Enjoy our quick guide to La Romana, a village situated in Spain’s autonomous community of Valencia with a population of 2,000 people. La Romana is a few kilometers away from Algueña and several kilometers away from Novelda and Hondón de las Nieves.
Below, we feature an expat interview with Joan Smith of Casasinespana who covers the La Romana area.
In particular, we wanted to learn from Joan the advantages of moving to La Romana and the value for money that one can get when they decide to stay in the area.
Joan, thanks for helping our readers. I guess we should start off by asking what would you say would be the advantages to living in La Romana compared to other Costa Blanca towns?
La Romana is a Spanish Village with 2000 habitants and still retains a typical Spanish influence.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
Having lived here for 18 years, I cannot think of any. Only if people want an expat lifestyle near to the beach then La Romana is not for them.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
95%
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Enjoying the local fiestas,visiting the Bodegas and many local restaurants on the Route de Tapas, horseback riding, walking going to the beach.
Also, attending painting classes and pottery classes, meeting with friends to play petanca twice a week and many more activities that are available if you have the time!!
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
The Local bars and Restaurants. We have 6 that provide excellent local cuisine …Paella, Gacha Migas, amazing local cured sausages, local olive oil and almonds straight from the local orchards and fresh eating grapes for the surrounding vineyards.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
Yes. There are 3 supermarkets, 3 butchers, two amazing bakeries, dentist and Doctors and book shop, two shops selling electrical goods and also two excellent ferreterias for all hardware household and garden items.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
Yes. Novelda, Alguena, Monovar, Aspe. All have markets twice a week.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
Elche and Alicante and they are excellent.
Is crime an issue for expats?
No. Not inland.
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
They are level at the moment but we expect an increase in the coming year.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
Yes this is a good time to buy. Not many repossessions available but there are several bargains still available.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
The urbanisation in La Romana is excellent and new villas are about to be constructed with prices starting at 210,000 euros for a 3-bedroom/2-bedroom villa on 600m² plots with a swimming pool.
How much are the typical property prices in La Romana for apartments, villas etc?
Apartments are available from 75,000 euros and country properties from 90,000 euros.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in La Romana or surrounding area?
Book a tour trip with a reputable agent who is AIPP registered and operates legally. It is important to get to know the area and the lifestyle first
Www.casasainespana.com offers a 3-night stay in their company apartment in La Romana. The apartment sleeps 4 people for only 105.00 euros. They will show you the area and some properties that meet your lifestyle and budget.
Joan, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact her, you can find her details below.
Calle Mayor 28
03669 La Romana
Valenciana, Spain
Tel. +34 965 696 192
Email: sales@casasinespana.com
Website: www.casasinespana.com
Take a look at this interesting tourist video of La Romana.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
Raymond Gijsen says
An estate agent might not be the one to provide the best ‘objective’ view, if I may say so. Also, I would have liked the review to be dated.