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Hi Corrin,
Quite a self sufficient area as regards shops etc. Frequent buses to Valletta, although very hot and crowded in peak summer months. Our apartment is in Xemxija, St Pauls Bay area
Not sure about schools though.
marisa

Hi thanks M,

I was asking because we care considering both st pauls bay and st clares (sliema) state schools - Ive heard both have high expat numbers so our kiddies wouldnt be the odd ones out. We were going to check them out when we head over.

Schools have implications for housing though so we need to think about whether we like the areas for living. Sliema should be close to work but st pauls bay is obviously that bit further around and i dont know as much about it..

Any idea on commute time at peak times?

malta is terrible for traffic jams but I couldn't tell you because I have always avoided peak times. I wonder if anyone else can help here? I do have a friend who lives in Mellieha (even further out) and he commutes daily to Qormi. He says that yes it does take a long time but well worth it for the peace he gets when he gets home.

I live in St. Paul's and have always preferred it. There are things to do for children, with the park at McDonalds and the Aquarium park. In the summer you have the free water park (not a pool) and the coast comes alive with bouncy  castles, bumper cars, crazy golf etc. There is a small quiet sandy cove that I always take my children too. St. Paul's is also a lot cheaper, in food and renting than Sliema.
To get to Sliema in rush hour will take about an hour, off peak about 30-40 mins by bus.
You can live in the very quiet end and are serviced by the standard shops, butchers, veg etc. Or you can live at the slightly livelier end where you will have all shops, supermarket, take aways, bars and restaurants. This is St. Pauls/top end of Bugibba.
Hope this helps

Caroline

Hi Corrin.  Myself and family are moving over in a few months time and thinking about st Paul's Bay and Sliema  because of the schools. Visiting Malta next week so I can let you know what I think of both areas! Hope that helps

Hi Lori,

St. Paul's Bay is totally different from Sliema.

Schools are one thing but the choice should also depend on where you will be working and what your lifestyle is .

Are you intending to send your kids to government schools or private schools and so on?

Many Expats move several times before settling in.

Cheers
Ricky

Hi Ricky,
My husband will be working in Valletta, so I guess Sliema is a more obvious choice?
However we are moving from the Cotswolds so Sliema might be a bit much for the kids to get used to!!
We will be sending them to state school and have been advised to stick to Sliema, Pembroke and St Paul's Bay.
(Sorry Corrin - hope I'm not hijacking your thread!  )

Sliema is very busy both with people and cars and I would say a little scary for children if coming from such a quite place like the Cotswolds.  I would advise St Paul's it's much more family friendly.