Spain could be your Old World dream come true… especially if budget is a concern. You could live or retire well in this country on a budget of as little as US$1,855 per month.
Here are 10 more reasons we say Spain is tops:
#1: Affordable Property (Cheaper Than France And Portugal)…
Spain is the most popular second-home destination in Europe and home to some 7.2 million expats. Despite its popularity, the cost of housing remains cheaper than many of its neighbors. Spain and Portugal boast many of the same attractions. So, how do property prices compare between the two? Luis da Silva, our go-to real estate expert in the region, says: “When you compare like with like, real estate in Spain is really much cheaper. Thanks to Portugal’s limited housing stock and prices inflating in recent years, you get a lot more bang for your buck in Spain. And you have a much bigger variety of costasto choose from.” Comparing like with like on the Atlantic coast, we find… A two-bed townhouse in one of my favorite spots in Portugal’s Algarve for US$468,000… Meanwhile, near the town of Cádiz on Spain’s Costa de la Luz, you can buy a similar townhouse at the beach for US$244,750. That’s almost 50% less in Spain. What about prices on the Mediterranean? Portugal doesn’t have a Mediterranean coastline. So, in this case, let’s compare the costs in Spain with those over on the French Riviera… where you could buy a two-bedroom apartment in Nice, with sea views, for US$555,700. Meantime, on the Costa del Sol, a similar two-bed apartment, second line to the beach with wide sea views, surrounded by beaches and golf courses could be had for US$229,875… almost 60% less!
#2: Choose Your Lifestyle (Spain Has It)…
From cosmopolitan cities and sun-kissed Mediterranean shores to romantic island escapes and mountain villages lost in time… modern Spain has 17 autonomous regions, each with its own personality and customs—and, sometimes, its own dialect.
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Want a vibrant city, full on Old-World charm, where there’s always something going on? Choose from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and many more…
Prefer to live by the beach? Again, you have options aplenty… from the wild Atlantic coast to the calm shores of the Mediterranean… and from mainland to island… Looking for a quieter life? Escape to lush Galicia where shepherds still roam the hills… and local bakers deliver their fresh loaves to your door, where you find them waiting for you when you wake.
#3: Laid-Back Pace Of Life…
If you’re hoping to escape the rat race once and for all, you’ll find Spain refreshing… This is a true work-to-live society with an emphasis on time with family and friends. Siesta culture is still strong. And holidays are many—with each region having colorful festivals throughout the year. In many ways, life in Spain can feel like the America of the 1970s. People get dressed up… no matter how small the occasion. And you’ll often see three or four generations socializing together. Retirees are respected here, too. Ivan, one of our local contacts in Cádiz, told us: “Older people are very respected in Andalucía. They live their lives to the fullest until the very end. They still socialize in the plazas, play dominoes, babysit their grandkids at the beach, and do exercise classes together. “This is especially true about older women from Andalucía. They are my inspiration for how to age with elegance. They still get dressed up, do their hair and makeup, go out with their friends to restaurants and cafés, and so on. And they are sassy!”
#4: Great Weather (With Sunshine Year-Round)…
With an average 3,000 annual sunshine hours, you can expect to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle most of the year… The Andalucía region is the hottest part of all western Europe. In Seville, daytime temperatures in winter rarely drop below 60 degrees. But, if you can’t stand the intense heat of high summer, cities like Málaga and Valencia provide a more comfortable climate. However, if you want a taste of winter chill, you’ll find snow to the north in the Pyrenees, and south in the Sierra Nevada. Both provide skiing and snowboarding during winter months.
#5: World-Class Beaches…
From its dramatic Atlantic shores to idyllic Mediterranean beaches, Spain has more than 3,000 miles of coastline… not forgetting its Balearic and Canary islands that attract everyone from the jet set to the budget traveler. The Costa del Sol is home to the most stunning beaches, so it can be hard to get near one in high season… But travel north to the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada… where the crowds begin to thin out… and you’ll find long, golden beaches lapped by the warm Mediterranean…
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#6: Top Health Care…
The Spanish health care system is one of the best in the world. It placed seventh in the most recent World Health Organization rankings. As a North American retiree, you likely won’t have free access to the Spanish public health system. But there is a pay-in scheme of around US$65 a month for under-65s and US$170 a month for older residents. Meantime, private health insurance plans start from around US$300 a month. And, if you need ongoing access to health care, you’ll be well catered for… My friend Lucy who spent many years living in Barcelona says, “Barcelona has an enviable reputation for health care. There are well-trained doctors galore and many English-speaking ones from several different countries. Consultants in every specialty can be found throughout the city.”
#7: Healthy, Hearty Food (And Great Wine)…
Thanks to the rain up north and the Mediterranean climate down south, almost every fruit and vegetable grows here. Valencian oranges are renowned as the best in the world… Galicia produces fine cheeses… the Mediterranean serves up the freshest seafood… and olive oil is a staple. It’s no secret that the Mediterranean diet is a healthy one. For six years running it’s been voted the best diet in the world by U.S. News & World Report… Living here, you could—without any real effort—eat your way into better health. Best of all, eating out is extremely affordable. In some places, simple tapas come free with your glass of beer or wine… or pay a few dollars for a heartier dish. Spaniards eat their main meal at 2 p.m., and you’ll find restaurants offering their three-course menú del día for lunch… Expat in Valencia Mike Herndon says, “I’m single and I don’t cook at home. Why would I when I can enjoy a three-course lunch at one of my favorite restaurants for about US$10?” And let’s not forget wine… Spain, home to the most vineyards in the world, is also the second-largest wine exporter. You can buy a good bottle in the supermarket for US$4 or US$5. When you feel like splashing out, you’ll find excellent wines for around US$10 to US$12.
#8: A Cultural Powerhouse…
If you’re looking for a rich culture, Spain is hard to beat. For example, city-lovers will be spoiled with entertainment options in Madrid and Barcelona, both of which boast stunning architecture, countless museums and art galleries, theaters, cafés, and every kind of cuisine. In Barcelona, frequently named as one of the world’s best cities, all you have to do is grab a seat at an outdoor café and soak up the atmosphere… Andalucía is the birthplace of flamenco and there’s a particularly strong culture of this artform around Seville and Granada… though you can clap along to flamenco shows in all major cities, too.
#9: Access To Europe…
A huge advantage of living in Spain is the chance to explore Portugal, France, and beyond. Whether by road, rail, or air, Spain’s infrastructure allows you to plan your European adventures easily, frequently, and affordably. From Seville, you can be in the Algarve in less than two hours by car… From Barcelona, it’s just over two hours to the French Riviera. Fancy a long weekend in Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome, Prague, or Lisbon? Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer cheap flights all over Europe, with services close to all major towns.Start Your New Life Today, Overseas
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#10: Lots Of English-Speaking Company…
If you’re hoping to find English-speaking friends in your new home—at least until you find your feet—you won’t be disappointed. Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia all have established expat communities where you’ll find plenty of native English speakers. The same is true of the Costa del Sol where Brits have been visiting and putting down roots for decades. In short, if you want to make local friends—or get any business done outside of the main tourist areas—you’re going to have to learn to speak at least some Spanish. The good news is that Spanish is one of the easier languages to learn… and the locals are very patient, encouraging, and forgiving while you’re trying. Until next time,
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
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