Being both a local and international estate agent, we have advised a vast number of ex-pats who have moved to Gibraltar over the last few years. The reason to move here in the first place is likely to be the well documented low tax infrastructure offered by Gibraltar, or, perhaps, just for employment reasons.

Once here, so many clients fall in love with Gibraltar itself. Nothing to do with the tax or the job that brought them here. The love stems from being in Gibraltar, living in Gibraltar, enjoying Gibraltar. As Jackie Collins wrote “Love does not appear with any warning signs. You fall into it as if pushed from a high diving board.” And that is how it is for so many of Gibraltar’s newest population.

Based on some of our clients’ views expressed to us over time, we summarise in this article the reasons given as to why why so many non-Gibraltarians fall in love with Gibraltar.

1. Family and Friends

Easily the greatest reason given for falling in love with Gibraltar is the close relationships one encounters on a daily basis. Whether large family gatherings at Sunday lunch, the Rotary running their next charitable event, or watching FC Brunos Magpies playing on a cold Monday evening, the friendship amongst the existing population is witnessed daily even hourly.

A simple walk up Main Street is more of a social expedition that a shopping trip. People have time for each other, the family unit remains predominantly intact, and strangers greet each other. It’s not measureable, but once you have been here awhile, you don’t see some of the scruffier buildings, you simply feel the warmth of its people.

It is said that the happiest people spend the most time with those they love including family, partners or friends. The close proximity we have with our nearest and dearest results in a happy community. It’s easy to fall in love with Gibraltar’s community, its social fabric, many have and many will continue to do so.

Britain in the Sun (Channel 4), The Sun and the Daily Mail, amongst other renowned media that give Gibraltar air time orcolumn inches cannot mention Gibraltar without referencing in ‘fish and chips’ or British style pubs. Yet once here, it does not take long for newcomers to scratch the surface and discover a real charm beyond what Britain in the Sun failed to spot in three series. Gibraltar is steeped in history which manifests itself in different architecture, whether Upper Town or Caletta Bay, natural history sites for example St Michael’s Cave or military history for example some of the tunnels which played a part in World War 2. Charm is the power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others. Gibraltar has a charm, a magnetic personality, which may not result in love at first sight, however many long lasting relationships with Gibraltar are made as a result of its charm.

3. Sport

It may seem strange that a jurisdiction of around 6 square metres can boast sport as a reason to live here. Yet the opportunities in such a close proximity would make many 30,000 population towns green with envy. Sailing, diving, football, padel, tennis, squash, netball, hockey, darts and a whole load more participation sports are available to everyone who cares to lift an oar, a racquet or a bat or whatever. And most sports are low cost or even free. For golfers, there are some sixty courses within an hour of the border. Where else might you find courses of the quality of Valderrama, Sotogrande and San Roque so close to home? It is little wonder that Gibraltar is attractive to so many new inhabitants?

4. Safety

Families want to live in a safe environment. Parents remember when they walked themselves to and from school whereas that happens less and less now around the UK especially. Gibraltar maintains a low crime rate for a variety of reasons. That is a compelling reason in itself for the vast majority of law abiding people to want to live here, contributing to and benefiting from a relatively safe environment that Gibraltar can offer, even in these high tension times.

5. Religion

Sadly, religion has been and continues to be the cause of so much strife around the world. It is pulling communities and countries apart. Here in Gibraltar, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Jehovah Witnesses live side by side, not only in harmony, but many are actively friendly with each other. However this has been achieved, it is an example to many other parts of the world.

6. Sun, sun, sun

Friedrich Max Müller wrote “A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” 300 sunny days a year is enough to make anyone fall in love, not only with Gibraltar, but with each other!

I could also mention the Rock itself, the beaches, the variety of food, restaurants, the flaura, fauna, shops, Morrissons, Chesterton’s and a whole host of further reasons to fall in love with Gibraltar. However, ultimately, a place is only as good as the people in it (said Pittacus Lore). And it’s easy to fall in love with this place. Long may the love affair continue.