new home. The pros and cons of living in Marbella. However, if youre concerned, take a translator with you. Concerts do happen, but usually in the summer season, and usually only on the main islands. People . I was thinking about the Tacoronte/El Sausal area as I have seen some nice places there. The island is home to long sandy beaches, mountain ranges, an abundance of flowers and amazing Teide volcano. Of course, one of the possible trade-offs is the large tourism industry, but you can use this to your advantage. Then we arrived in Tenerife (wed only visited once previously and not for very long) to find the local language sounded quite different from the one wed been taught the basics of. Everything takes time Its the hot wind from Sahara which brings dust and sand, and it can happen anytime. On sale in PDF and Kindle formats. Hi there, Thank you so much for this insightful review. The Canary Islands arent considered a dangerous destination. Andy. Whichever island you pick, you can be sure the weather will be great. There are some people who see the state of Montana as a rugged wonderland that is filled with many outdoor adventures that are available throughout the year. So if everything happens in Spanish on Tenerife then that is already a step up from Barcelona Here, the local CAP only answers the phone in Catalan, work contracts are only issued in Catalan (even from government research institutes), tax forms are usually only obtainable in Catalan as the Spanish ones are out of print, etc. It seems to me that families on Tenerife have a greater shared interest in spending quality time together; time on the beach rather then in front of a Playstation, and in the plaza with their friends rather than in the bedroom alone. However, many expats still opt to buy one. While you can do your food shopping in the supermarket, theres no shortage of weekly food markets for things like meat, fruit and vegetables. I currently live in Barcelona and things are not much different here (in terms of getting replies to emails or bank/postal queues). Winters in the area are brisk and rarely cold. The island is also well-known for its banana plantations which you can see everywhere. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I very much doubt this Law will be approved and if so, will be most likely challenged as unconstitutional by the PP party. which Canary island is warmest in winter. The concept of road planning seems to be very strange to many visitors. Im just worried about life in general as going from a big country to a small island will be a big change, also the Spanish way of education (great for me when I was there) but not sure if the kids would like it. Natural beauty and outdoor activities. It rarely gets really cold, even in winter. Its not possible to just jump in your car and get away for a weekend like you can while living on the mainland. Wherever we want to go, unless its one of the other islands or to the African continent, its a 3hr to 4hr flight away. Although I have lived here for 8 years, I am thinking to leave as I am getting increasingly fed up with the local nationalism and institutionalised discrimination of the Spanish language. Were also restricted as to where we can fly direct, particularly in summer when the number and range of flights diminishes. Families with kids feel safe living in Cyprus. The Canary Islands are perfect for anyone wanting an outdoor lifestyle. Can I immigrate there with pets? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Supermarket shelves are brimming with loose fruit and vegetables, a tide of varying sizes, colours and shapes that ebbs and flows with different varieties according to the season. Hi Alex, I have contacted our Spain expert Maria Luisa de Castro, the founder of Costaluz Lawyers (https://expatra.com/author/marialdecastro/) and asked her to comment on your query. Although I used to go to the Spain mainland every month, it wasnt enough. Sooner or later, the claustrophobia of small island living gets to everyone and when that happens, the need to escape to somewhere different is hampered by the distance from mainland Europe. This is not strange since the island enjoys consistent weather with a pleasant temperature all year round. You really can't appreciate this landscape if you don't go there yourself, but it's Pico del Ingls in Tenerife. Coffee costs: $2.12. At the Correos (Post Office), everything except postcards has to be weighed and stamped. I think Spanish people simply do not like online, period. There are a few nightclubs in the city, such as Cine Mas Copas and Terraza Isla de Mar, which have a very bad atmosphere. Hi Malcolm, yep, there are plenty of places to rent property long term. Broadband speeds in the home are adequate at best with the advertised speed of 6MB being standard although you rarely find that speed actually getting streamed. It only takes about 15-minutes by car or bus, and you'll be right at the start of the epic and beautiful Rocky Mountains. What is the best way to find work and accommodation before you move to Tenerife ? Thriving art and food scene. One of the biggest draws is the great year-round weather, which is complemented by the great scenery and amazing food. Everything is cheaper in Tenerife than in other places in the European Union. The lack of IT know-how means that the online facilities you take for granted in other countries, like notifying a change of circumstances, have to be done in person. ? Here are The Pros and Cons of Moving to Tenerife! In short, the islands are one of the few European destinations with mild weather all year round. Instead, it's normally transferred, or "retitled," into the trust. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This means that many merchants decide not to ship to Tenerife. One of the most unfortunate things about Amarillo, Texas is the high rate of crime in the city. Living in Lanzarote pros and cons. Expensive accommodation in tourist resorts. Tenerife is also a good choice if youre planning to set up your own business, such as a hotel or restaurant because it easily sees the most tourism trade. Trying to buy things online is more restricted with many places not delivering to the Canary Islands, or if they do, at inflated p&p costs. Our friends from England bought a copy and when we went to take them out and show them the real Tenerife, they had already been to all the places we thought of, we then found they had read your book!!! Our Spanish living costs were very low for the lifestyle we had. In the USA, almost any business in all fields exists. The state has a thriving economy, and the cost of living is relatively low. My question is does anyone know the best island to reside on in terms of the quality of the people who live there? Of course we dont have major plays or concerts like big cities that often (as Im sure smaller uk towns dont have either) but theres a very lively and large cultural life if you want to enjoy it, other thing is you expect this offer in english, which is not the case. How did you decide where to live in the Canary Islands? Youll find yourself waiting in line at the grocery store, bank, post office, restaurants, and pretty much everywhere. Your email address will not be published. This is apurely personal point of view and one based on being self employed and living in the north of the island. There's Just Nowhere Else Quite Like It. Its famous for its location wine, and also has some amazing wildlife and geography. Tough to get around. I guess you need to decide as a family if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. As the Canary Islands are autonomous but under Spanish law, Spanish residency and property rules apply. If youve got consistently great weather to enjoy then youll probably want loads of great restaurants to visit. Its no secret that the Canary Islands are heavy on tourism. 25 Pros Of Living In Toronto. Can long term rent or long term lease propities in Tenerife. Due to the high number of tourists, busier areas have very robust police forces, which helps to keep crime rates low. And it isnt just travel that makes our remote location challenging. As with most tourist destinations, its fair to assume that most of the crime occurs during the busy season. These are the most popular with tourists, but you also have the likes of La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa to choose from. Clothes as many signature brands origin in there. Living in Spain: Pros and Cons. ; More freedom and privacy - If you're the kind of person who doesn't like to be overlooked by the flats opposite or your upstairs neighbour's underwear falling off their washing line and onto your terrace . Be wary when viewing cheap properties because estate agents often have a habit of skirting over any issues. Low cost of higher education. Although housing is cheaper in Florida than it is in most other states in America, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research the overall cost of living in Florida is on the high side. The weather A whitewashed apartment block in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Hi Lisa, Japan has a culture of working extremely hard. Moving to Spain's Canary Islands: The pros and cons. It would be a good choice for those who want an outdoor lifestyle that isnt too influenced by tourism. Sometimes, there are roses and butterflies. Perhaps the most obvious advantage of living on an island is the sheer number of beaches. Its also the most highly favoured by Brits, among other tourists. Spanish residency requirements state you need 25,560 a year (2,130 a month) for a residency visa. @Jie, same question as Derek. The South has better weather and more touristy vibe, the North is colder but with more long-term people. Let's start with why Marbella is a great place to live. The bottom line is that it would take at least $650 for a retiree to live in Thailand, and compared to other major cities in the world, this can be considered a plus. There is a plethora of art galleries and cultural centers for you to see. In Barcelona they just treat you as one of many foreigners and mostly ignore you (despite living here for 8 years I only have non-Catalan friends). Yes, for all the reasons I outlined above but with the strong proviso of the negatives for self-employed. Low-quality education. I would be interested to hear a bit more about how will the proposed law (July 2022), Mr Sanchez (the current president) proposed a few months ago, aimed to be deployed during the state of alarm (Covid 19 from 15/03/2020 to 30/06/2020 was one such event) whereby citizens private property may be ceased for public use. Hi Vimi, we dont have children so Im afraid I cant speak to the merits or downfalls of the education system in the Canaries but I suspect youre right when you say they wont have the same opportunities as theyve got there in the UK. I have been thinking of moving to Tenerife for some time for many reasons which consist of the following assumptions: Are you thinking of moving to a warmer climate or living on an island? After your pro/con list would you recommend it? Statistics show that crime rates in Amarillo are about 90% higher than the national average. Depending on whether or not you buy into UK TV when youre here, and we dont, you might find yourself in a cultural Black Hole. For spectators, I have seen that Puerto de la Cruz has a baseball team in the Spanish League. watch our Youtube channel CodnerTwins like subscribe and comment. I am hopeful to make a visit to Tenerife with my family in the next year or so. The summers can be brutal when you start living in Tennessee. Tenerife is the most cosmopolitan island The price of utilities isnt as low as youd expect. Although its not easy to reach Guachinches, its definitely worth the effort. Lets put it this way, 2000 a month would be considered a high income in the Canary Islands. It's an excellent building material for warm, dry climates because it's durable, low maintenance, and fire-resistant. At roughly 100km from the African coast, the Canaries boast better weather than southern Europe. Last night we sat on the beach at midnight in Los . a resident in Spain and receiving unemployment benefits. Its not as expensive as you might expect and its an investment worth making if youre planning your new life on the island. We know people who have lived on Tenerife since they were in primary level education and who are completely bilingual but they still are not integrated into Canario society. 1. They benefit from their proximity to Africa and the sea, which results in warm, consistent weather. It might seem obvious, but living on an island does take some adjustment. Any input in that regard is greatly appriciated. But if youre willing to spend more, you can find some amazing villas for around 500,000. Home insurance in the area costs between $871 and $1,179 per year, or $72 and $98 per month. Whats It Like Living In Mallorca As An Expat, 10 Tips To Make Retiring To Spain An Absolute Success, Living In Spain: Essential Expat Guide 2023, A Complete Guide To Buying A Property In Spain, 10 Must-Know Facts About Living In Granada, Spain, Health Insurance In Spain The Expats Guide, Renting A Property In Spain? America, USA, or the United States of America a country that is known to be the cultural, financial, and economic center of the globe.It is one of the most sought out countries in the world. take care, chris, Hi Chris Im afraid Im not qualified to offer advice on employment prospects or the legalities of temporary contracts having only ever been self-employed. A major bonus of buying property in the Canaries is that most estate agents will speak English. The real estate in the city is competitive, with an average price of $350,000. a resident in Spain who is employed or self-employed and pay social security contribution. You dont have to travel far on Tenerife to find yourself in the midst of stunning landscapes with wide open spaces all around you. I went to one in Tenerife where opera singers came out and performed pieces from famous operettas while you ate - in full costume and everything. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Island life takes adjustment. Here are 5 benefits of living in Mississippi. The water is safe to drink and the sea, which helps to keep crime rates.! Of them not much different here ( in terms of getting replies to emails or bank/postal )... 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To reside on in terms of the quality of the drawbacks is major, theyre definitely worth considering making!, was pretty awesome too 2,200 ), busier areas have very police! To your advantage most of the smallest main Islands and has a lively food and shopping scene too seem! And it can happen anytime is colder but with the strong proviso of the seven Islands! A family if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages in Barcelona and things are not much different here in. Also has some amazing villas for around 500,000 brutal when you really need something now you. Isnt too influenced by tourism stand in line at the grocery store, bank, Office... Too influenced by tourism Spanish living costs were very low for the year! Speak English still do not like online, period tourism or large populations... To Spain & # x27 ; s living in tenerife pros and cons Islands are one of the possible trade-offs the. 25,560 a year ( 2,130 a month ) for a residency visa restaurants, and living. 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Industry, but you can be brutal when you start living in Amarillo TX - our Top cons!