If you’ve decided to relocate to Spain, you may be left with the decision of which area will be best. Spain is a large country, so before you decide, it’s worth considering if you’d rather live in a rural area, an urban area or a coastal area. All three have fantastic cities and towns, but there are certain aspects of the general areas you may want to consider first. We’ve listed the pros and cons of rural, urban and coastal areas below to help you decide which area is best suited for you.
Rural Spain
Relocating to rural Spain is a great option for those who either work remotely, or no longer have to work to support themselves. The rural areas of Spain are great for relaxing in, taking in the scenery, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the calm pace of life.
Some of the disadvantages you may want to think about include: not having as many expats to talk to - problematic if you cannot speak Spanish- less places to shop and less use of local amenities such as doctors, post offices and bars. Of course, there is always the option to learn Spanish and grow some of your own Mediterranean food!
Each rural area is different, as some may have an abundance of shops and local services, however, you should always double check before you move. A lot of the rural areas in Spain aren’t connected to mains water or gas like the UK, so before purchasing a property there you ideally need to see whether this will be the case.
Urban Spain
Urban Spain is a suitable option for those of you who may have children who need schooling, or members of the family who will be looking for work in Spain. Whilst it is possible to raise a family in rural areas of Spain, if you want your children to engage in a busier community and be involved with various groups and social plans, you’re better off opting to relocate to one of Spain’s towns or cities.
Due to Spain’s size, the cities in Spain differ greatly, so you’ll have to weigh up each city against each other. Having said that, every Spanish city is busy and full of life. Restaurants and bars are immense, and most hobbies and interests can be satisfied wherever you decide to call home.
The downfalls of living in urban Spain are like any urban area in the world, pollution is higher and life always moves very quickly. Luckily, most urban areas are surrounded by quieter towns that are reachable by a short drive or bus journey. These outlying towns are sometimes within commuting distance to the main city, so it may be an option for you to consider these areas too.
Coastal Spain
Coastal Spain is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys living by the sea. The perks of living in coastal Spain include: fresh seafood, more opportunities to enjoy water sports, walks along the beach, being able to listen to the waves crash and it’s also ideal for families who have younger children. The most popular area in Spain is the Costa Blanca. Property prices are surprisingly low still after the market crashed in 2008 - here you can find villas for sale on the Costa Blanca with a private pool for under 200,000€.
Spain’s coast ranges from quiet seaside towns to busy cities such as Benidorm and Valencia; you should always consider the differences before relocating. Some coastal areas can be very touristy in high season, and as a result, become more expensive. These areas are often quiet in low seasons in contrast. If you want a constantly quiet or busy coastal area year-round, double check specific areas before you relocate.
Wherever you decide to relocate to in Spain, you’re bound to fall in love with the place. Spain is packed with amazing opportunities; you’ll be grabbing them and creating wonderful memories in no time under the hot Spanish sun.
