There are many reasons why British people move to Spain from the UK, and there are just as many reasons why you should do it too! Whether you’re planning on finding your own Spanish paradise or you already have one in mind, make sure to consider these top reasons to move to Spain before putting down roots in a new country.]
1) The weather
The weather in Spain is a very appealing reason for many Brits. Here you’ll enjoy warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, which is perfect for outdoor activities like cycling and walking. While winter can be quiet and at times a bit miserable, it isn’t actually that cold most of the time, with an average winter temperature of 16 degrees during the daytime in many parts of the country.
2) Spanish people
Spanish people are among some of the most hospitable in Europe. When you visit, you’ll find that they want to get to know you and invite you into their lives. The culture thrives on family and friends, so it’s easy for expats and visitors to develop relationships here quickly. This makes building your network much easier than it would be in other countries where making new friends is less organic.
3) Cheap property prices
You might not have heard but buying property in some parts of Spain is a lot cheaper than it is in other parts of the country. And not just cheaper as in oh, that’s an attractive price for what you’re getting, but cheap as in unbelievable. The five most inexpensive towns to buy a villa in Spain are the Palencia town of Barruelo de Santullán, Cebolla in Toledo, Almadén, and Herencia (413 euros/m2) in the province of Ciudad Real.
4) Good job opportunities for English-speakers
One of the biggest draws of moving abroad is having access to different job opportunities. According to government statistics, there are around 500,000 English-speaking expats living in Spain at any given time, providing work for English speakers. Whether you’re a native speaker or not, if you can speak English well, your chances of finding a job are significant—especially if you plan on living in Madrid or Barcelona.
5) Great public transport
Public transport in Spain offers everything from high-speed trains travelling at more than 300km/h to century-old trams trawling through medieval city streets.
One of the top things about living in Spain is a metro in all the big cities, so there are few reasons not to leave your car at home. With metro networks, buses, an impressive amount of trains, and national flights, getting around the city or across the country is simple.
6) Great healthcare system
If you’re moving from a country with a universal healthcare system, such as Canada or England, it’s essential to understand how your new country’s system will affect you. Health care in Spain is fully funded by taxes and is available for all citizens through their neighborhood health centers called Centros de Salud. Compared to other countries, Spain has very low infant mortality rates and good coverage of primary healthcare across all regions. Insurance might be required but often comes included with employment packages.
7) Relaxing way of life in Spain
The sun, sea, and surf might be pulling you to live in a Spanish city or town, but there are many other reasons why expats say they’re glad they moved to Spain. Finding it relaxing is one of them! Take advantage of how easy it is to make new friends in your local bar, for example—and how much time you have for chatting and relaxing at home with a cerveza or some tapas. You’ll also enjoy making lots of new friends over shared meals.