Americans continue to be charmed by the European lifestyle, and now, with one of the highest rates of expat retirees living in the world, Spain is becoming a prime destination for many.
If you’ve wished to trade your American retiree lifestyle to embrace the alluring Spanish siestas and fiestas, you’re not alone. Let’s look into how to make this happen, as well as city options that would allow you to feel right at home.
Spain’s appeal for retirees is undeniable. The country offers a perfect blend of sunny weather, rich cultural experiences, and a lower cost of living compared to many other Western and Central European countries. Here are some homely cities for those seeking the ideal retirement destination in Spain:
Madrid, or Villa y Corte, as its locals commonly know it, is the capital of Spain and its most populous city. The city has a cosmopolitan character and inexpensive lifestyle and offers quality healthcare, a broad leisure activity sphere and a gastronomic culture.
Madrid’s winters are mild, summers are warm, and living costs are affordable relative to other cities across Europe, making it the best place to retire in Spain for US citizens.
Villa y Corte can be a retirement destination if you want an active metropolitan environment full of cultural events, excellent food and historical sites. The city is full of character, with lively plazas, cultural museums, and large parks that balance city life and the comforts of nature.
Barcelona provides a unique combination of beautiful architecture, rich cultural history, and a Mediterranean climate.
According to data from Numbeo, the average monthly rent of a one-bedroom unit in a central part of Barcelona can be about $1,200, while renting the same unit outside crowded parts of the city can range around $900.
Grocery prices are fairly reasonable; a liter of milk can be bought for about $1.20, while bread is priced at around $1.40.
Valencia, with its beautiful beaches and modern architecture, is a fantastic option for retirees wanting a slower-paced, more affordable lifestyle.
So, if you are planning to move to Valencia, you might have to part with about $950 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre and around $700 if you want a similar-sized apartment just outside the city.
For a retired person who enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciates the benefits of the expat life, you will most assuredly love the experience of living in Valencia.
The southern Spanish town of Málaga on the Costa del Sol combines a pleasant, warm, sunny climate with a more relaxed lifestyle. This is particularly attractive to retirees who would want to relocate and live in a warm climate with low activity levels.
The climate, sun holidays and relatively warm winters in Málaga would appeal to healthy, active retirees from warm climate countries.
A one-bedroom apartment on the city’s busiest streets can be rented for around $1,000 a month, while the price drops to around $750 monthly in the downtown area.
Obtaining a Spanish residence can be daunting, which is why it is highly advisable to contact an expert. For anyone pursuing a retirement plan in Spain, My Spain Visa, the largest and best-known law firm in Spanish immigration, is the immigration partner to work with.
The lawyers at My Spain Visa have a deeper and broader understanding of the nuances of Spanish immigration laws to help retirees migrate into their new life in Mediterranean locations than the company can attenuate to.
Moreover, the firm knows the ins and outs of how to obtain a non lucrative visa in Spain, which is presumably the most important step in looking for a residential stay in most countries.
My Spain Visa will walk you through every step and every part of your visa application to ensure it is complete, increasing your chances of a positive response.
Retirement in Spain is not only an opportunity to change locations and settings, but also a chance to adopt a different state of living. Spain’s architecture and history, distinctive culture, and fabulous, unrivaled quality of life offer a retirement experience like no other.
With the proper preparation and expert assistance from My Spain Visa, your dream of retiring under the Spanish sun can become a beautiful reality. ¡Vamos a España!