Looking for Potential Places to relocate to in Spain
Mar 21st, 2012, 04:35 AM
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Looking for Potential Places to relocate to in Spain
Hi all! DH and I have a dream of moving to Spain in a few years. We currently live close to San Juan de Puerto Rico, where I’m from. DH is Swiss born but lived many years in the U.S, he moved to PR first because of his job and then for me. Since he now retired and DD has moved out, there is no binding reason to stay in the island anymore. Once we move I will not be working anymore.
Recent events indicate that this move to Europe might actually become a reality and perhaps sooner than we thought. We are now beginning to plan a trip to places in Spain that we have not been to yet, but would like to keep an eye out for potential places to relocate to.
I would love to get suggestions of towns/cities which we could evaluate. We have been two times to Spain and hit most of the biggies; the first trip was to the South (Madrid/Castilla and Andalucía) and the second one to the North (Asturias, Basque Country, Galicia).
<b>The Upcoming Trip: </b>
We are almost ashamed to admit that we have not yet been to Barcelona; this trip will correct that gap. We will be flying in and out of BCN, spending 5 days each in Barcelona and Valencia. I’m planning a route that will take us from Barcelona through Girona, Benasqué, Torla, Jaca/Huesca, Zaragoza, Teruel, Valencia, Tarragona and back to Barcelona. This is a very, very preliminary route.
I might ditch the road trip and hiking in the Pyrenees (Benasqué, Torla, Jaca) and leave them for the time we actually live in Spain. Instead I could go to some other ‘livable’ cities.
<b>What we want in a place to live:</b>
- FOOD! We love to eat and cook, food is a significant part of our lives. We adore Spanish food but we also want to go to a place big enough to have multi-cultural restaurant offerings and where one is able to shop for ethnic ingredients.
- Weather, mild seasons would be the best. DH is concerned that Northern Spain would be too rainy and I prefer a place which is not a semi desert. I have lived all my life close to the ocean and would prefer to stay that way. This does not mean that I have to have a sea view, or having to be able to walk to walk to the beach. But I would like be Oceanside in an hour, an hour and half; something like that.
- Entertainment, even though we don’t go out that much right now with the exception of eating out, we like to have options and not feel like we are out in the boondocks. Once in a while we go to movies, concerts, theatre and ballet. We want to be able to have bars and cafés to go to and be able to participate in community life.
- Nature, we love to hike and take road trips (DH does drive manual) to enjoy the scenery
- Public Transportation, I dislike driving and have not yet learned to drive manual shift (I will work on this in the near future) so I would love to be in a well connected centric location with access to services and entertainment
- Access, I would like to be in a place where I can get to major airport within not more than two hours. The trips back to PR or the continental US are already long enough for visiting with family.
- Health Care Availability, we don’t have any major medical issues right now but we want to be near medical facilities and specialists if we ever need one, hopefully not.
- Authenticity, I want to move to Spain, not into a German, English or any other country colony (talking about the endless summer condo/time shares along the beach from Málaga to Alicante; perhaps all the way up to France and beyond)
Cities in Spain that have seemed ‘livable’ to us are Granada, León, Burgos, Santiago de Compostela. In the rest of Europe some of the cities we have liked are Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Florence, Bern and Lugano. We dot dislike capital cities but we might not want to be smack in the middle of downtown or historic center where things are completely overrun by tourists during the day and ghost towns in the evening.
____________________________
So, where would you Fodorites like to live in Spain? And why? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thoroughly considered.
Thanks to all!
Recent events indicate that this move to Europe might actually become a reality and perhaps sooner than we thought. We are now beginning to plan a trip to places in Spain that we have not been to yet, but would like to keep an eye out for potential places to relocate to.
I would love to get suggestions of towns/cities which we could evaluate. We have been two times to Spain and hit most of the biggies; the first trip was to the South (Madrid/Castilla and Andalucía) and the second one to the North (Asturias, Basque Country, Galicia).
<b>The Upcoming Trip: </b>
We are almost ashamed to admit that we have not yet been to Barcelona; this trip will correct that gap. We will be flying in and out of BCN, spending 5 days each in Barcelona and Valencia. I’m planning a route that will take us from Barcelona through Girona, Benasqué, Torla, Jaca/Huesca, Zaragoza, Teruel, Valencia, Tarragona and back to Barcelona. This is a very, very preliminary route.
I might ditch the road trip and hiking in the Pyrenees (Benasqué, Torla, Jaca) and leave them for the time we actually live in Spain. Instead I could go to some other ‘livable’ cities.
<b>What we want in a place to live:</b>
- FOOD! We love to eat and cook, food is a significant part of our lives. We adore Spanish food but we also want to go to a place big enough to have multi-cultural restaurant offerings and where one is able to shop for ethnic ingredients.
- Weather, mild seasons would be the best. DH is concerned that Northern Spain would be too rainy and I prefer a place which is not a semi desert. I have lived all my life close to the ocean and would prefer to stay that way. This does not mean that I have to have a sea view, or having to be able to walk to walk to the beach. But I would like be Oceanside in an hour, an hour and half; something like that.
- Entertainment, even though we don’t go out that much right now with the exception of eating out, we like to have options and not feel like we are out in the boondocks. Once in a while we go to movies, concerts, theatre and ballet. We want to be able to have bars and cafés to go to and be able to participate in community life.
- Nature, we love to hike and take road trips (DH does drive manual) to enjoy the scenery
- Public Transportation, I dislike driving and have not yet learned to drive manual shift (I will work on this in the near future) so I would love to be in a well connected centric location with access to services and entertainment
- Access, I would like to be in a place where I can get to major airport within not more than two hours. The trips back to PR or the continental US are already long enough for visiting with family.
- Health Care Availability, we don’t have any major medical issues right now but we want to be near medical facilities and specialists if we ever need one, hopefully not.
- Authenticity, I want to move to Spain, not into a German, English or any other country colony (talking about the endless summer condo/time shares along the beach from Málaga to Alicante; perhaps all the way up to France and beyond)
Cities in Spain that have seemed ‘livable’ to us are Granada, León, Burgos, Santiago de Compostela. In the rest of Europe some of the cities we have liked are Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Florence, Bern and Lugano. We dot dislike capital cities but we might not want to be smack in the middle of downtown or historic center where things are completely overrun by tourists during the day and ghost towns in the evening.
____________________________
So, where would you Fodorites like to live in Spain? And why? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thoroughly considered.
Thanks to all!
Mar 21st, 2012, 04:56 AM
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Marigross:
In 2011 we visited Valencia(we live in Uruguay, but wife is a native spaniard); we already know Madrid;Barcelona,Vigo,Orense,San Sebastián;Málaga,Mallorca,La Coruña,Santiago de Compostela,Ávila,Segovia and many smaller places.Hands down:Valencia; I told in my report that we both had the idea that we could perfectly live in Valencia, a city that has all you need....
Well, just our opinion...enjoy planning your move...and good luck!!!!
In 2011 we visited Valencia(we live in Uruguay, but wife is a native spaniard); we already know Madrid;Barcelona,Vigo,Orense,San Sebastián;Málaga,Mallorca,La Coruña,Santiago de Compostela,Ávila,Segovia and many smaller places.Hands down:Valencia; I told in my report that we both had the idea that we could perfectly live in Valencia, a city that has all you need....
Well, just our opinion...enjoy planning your move...and good luck!!!!
Mar 21st, 2012, 05:04 AM
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The <b>first step</b>to take on this adventure is to look in the visa requirements. Neither of you hold EU passports.
Food, It is quite hard to find quote <i> multi-cultural restaurant offerings and where one is able to shop for ethnic ingredients.</i> here in Galicia.
Santiago is over 30 mins drive away from the coast. Granada, León, Burgos are even further away from the coast.
There are no direct flights back to the US from Galicia. Everything has to go through Madrid or Barcelona.
For me Public transportation in Galicia is poor once you are outside of the major cities.
In Spain when you use the public health system you can find yourself in other parts of Spain. For example a friend of mine had to have specialist eye surgery. He had to go to Valencia for this.
Some parts of Galicia are drier than what is commonly thought.
We are presently experiencing the driest winter in 70 years after the driest summer in 50 years.
Food, It is quite hard to find quote <i> multi-cultural restaurant offerings and where one is able to shop for ethnic ingredients.</i> here in Galicia.
Santiago is over 30 mins drive away from the coast. Granada, León, Burgos are even further away from the coast.
There are no direct flights back to the US from Galicia. Everything has to go through Madrid or Barcelona.
For me Public transportation in Galicia is poor once you are outside of the major cities.
In Spain when you use the public health system you can find yourself in other parts of Spain. For example a friend of mine had to have specialist eye surgery. He had to go to Valencia for this.
Some parts of Galicia are drier than what is commonly thought.
We are presently experiencing the driest winter in 70 years after the driest summer in 50 years.
Mar 21st, 2012, 05:48 AM
#4
Bilbao, well it is in the north but check the weather records it is not really cold, good wine production nearby. The Picos are nearby and is relatively un-explored for a european mountain range.
The beach areas are well developed and the city is achieving an arts revival
The beach areas are well developed and the city is achieving an arts revival
Mar 21st, 2012, 06:25 AM
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Good morning Marigross
Ironically I heard from my young cousins who live outside of Santiago de Compostela, that they will have to leave the country in order to find work. Both are working on their masters. This is a sad Gallego tradition.
If money is not a problem maybe just outside of Barcelona near one of the rail lines would be good. Not all these rail lines are offered in the RENFE site.
Good luck.
Ironically I heard from my young cousins who live outside of Santiago de Compostela, that they will have to leave the country in order to find work. Both are working on their masters. This is a sad Gallego tradition.
If money is not a problem maybe just outside of Barcelona near one of the rail lines would be good. Not all these rail lines are offered in the RENFE site.
Good luck.
Mar 21st, 2012, 06:45 AM
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HI marigross,
I once checked out living in Spain. We ruled out Andalucia immediately because of climate, and as we like Madrid (alot) we wanted to be closer to a sunny coast. We gave serious consideration to the Costa Brava, in particular smaller coastal towns between Barcelona and the French border. But like you, we didn't want to own a car, or feel like the only way to get out of town was to rent one, and public transportation in that area is spotty. Like you, we also didn't not want to be in a foreigner's enclave, and much of the Costa Brava is dotted with British communities. Finally, another problem for us was that we didn't like the closest major city -- Barcelona. (But it does have many of the things that you say you want, including ethnic food stores and quite a bit of entertainment).
All that said, I could probably live happily in Girona, It has an airport, a cultural life, easy access to Barcelona for museums, concerts (and maybe even fast train connections now to other places, I don't know). It's an atmospheric place and Girona is just as good when it comes to food as Barcelona as far as I am concerned (although neither is as good as the Basque region).
Valencia, Tarragona and Reus are all place I didn't visit, but would have liked to, and Reus has an airport. If you can squeeze in a visit to Vic, I highly recommend it for an understanding of Catalonian nationalism, which you would surely want to understand if you moved to that area.
I once checked out living in Spain. We ruled out Andalucia immediately because of climate, and as we like Madrid (alot) we wanted to be closer to a sunny coast. We gave serious consideration to the Costa Brava, in particular smaller coastal towns between Barcelona and the French border. But like you, we didn't want to own a car, or feel like the only way to get out of town was to rent one, and public transportation in that area is spotty. Like you, we also didn't not want to be in a foreigner's enclave, and much of the Costa Brava is dotted with British communities. Finally, another problem for us was that we didn't like the closest major city -- Barcelona. (But it does have many of the things that you say you want, including ethnic food stores and quite a bit of entertainment).
All that said, I could probably live happily in Girona, It has an airport, a cultural life, easy access to Barcelona for museums, concerts (and maybe even fast train connections now to other places, I don't know). It's an atmospheric place and Girona is just as good when it comes to food as Barcelona as far as I am concerned (although neither is as good as the Basque region).
Valencia, Tarragona and Reus are all place I didn't visit, but would have liked to, and Reus has an airport. If you can squeeze in a visit to Vic, I highly recommend it for an understanding of Catalonian nationalism, which you would surely want to understand if you moved to that area.
Mar 21st, 2012, 07:21 AM
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More important than the "where" is the "how" - visas, Spanish taxes, and the new US banking laws (Patriot Act residency and FATCA). Have a a look at www.theolivepress.es for a view of what's going on in Spain on the ground. Yes, it's dreary to have to consider all the "hows" rather than food, concerts, etc., but it's very necessary.
Mar 21st, 2012, 08:07 AM
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Thanks to al for the quick responses!
jelopez33, Valencia is very high on our potential list so we will be spending a few days on this trip to get a feel.
ribeirasacra, yes we will be looking at Visas soon but it is not too hard for Swiss citizens to get them (I will soon get a Swiss passort) particularly as we will not need working visas. I'm almost more concerned about healthcare options.
I meant by access that i cold get by train or car to either Madrid or Barcelona airports within a reasonable timeframe (~2 hours).
We will get a car as we like to explore remote areas and we plan to do lots of short trips, just do not want to depend on a car for everything.
Christina and Adu, I cannot say that money is not an issue, but we would be looking to rent a small apartment so the expense should not be huge (I know that this is relative). We are certainly considering Barcelona but know that a smaller town would be a better value.
bilboburgler, we LOVED the Basque coast but we did not fall in love with Bilbao itsel. The Picos are amazing!!! We certainly look forward to returning.
zeppole, that is interesting, we have identified Girona as a potential candidate.
Thaks to all again!
jelopez33, Valencia is very high on our potential list so we will be spending a few days on this trip to get a feel.
ribeirasacra, yes we will be looking at Visas soon but it is not too hard for Swiss citizens to get them (I will soon get a Swiss passort) particularly as we will not need working visas. I'm almost more concerned about healthcare options.
I meant by access that i cold get by train or car to either Madrid or Barcelona airports within a reasonable timeframe (~2 hours).
We will get a car as we like to explore remote areas and we plan to do lots of short trips, just do not want to depend on a car for everything.
Christina and Adu, I cannot say that money is not an issue, but we would be looking to rent a small apartment so the expense should not be huge (I know that this is relative). We are certainly considering Barcelona but know that a smaller town would be a better value.
bilboburgler, we LOVED the Basque coast but we did not fall in love with Bilbao itsel. The Picos are amazing!!! We certainly look forward to returning.
zeppole, that is interesting, we have identified Girona as a potential candidate.
Thaks to all again!
Mar 21st, 2012, 08:24 AM
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Valencia is my proposal.Well I do live there or at least not far from the city. Mediterranean weather,mild winters and low rainfall compared to most of northern Spain.Good ariport and rail links. For a personal view checkout: http://theartichokeadventures.blogspot.com.es/
If you wanted somewhere a bit quieter then maybe Antequera or next to the sea Malaga in Andalucia.
If you want any tips of visiting Valencia just shout!
If you wanted somewhere a bit quieter then maybe Antequera or next to the sea Malaga in Andalucia.
If you want any tips of visiting Valencia just shout!
Mar 21st, 2012, 09:31 AM
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Bedar, thank you for the great link. We are already dealing with the banking issue as we are financially split between Switerland and the US, and yes, it is a big thing. Options that we evaluating include retaining US residency or changing to Swiss residency initially and do extended stays before moving from a tax/legal standpoint. Since we won't be applying for work visas, it is somewhat simpler.
Cehegin, Valencia looks better and better as info is obtained. We just need to see if love occurs when we actually go there. The blog looks great.
Cehegin, Valencia looks better and better as info is obtained. We just need to see if love occurs when we actually go there. The blog looks great.
Mar 21st, 2012, 06:17 PM
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Hola Marigross,
I'm so envious of your plan, wish my hubby wanted to retire to Spain with me!I don't have specific wisdom to share but I'm very partial to Northern Spain. Have you visted Oviedo in Asturias? I find it very quaint small city, great food and not far from León, the Picos and the coast.
Pls keep us posted!
I'm so envious of your plan, wish my hubby wanted to retire to Spain with me!I don't have specific wisdom to share but I'm very partial to Northern Spain. Have you visted Oviedo in Asturias? I find it very quaint small city, great food and not far from León, the Picos and the coast.
Pls keep us posted!
Mar 21st, 2012, 08:11 PM
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I hope Linca sees this she will very instructive on the entire subject and knows Valencia well.
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If were going to live in Spain it would be near Barcelona and even though I love San Sebastian, I am city kid and there is not enough to keep me occupied.
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If were going to live in Spain it would be near Barcelona and even though I love San Sebastian, I am city kid and there is not enough to keep me occupied.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 01:49 AM
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Details on how to obtain persimmon for citizens of non EU member countries to live in Spain.
http://spain.angloinfo.com/moving/re...-eu-nationals/
You will have to obtain a new DL too.
http://spain.angloinfo.com/transport...ence-exchange/
Health care:
http://spain.angloinfo.com/healthcare/health-system/
<i>I meant by access that i cold get by train or car to either Madrid or Barcelona airports within a reasonable timeframe (~2 hours).</i> That will exclude all of Northern Spain. Best concentrate on the area around BCN that way you will also be near the sea.
http://spain.angloinfo.com/moving/re...-eu-nationals/
You will have to obtain a new DL too.
http://spain.angloinfo.com/transport...ence-exchange/
Health care:
http://spain.angloinfo.com/healthcare/health-system/
<i>I meant by access that i cold get by train or car to either Madrid or Barcelona airports within a reasonable timeframe (~2 hours).</i> That will exclude all of Northern Spain. Best concentrate on the area around BCN that way you will also be near the sea.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 03:55 AM
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Hi Cruise!!! Right now it is just a notch above wishful thinking and it won't happen in the next three years, so we have quite some ways to go.
TD, thanks!!!! We'll see how this goes.
ribeirasacra, thanks for the excellent links.
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Any feedback on Salamanca or Valladolid? Certainly not beach towns but seem to have potential as 'livable'.
I'm considering changing my itinerary (dropping the Pyrinees) to include these cities.
TD, thanks!!!! We'll see how this goes.
ribeirasacra, thanks for the excellent links.
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Any feedback on Salamanca or Valladolid? Certainly not beach towns but seem to have potential as 'livable'.
I'm considering changing my itinerary (dropping the Pyrinees) to include these cities.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 07:20 AM
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I agree with the comments about Girona. Keep in mind that the first language is catalan, not spanish. Good transportation, nice size city with old town, squares,cafes and shops. Easy to take the train into Barcelona. Not far from great beaches on the costa brava coast.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 12:37 PM
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http://wandering-woman.blogspot.com/...g-started.html
I've been following this person'e blog for a couple of years now-she in her 40's and moved to Salamanca.
I've been following this person'e blog for a couple of years now-she in her 40's and moved to Salamanca.
