Retiring Abroad: 5 Reasons Why Spain Is Such An Attractive Destination

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With stunning beaches, a sunny climate, and the diverse landscapes that range from quaint-coastal havens, to majestic mountain ranges, it comes as no surprise why Spain is one of the best destinations for people in search of a way to experience their very own portion of “la Buena Vida”.
Did I also mention that you can buy fantastic property at reasonable prices?

Spain is also ranked in second position out of 46 countries when it comes to experiences associated with categories like people, lifestyle and setting up home, in the HSBCs Expat Explorer Survey in 2017. It has become clear that the expats view Spain as one of the ideal destinations, especially those people looking for a place to retire.

Here is some information that explains the “need to knows” for the retirees, like lifestyle, health, and cost of living.

 

1. The Climate

As all the expats that move to Spain soon find out, there are differences between the climate and the weather. Spain has to do with climate. Areas in the Costas enjoy mild winters, warm summers which includes around 320 cheerful sunshine days according to AEMET, which is Spain’s meteorological agency. Yet this picture is somewhat different in sierras and inland where the winters are colder, yet still bright, and it is the rainfall which keeps the northern hills in Spain so green. It'sl easy to understand why most expats cite the climate in Spain as positive and one of the contributors to a quality of life that is improved.

2. Health

A climate that is kind usually creates the sense-of-wellbeing on a physical and mental level.

Living is Spain is all about the outdoors, just about all through the year in certain regions, as well as at a much slower yet appreciated pace. The easy access to leisure pursuits outdoors, from riding to hiking, from beachcombing to golf, make it an easy task to stay in good health without really trying. The public healthcare system is highly regarded along with a health-boosting Mediterranean diet completes this virtuous circle.

3. The Cost Of Living

After a very long downturn that followed the 2008 crash, which is still known in Spain as “the crisis”, things have started to look up. Rental and property prices are still comparatively low, with average prices per square-meter for accommodation on avverage €4.382 in 2017. Even though the rental prices are experiencing upward trends, especially in the areas in high demand, expats are still able to enjoy lower rates compared to northern Europe.

In the Internations’2017 survey, Spain ranked 7th out of 65 countries where the expats have found that their incomes stretch further. The same rings true for the main cities from a survey conducted by Mercer that found while Barcelona and Madrid were rated as the most expensive when it comes to cost of living, they are still far off from the global top leagues.

4. Lifestyle

Head out, join in and slow down. The face-to-face outdoor lifestyle in Spain makes it very easy for expats to fit right in where they can start to enjoy living this lifestyle. Individuals that have already moved here from other countries usually find the welcome from the locals warmer in comparison to many of the other types of expat destinations. Yet, having a basic understanding of Spanish makes a significant difference, particularly since English is not spoken widely outside the resorts and cities.

The retirees in search of a way to build up a social life will be in the right place to find company, whether it involves settling in one of the coastal expat communities or out on the hills, there are ample opportunities to socialise. This include afternoons spent enjoying tapas and drinks on shady terraces of the available bars, or joining one of the local fiestas which is usually done just about anywhere.

The Spanish lifestyle revolves around family and it will not be unusual to see 4 sometimes even 5 generations of families filling up a lunch table that has been set for 12 people or more.
In cafés and restaurants, children are always welcome, and because the culture is not about early-to-bed, you will soon get used to kids running around into the late hours of the evening.

It may take a bit of time become accustomed to the slowed down pace of life as things never happen quickly in Spain. This does come with a few rewards, along with a few inevitable downsides, yet there are a few reasons why Spain has a position close to the top of HSBC’s league table with regards to the quality of life.

5. Exploring Spain

Spain offers many variaties, which includes coastal demi paradises along with thriving cosmopolitan cities where the sun is always shining, mountain villages and towns, along with small white pueblos from the south where you only find timeless sounds from goat bells and birdsong. Expats manage to explore all these different environments, that they have decided to call their new home. This is also easy to do thanks to the excellent transport infrastructure in Spain which is served well by an extensive road network along with affordable rail and bus services..

Due to the low costs involved, a break away to a number of different areas won’t cost you an arm and a leg and can become really rewarding when you decide to venture off the well known tracks. The UNESCO heritage sites in Spain are not just found in the bigger cities. For example, if you visit towns like Segovia and Cuenca when the summer season has come to an end, you are offered with ample time and space to explore the rich history, heritage and culture in Spain.

The retirees may cite various reasons as to why they decided to move to Spain, and the lower cost of living, laid back lifestyle, and outstanding scenery are always at the forefront of their reasons.

 

 

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