Moving to Valencia
Welcome to the latest in our “Go Expat in:” series from Matthew Hirtes. This time we focus on “Moving to Valencia”.
Spain’s third-largest city is first choice for many expats
Ups
The Mediterranean climate. An average of 217 sunny days a year is a draw. Especially if you’re locating from the UK. Where an umbrella is essential workwear. The food. Welcome to Spain’s Tuscany, one of the country’s outstanding gastronomic regions, birthplace of paella.
Downs
They love a moan in Valencia. Sure, el crisis gives cause for concern. But if the economy improved, they’d find something else to gripe about. Although, unlike in the UK, that would never be the weather.
In and out
One of Spain’s more central airports, the Aeropuerto de Valencia (VLC) is located around 10km to the west of the city-centre, in Manises. The most direct journey is by car, along the A3, a trip that will take you just over 10 minutes. Valencia boasts an excellent public transport system, with interconnecting buses, trams, and trains. Purchase a travel card at newsagents, tobaccionists, and the stations themselves to save on your journeys.
Education
The pick of the international schools is undoubtedly Cambridge House Community College. Located in the exclusive north-west suburb of Rocafort, it’s the only Ofsted-approved school in the whole of Spain. In their own words, they “uphold an open and collegiate first names policy which incorporates friendly and supportive one to one treatment of our students with caring, firm discipline”.
Shop until you drop…
For a British-style supermarket, head to the basement of the El Corte Inglés (Calle Colón 1 and 27, and Calle Pintor Sorolla 2). For a cheaper option, Mercadona has branches throughout the city and indeed province. Their product range has recent improved. There are 16 covered markets to choose from. The most famous is the Central Market, although the Rufaza is probably the most authentic.
Property types
Over to Valencia Property’s Graham Hunt: “The Carmen, Ruzafa and El Pilar are the most bohemian areas with a lively nightlife and something always going on. The more sedate Ensanche is the most exclusive residential area in the city. Outside space is at a premium in all of the areas so attic flats at good prices are like hens’ teeth.”
Market watch
One-three bedroom apartments, €100,000-€600,000. Detached Villas, €300,000-€1,000,000. Country fincas €90,000-€270,000.
In Praise Of
“Valencia offers a more relaxed atmosphere than you would expect of Spain’s 3rd city, there’s no sense of “hustle and bustle” as in Madrid or London for example. Beautiful architecture and open-air plazas make it a pleasure to reside in.” Toni Wilson (Valencia Holiday Rentals)
“Valencia is a fab city to live in and a great place to get to know all different types of people. In fact it’s far more bohemian, fashionable and cosmopolitan than many people give it credit for.” Guy Alexander Bell (Valencia’s resident expert for Spain-Holiday.com)
“Valencia is neither too big or too small. It’s a village within a town within a city. It’s both open and closed, dynamic yet staid, liberal yet conservative, intense yet frivolous.” Will McCarthy (editor, 24/7 Valencia)
• Are you an expat in Valencia? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
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Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
November 17, 2015 @ 5:29 pm
Wondering what would be a estimate for a single person to live reasonable comfortably in Valencia? I am rethinking about retiring early. I will have a $3000 monthly pension now. I will have at least another $1600 from social security and m.ore from decent savings and other investments but do not want to tap these sources until I am older. Is $3000 really low. I’m not a big spender. My expenses would be from food, dog care, housing/utilities. Thanks!
November 18, 2015 @ 10:40 am
At today’s exchange rate that equates to about €2800 per month which should enable you to live quite comfortably. Obviously if you’re planning on living in a 4 bedroom house, running a Ferrari, eating at 5 star restaurants and sipping champagne for breakfast then you’d struggle.
Elle x
January 28, 2016 @ 11:55 pm
I am in love with Spain. Dreaming of moving especially to Valencia or the Valencia region as it has the mildest climate in Europe.
July 3, 2016 @ 4:21 am
I’m presently in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but this place is starting to lose it’s shine, so considering a european base now.. Retired with approximately $4000 AUD a month to play with. Originally, I wanted to go to France but it’s getting too pricey especially around Nimes, where I really like it… Spent some time north of Barcelona recently and thought it was okay but somewhere like Valencia might fit my bill better… I’m a keen cyclist, so the climate should be right and hopefully some decent expats to chum around with. My concern is with the Brexit thing going on, I’m a Pom, so convened about the next few years especially..
Thoughts?
Cheers
July 4, 2016 @ 10:02 am
Hi Steve. Don’t let Brexit put you off. For the moment, any access into Spain as a place to live is as it was before. After the negotiations have taken place we’ll all know where we stand… but it’s highly likely that, at worst, it will go back to how it was before… and it will simply mean a lot more paperwork. Is your passport British? If not – then you’ll need to speak to your relevant Embassy to find out what paperwork and/or visas you may need.
As far as income goes – $4000AUD should be enough for you to live comfortably.
Happy cycling!
Elle x
July 6, 2016 @ 7:34 pm
Two guys planning our “escape” from the UK after Brexit and are looking to live in Valencia. Will be visiting Valencia for 10 days from 19th July and have already got arrangements for NIE applications and bank accounts organised. Can anybody recommend a local consultant to help us deal with the Residencia application once we have organised some rented accommodation (hopeful by mid-September at the latest).
July 8, 2016 @ 10:07 am
We can’t recommend anyone personally. But – our go to guy for anything and everything in Valencia is Graham Hunt. He may be able to recommend someone trustworthy for you. You can contact him via his website at http://www.valencia-property.com/
Good luck with the move and well done for not letting the spt of a few politicians get in your way.
Elle x
July 9, 2016 @ 2:01 pm
Elle
Thanks for the message and will do as you suggest
Regards
April 6, 2017 @ 3:16 am
Hi I’m considering a move to Valencia about 30 minutes outside the city. I am from the US and in my early 50’s. Can anyone share the social life for an expat , I don’t want to be islolated as I’m very social, and I enjoying volunteering. Thanks for your help?