Looking for reasons to move to Spain? At Secundo, we have plenty to give you! But the list would be so long that we’ve selected 10 for you. You’ll see that Spain is more than just paella and sangria! Here come the 10 good reasons to live in Spain!
1. The weather
With 300 days of sunshine a year on average, Spain holds the European record. In Andalusia, that figure rises to 320, so it’s well worth exploring Almeria!
So, even though too much sun isn’t good for the skin, it’s still lovely to be able to enjoy it whenever you like. A heatwave occurs over one month between July and August. The key is simply to know about it and prepare, and everything will be fine!
Rain and cold, windy days are therefore the exception in Spain. Even though it can snow in some places in winter, temperatures are mild along the coast.
What’s more, when it does rain, it’s often short, heavy showers. So there’s no watching the rain fall all day long.
2. The geographical diversity
Spain is blessed with landscapes that are as varied as they are beautiful. Whether you prefer the sea, the mountains or the plains, a village or a city, there’s something for every taste. With an area of 500,000 km², Spain is full of places to visit.
If you’re after a cosmopolitan feel, head for the big cities such as Murcia, Alicante and Cadiz. If you’re more of a white-sand beach and easy-living type, Andalusia is made for you.
If you love hiking, Spain will fill you with joy too. It boasts numerous national nature parks and protected wildlife. Even the animals know it. Some regions are still home to bears, and you can even spot the unique Iberian lynx in the south.
3. The culture
Living in Spain also means getting to know its history. That history is rich in architecture and monuments. You’ll be able to discover the Alcazaba of Almeria or the historic site of Orihuela.
What’s more, thanks to its regional differences, this culture is highly varied. Festivals are celebrated all year round across the different autonomous regions. Customs differ from one region to another, just as there are culinary specialities unique to each.
4. The gastronomy
Of course, gastronomy is part of the culture. But it deserves a paragraph of its own, so rich is it! Spanish chefs are, in fact, considered among the best in the world.
Even though every region has its specialities, Spanish cuisine is delicious. It is generally healthy and made from fresh, local produce. Shellfish, seafood and meats are always on the menu.
Tradition has it that people eat out a great deal in Spain. As well as mixing with others, this lets you discover new specialities every time you go out. Beyond the tapas-and-beer formula, eating out at a restaurant is entirely affordable.
5. The lifestyle
As we mentioned earlier, the Spanish love living outdoors. It’s completely normal to gather in the village square or go for a drink in the early evening.
The Spanish are chatty, smiling and warm. They’re even said to be more sociable than other Europeans. That’s why you often see them in groups.
In summer especially, there’s plenty of life in the streets, well into the night. And the Spanish love to party!
It’s also customary to take a siesta in the afternoon, when the heat is at its peak.
6. The cost of living
Living in Spain isn’t very expensive, as prices there are very affordable. That said, it doesn’t mean that services and leisure offerings are of poorer quality than elsewhere in Europe.
Whether at the supermarket, on public transport or with rents, everything is cheaper in Spain.
To get a clearer idea, take a look at this map that gives an overview of the cost of living around the world, compared with New York.
7. Safety
Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe, with a low crime rate. You can walk around Barcelona, Seville or Madrid without fear, even at night. But be careful, that doesn’t mean nothing ever happens. You should of course stay alert in the big cities and avoid certain neighbourhoods, especially at night.
8. The environment
In order to preserve its landscapes, Spain has for some years been investing in renewable energy. The goal is to cover 100% of its needs by 2050. This will therefore take time, but with a little willpower, it’s possible!
9. The Spanish language
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. It’s therefore useful to learn, so you can express yourself almost everywhere on earth!
What’s more, thanks to its Latin roots, it’s relatively easy to learn for a French speaker.
If you take up learning it, you’ll find that sentence structure is similar and that much of the vocabulary is transparent.
10. Property investment
The value for money is unbeatable in Spain. Living in Spain, by the sea, is therefore entirely realistic. Even in the cities, prices remain affordable.
What’s more, buying in Spain pays off if you rent out your home. Indeed, if we set aside the 2020 results, because of the Coronavirus, the twofold rental demand keeps rising in Spain. Spanish households are seeing their income increase year on year but are not yet in a position to buy. As a result, they’re looking to rent larger properties. Growing tourism in Spain is another advantage if you rent out your property in season. It will never be empty.
Finally, it’s worth knowing that there is constant demand for purchases in Spain. So, if you wish to sell your property, you’ll enjoy a handsome capital gain.
Conclusion: is living in Spain a good idea?
Life is good in Spain! Among other reasons, you can enjoy plenty of activities at a lower cost than in other European countries. And on top of that, you’ll be given a warm welcome by the Spanish. Do explore our range of houses and apartments in Spain to turn your dream into reality.