Why Choose Valencia?
Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and is the perfect combination of art, culture, nightlife, stunning beaches and the most incredible modern architecture, not to mention the bluest of skies.
Quality of life
The quality of life in Valencia is exceptional. Prices are lower across the board than its neighboring cities Madrid and Barcelona, and with a relaxed pace of life and short distances, it is an incredibly comfortable place to live.
Climate
The region’s climate is incredible and even better, Valencia has its own microclimate and while rainy season happens around October time and April, the rest of the year is sun, sun and yes, more sun!
Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere is fun, and the people are very warm and open. Valencians are incredibly social and thanks to the great weather, spend a lot of time outdoors together – typically in big groups!
Food and drinks-wise, there are more restaurants and bars in Valencia that you could ever need and the local food is delicious and cheap and there is a wide selection of international cuisine restaurants
The choice of things to do in the surrounding areas
One of the most enjoyable things about living in Valencia is the choice of places to visit in the surrounding areas – the nearest beaches are just fifteen minutes away from the city center and there is stunning countryside for hikes and cycling very close by. In just one hour’s drive north you can be in the mountains and ski in the winter, and in just an hour and a half east you can be on some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean.
Living in Valencia could actually be as good for you as taking vitamins or following a healthy diet
Climate and Hours of Sunlight
Beyond having the most stunning light, the sun and Valencia’s climate, as well as its location and the sea breeze, are responsible for placing it on the podium of being the healthiest city in the world.
While the climate which is neither too hot nor too dry, means that you can be outside, socialise and practice outdoor sports pretty much all year round. In turn, these healthy activities facilitate the absorption of that much needed vitamin D.
Relaxed Lifestyle
The city of Valencia is dedicated to upholding its musical and cultural heritage while encouraging social interaction and a relaxed lifestyle where history and the arts play a significant role through its museums and theatres.
Spaces such as the Carmen Cultural Center and the Bancaja Foundation offer free exhibitions, while venues such as the La Fabrica de Hielo and the Casa del Mar invite you to enjoy music in front of the sea while also being incredibly child friendly by hosting regular workshops so that mum and dad can have a good time too.
Low Pollution Levels
Valencia’s location and the sea breeze literally blows fresh air into the city and the bad air out and so has lower levels of contamination compared to other Spanish cities.
The large number of green areas such as the Turia park, formerly a river that was converted into the city’s main urban garden and the newly inaugurated Central garden, make up as a very efficient pair of green lungs that help maintain good air quality.
Valencia is also a very bike friendly city and with more and more Valencians choosing to cycle over taking a car, this will continue to keep these low levels of pollution.
Longer life expectancy
The Mediterranean diet is rich with healthy sources of omega-3s, fats and proteins that studies have associated with a lower risk of dementia, obesity, heart disease and cancer, which places Valencia in third place of cities with the highest life expectancy in the world.
This is accentuated by Spain’s free access to healthcare and the lower average cost of living in comparison to many cities of its standard around the world.
So what are some of the downsides?
Employment opportunities
Salaries are relatively low and employment opportunities, especially if you don’t speak Spanish are limited. We highly recommend coming to Valencia if you already have employment or you are a business owner looking to continue your work while living here.
The bureaucracy
Everything and anything important from getting your residency and setting up a bank account can be time consuming and quite stressful – a lot of patience is required. We set up Encantada learning from our own experience to help take the stress out of these more painful processes.
The language
Be prepared to learn Spanish. English is spoken but practically not at all for anything bureaucratic. Furthermore, if you want to really immerse yourself in the culture and feel a part of Valencia, try and make every effort to get out there and speak it.
In all cases the pros far outweigh the cons and Valencia is truly a wonderful place to live, it’s good to be prepared!
Are you thinking about moving?
We are here to help!
Encantada is a bespoke relocation company to help anyone looking to move to Valencia or the Costa Blanca.
We are here to assist you every step of the way: an English expat and a Spanish lawyer, as a team we have the perfect combination of legal and practical know-how and language skills to be able to sort out anything on your behalf.
We will go the extra mile to make your move run smoothly and have you settled in and enjoying Spanish life in the shortest time possible and with the least amount of stress.
We are on hand to assist you upon your arrival however if you would like everything ready for your arrival, Encantada are able to work under power of attorney on your behalf.