The Top 6 Benefits of Retiring in Spain

You are nearing your sixties and you are close to retirement. It’s time to think about what to do in the next phase of your life. Many people have this dream that they would love to pick up their lives and move to another country. Maybe that’s yours, too. There are many countries that Americans consider to move to. The most popular one is Mexico, but Spain is gaining ground. Why is that? Let’s take a look at why Spain is a good area for retirement. We will explore the top six benefits of retiring in Spain. Plus, we’ll answer a few questions that you may be thinking about.

1. Weather

The main plus about moving to Spain and retiring there is the great weather. Spain gets about 325 days of sunshine per year. That means that you can spend the majority of your time there going to the beach, relaxing in the sun, and enjoying the great outdoors. The country offers so many outdoor activities that you’ll never run out of things to do. Of course, keep in mind that the northern part of Spain during winter is much colder than other parts of Spain. Summers along the Mediterranean Coast are very hot and humid. 

2. Affordability

One of the reasons why a lot of American expats are moving to Spain is the cost of living. Spain is much more affordable than other countries in Europe. Cities like Paris, London, or Amsterdam are extremely expensive. But in Spain, you can get things for half the price. If you are yearning to go to another country in Europe, don’t worry, everything is close to and from Spain. In fact, Spain is 123% cheaper than other countries like the US.

3. Healthcare Access

When we were growing up in the United States we always heard about Europe’s free healthcare. As we grew up we found out that taxes are higher in Europe so that people can have access to healthcare whenever they want it at affordable prices or even no cost. Spain is no different. And in fact, Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in the entire world. As a retiree, healthcare concerns should be a priority and it is welcoming to know that Spain is one of the best.

4. Food and Culture

Spanish cuisine is one of the best in the world. It is world-renowned for its paella, its tapas, and its sangria. While living in Spain there will be endless opportunities to try traditional Spanish food. Spain is also a country rich in cultural heritage — from holidays to museums and famous landmarks. There are traditions marked with parades, music, fireworks, and special events that will always pique your interest. Lastly, Spain is very multicultural and you will always have different cultural celebrations at your fingertips.

5. Transportation

Like all European countries, Spain has a robust public transportation system. The local governments have invested tons of money to make their public transit work seamlessly — from buses to metros to regional trains. If you want to go anywhere in Spain, train travel is affordable, calm, and easy. Also, if you decide to live in a major city like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, you can take cheap flights to any city in Europe. 

6. Sense of Community

When you are in Spain, you won’t feel alone at all. Spanish culture is all about a sense of community. The Spanish are welcoming and friendly people, in general. That’s not all. Because Spain has a strong expat community, by joining groups, you will be able to make friends with like-minded people or other retirees like you. By living in bigger cities, you will have hordes of opportunities to make friends. Smaller cities also have their charm and there will be plenty of opportunities to establish a sense of community there, as well.

FAQ

Will I be able to communicate in English?

Of course! Spain is one of the few countries in Europe where English is limited, however, in recent years, schools all over the country have pushed to include English in their curriculum. The growing number of tourists, in particular American and British visitors, in the last decade has also prompted people to learn English.

Is Spain a safe country?

Yes! Spain is one of the safest countries in the world. It is the sixth safest country in the entire world and the fourth safest country in the European Union. This should put you at ease. you can walk home from a restaurant or a bar without having to look over your shoulder. Some tourist areas can have pickpockets, so be aware of that and use precautions.

Can you buy a property in Spain?

Of course, you can! Spain doesn’t have any laws barring foreigners from buying property. 

Conclusion

And there you have it, those are the top six benefits of retiring in Spain. The country is becoming a popular destination for American retirees because of its great healthcare access, amazing weather, expansive public transportation, delicious food, and rich culture, among many other things. All you need to do now is organize yourself, pack your things, and make the move!