What Are the Negatives of Living in Gibraltar? The Truth You Need to Know

Limited Space: The Struggle of Small Living

Well, let me start by saying, Gibraltar is beautiful, no doubt about that. But living here comes with some serious space constraints. Honestly, it took me a while to adjust to just how small this place is. I mean, it’s a tiny rock, and that small size can make a huge impact on your daily life.

Crowded Living

Everything feels a bit cramped. If you like the idea of living in a spacious home with a big garden, Gibraltar might not be the best place for you. The housing is limited, and it can be hard to find decent-sized apartments. Most people live in flats that are stacked on top of each other, and while the views are amazing, the space? Not so much.

Lack of Privacy

Living in such close quarters means that privacy is sometimes a luxury. You’ll often find yourself dealing with noise from neighbors, or the fact that your personal space isn’t really all that personal. I remember chatting with a friend who moved here, and he mentioned how getting used to the constant noise from the street below was one of his biggest challenges.

High Cost of Living

Okay, let's talk about the cost of living in Gibraltar because it’s way higher than I expected when I first moved here. Seriously, prepare yourself. This place might be small, but its expenses are anything but.

Expensive Housing

The rental prices are sky-high, and that’s not just for the fancy properties. Even basic apartments can cost you a lot. I remember looking for a place to live and getting shocked by the monthly rent – it’s like paying for an apartment in a big city, but without the space. So, if you’re coming here thinking housing will be affordable, think again.

High Prices at the Grocery Store

Don't get me started on groceries. You might expect prices to be lower, given Gibraltar's tax-free status on some items, but I was constantly surprised by how expensive regular items could be. Imported goods, in particular, cost an arm and a leg. So, if you’re someone who likes to cook at home, be prepared for your grocery bill to make a dent in your budget.

Limited Job Opportunities

Honestly, if you're thinking about relocating here for work, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Gibraltar's job market can be pretty restrictive, especially in certain sectors.

Employment Restrictions

Gibraltar has a pretty unique situation when it comes to employment. Most jobs are reserved for residents, and if you’re not a resident, it can be tricky to get hired. I remember when I first moved here, I struggled with getting work in my field because of the restrictions. There just aren’t as many options compared to bigger cities. Sure, there are opportunities in finance, tourism, and government sectors, but outside of that, options can be limited.

Dependence on Spain

Another issue is the fact that many people working here rely on Spain for employment. While Gibraltar itself doesn’t have a ton of industries, many residents cross over the border every day to work in Spain. This creates a whole host of complications, like long waits at the border and the uncertainty of political tensions between Gibraltar and Spain.

The Weather: Not Always a Blessing

Gibraltar’s weather is another aspect that can feel like a double-edged sword. Sure, the sunshine and mild winters are great most of the time, but let me tell you, it’s not always perfect.

Strong Winds and Storms

The wind, oh the wind. The famous "Levanter" winds can make life a bit miserable at times, especially if you're not used to it. I learned this the hard way one winter when I had to chase my hat down Main Street after it flew off during a gust. It’s not always comfortable, and if you’re planning on living here, you’ll need to get used to the wind.

Occasional Flooding

As beautiful as Gibraltar is, it’s also prone to flooding in certain areas, especially after heavy rain. I’ve seen parts of the town get submerged after storms, which can be inconvenient and honestly, a bit scary. So, if you’re thinking of setting up shop here long-term, be prepared for the occasional wet day that could disrupt your routine.

Social Scene: A Little Too Small?

Gibraltar has its charm, but if you’re coming from a big city, the social scene can be a bit underwhelming.

Limited Nightlife

The nightlife here is not exactly bustling. If you’re used to a vibrant party scene with endless options for entertainment, you might get a little bored here. There are a few bars and restaurants, but the choices are limited. I once tried to go out on a Friday night, and let’s just say, the “crowd” was much smaller than I anticipated. It can feel pretty quiet, especially if you’re young and looking for more excitement.

A Small, Tight-Knit Community

While this can be a positive for some, it might not be what everyone’s looking for. The community in Gibraltar is small and everyone knows everyone, which has its ups and downs. If you like a close-knit, friendly environment, that’s great. But if you’re someone who craves diversity or anonymity, you might find this a bit stifling. I’ve spoken to people who’ve lived here for years, and while they love the friendly vibe, they sometimes wish there were more variety in the social scene.

Conclusion: Is Living in Gibraltar Right for You?

So, there you have it. While Gibraltar is undeniably beautiful and has a lot to offer, it also comes with its share of challenges. The high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and small-town feel can be deal-breakers for some. But if you’re okay with a slower pace of life, the wind, and occasional flooding, it might just be the place for you.

I’ve had my ups and downs living here, but at the end of the day, it’s a unique experience. Just make sure you know what you're getting into before making the move.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.