Over ten years ago, we were sure Valencia would be our new location for the nearshore development hub. The city had a large number of IT professionals and a low cost of living, which made it an attractive location for people outside of Spain. This was further confirmed in 2022 when Expat Insider released their “expat city ranking” report, naming Valencia the world’s best destination for expats, and Forbes proclaimed Valencia as the world’s best city to live in. But what makes Valencia so special for those who want to start a new life in a different country? In this blog, we will discuss the reasons why Valencia is the perfect destination for expats from all over the world.
These studies are based on several important criteria, including the quality of life, economic conditions, infrastructure, and availability of housing. We will take a closer look at these criteria to understand why Valencia is such an attractive destination.
Climate and Geography
Valencia’s climate and geography are two important factors that make the city so attractive. Valencia’s Mediterranean climate means that the city is warm and sunny throughout the year, with mild winters and hot summers. This makes it possible to engage in outdoor activities and visit the beach throughout the year. Valencia is also renowned for its social character, where life largely takes place outside on the streets and in the famous parks.
In addition, Valencia’s geographical location makes it the perfect location for both expats and nearshoring. For expats, it serves as a great base to explore other parts of Spain and Europe. From Valencia, you can easily travel to other major cities in Spain, such as Barcelona and Madrid, as well as to other European destinations. Additionally, the geographical location allows companies from other parts of Europe to have a short travel distance with their nearshore team, making physical collaboration easier. In short, Valencia’s Mediterranean climate and favorable geographical location make it an attractive living and working destination.
Culture and Recreation
Valencia has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and the city has undergone numerous influences from different cultures over the years. This has led to a unique culture in Valencia, consisting of a mix of old traditions and modern trends. Residents are often charmed by Valencia’s cultural and historical aspects, as they offer the opportunity to discover a different way of life and gain new experiences.
The city has numerous historical monuments and museums that showcase Valencia’s rich history, as well as lively neighborhoods full of restaurants, bars, and shops where local culture comes to life. Residents can enjoy festivals and events that take place throughout the year and learn about Valencia’s traditions by tasting local cuisine and participating in cultural activities.
Valencia has a rich culinary culture dating back to the Moorish occupation, and it is a paradise for food and drink lovers. The city is known for its famous dishes and drinks, such as paella, horchata, and cava. Residents can enjoy a wide range of local dishes and drinks in the many restaurants, cafes, and bars in the city. Moreover, Valencia is home to one of Europe’s largest food markets, Mercado Central, where you can enjoy fresh produce and regional specialties.
In short, Valencia’s rich history and unique culture are some of the main reasons why expats fall in love with the city and enjoy living here.
The cost of transportation and recreation is significantly lower than in other major European cities.
The Cost of Living
One of the most attractive aspects of Valencia for expats is the affordability of living compared to other cities around the world. In fact, Valencia has the lowest cost of living compared to all European cities of similar size. Accommodation rents are reasonable, and there are numerous options available for different budgets. Additionally, you can enjoy affordable meals and drinks at local restaurants and bars, and transportation and recreation costs are significantly lower than in other major European cities.
This budget-friendly aspect of Valencia is appealing to expats who want to enjoy an affordable, high standard of living. In short, the affordability of living in Valencia is an important factor for expats who choose the city as their new home and want to enjoy an excellent quality of life without worrying about the costs.
Infrastructure
Another aspect that makes Valencia so attractive to live in is the city’s infrastructure. Valencia has a cheap and extensive public transportation network, consisting of buses, trams, and metros. This makes it easy for residents to travel around the city without worrying about high transportation costs. The municipality has prioritized improving the quality of life, as evidenced by investments made last year in expanding and improving the infrastructure.
Compared to other cities in Europe, Valencia also has relatively low taxi fares and is bike-friendly, with extensive bike paths and a cheap bike-sharing system. Valencia’s infrastructure provides convenience and accessibility for residents, allowing them to carry out their daily activities seamlessly. This makes it of great value to both expats and local residents.
“The affordability of housing is a key reason why Valencia ranks so highly on the list of best cities for expats.”
The affordability of housing is a key reason why Valencia ranks so highly on the list of best cities for expats.
Housing
An important factor that makes Valencia attractive to expats is the affordability of housing. Both in the rental and buying markets, Valencia is significantly cheaper than other European cities. Expats can, therefore, enjoy affordable and quality housing, which is certainly not a given in other popular expat cities. Additionally, the municipality of Valencia is investing heavily in expanding housing opportunities, which only increases the supply of affordable housing. This creates a stable and healthy housing market that benefits both expats and local residents. The affordability of housing is, therefore, a key reason why Valencia ranks so highly on the list of best cities for expats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Valencia offers expats an ideal combination of factors that contribute to a great quality of life. The Mediterranean climate, affordability of living, outdoor activity opportunities, good infrastructure, and affordable housing make Valencia one of the most sought-after cities for expats around the world. In fact, in 2022, according to various surveys, it was ranked as the best city in the world to live and work in. It is no surprise that Valencia scores high in various global rankings for quality of life and as the best city for expats. For those looking for a new place to live, Valencia undoubtedly offers an attractive option.
