Valencia has been dubbed as one of the best cities in the world to live in by expats in countless publications and polls. Just last November, reporter Charlie Wells wrote an article featured on Bloomberg.com talking about expats snubbing London, Paris and Hong Kong for Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. In the survey, expats gave Valencia the world’s highest score based on it’s climate, housing affordability, and health care, while coastal town Alicante, just an hour away, came in second place, with Malaga and Madrid coming in at 6th and 9th place.

 A change of Pace and Lifestyle

Tina and Giulio, married and from London, moved here for work after several years of living the fast-paced rhythm of New York, they both agree that it was the change of pace and lifestyle that attracted them the most.

Words of Wisdom

They both agree that it’s fundamental to “get a good Spanish teacher and learn the language.”

“Don’t just hang out in your area where you live, do your homework and go out into the region to explore, there’s so much to see and do. Get into the swing of life, no one eats dinner at 7pm. Make every effort to speak Spanish. Get a bike, it will be the best thing you do in terms of getting around. Join a yoga class in the Turia park. Eat at local paella places, not the touristy ones.”

 Settling in Valencia After Living in Big Cities

Kim from Manchester is married to a Valencian, they finally settled in Valencia after living between Madrid and London for four years.

More Cosmopolitan Than you Think

“Valencia has so many distinct areas to explore, you have the city which is architecturally beautiful and increasingly cosmopolitan, the natural beauty of the Albufera park, the marina and all the sea and port view restaurants, and then of course there's the kilometres and kilometres of beach - I have never lived close to the sea so that is something that I'm really enjoying.” 

She believes that “Valenica will best suit the self-employed - that way you are not reliant on the Spanish job market and you have the freedom and flexibility to really benefit from the very high standard of living that Valenica offers.” Her biggest tip for newbie and wannabe Valencians: “get out there - immerse yourself in nature and catch that Vitamin D, sunny Spain loves you.”

Moving to Valencia During Difficult Times

Michelle from Sheffield in the UK moved to Valencia last year after living in Australia and Asia for the past 12 years, “it was always my dream to move to Spain and last year I finally made it happen. I did trips to Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia to see which city I preferred, and Valencia won.”

She faced a huge challenge, arriving in Valencia one month before the pandemic started and so has spent most of her time either in lockdown or living around the various imposed restrictions, “I still love it here though so that says a lot!”

Seek Help  

“I used a relocation company to help with all of my documentation, setting up bank accounts etc. they also helped me find my apartment. I have never used such a service in any of the other countries I have moved to, but I would highly recommend it here. The prices are reasonable and I have heard so many stories of people finding it a slow and difficult process if you don't.”

So there you have it, Valencia really is a great place to live, just book those Spanish classes and find yourself a specialist agent to help you with your move.

We look forward to welcoming you here in Valencia, stay tuned for more expat insight, and of course, Encantada is always happy to help!