Elizabeth - welcome to the forum. you will find the very best advice here - so just ask away !. we too would like to move across, but need to see another five years in the uk to a) see my daughter through Uni and b) earn enough money to pay off the mortgage and have a few funds stashed away to support us before pension payments kick in. I echo what others say about the winter - do take the time to come across and stay at different times of the year - winter is surprisingly cold, but as Nicola says, this is also my favourite time of year. Its wonderful waking up to crisp cold mornings, but sunshine on the sea and snow on the mountains. perfect. Good luck what ever your decision.....I know what I'd do ! Contact Linda (Kayakebab) she also made the decision to move across recently (with her partner) and I don't think she has regretted the decision for a minute.....