1. Spain offers great value for money
This is a vital consideration, especially for retirees. You naturally want your retirement income not just to last, but to allow you to afford a better lifestyle than you would have in your home country.
Living in Spain is cheaper than in the USA, UK or any other northern European country. For a single person, a budget of €2,000-2,200 a month is enough for a comfortable life in a big city. If you set your eyes on a smaller town, you will only need around €1,800 a month.
2. A healthy sunny climate
The climate is fantastic with Spain averaging 137 days of sunshine compared to just the 52 that we have each year in the UK. There are some microclimate pockets in Spain that have mild weather all year round which is extremely beneficial for your health and longevity.
The weather in Spain gives you endless opportunities to live al fresco – a top reason why the country is so appealing to sun-starved northerners.
3. Traveling to Spain and around Spain it is easy
All regions of the country are accessible from all parts of the world and usually for a fair price.
Plus, Spain itself is a well-connected country. The travel within it is very easy with decent public transport connecting the whole country. High-speed trains, internal flights and bus services are the easiest ways to get around.
For long distances, it’s easier to book the high-speed train or AVE (Alta Velocidad) which runs between most major cities. It takes you just 2hrs 40 minutes to travel 500km from Barcelona to Madrid or from Madrid to Seville.
Besides, living in Spain you are perfectly positioned to explore the rest of Europe. The flights to other European capitals and major cities are frequent and cheap.
4. Spain’s rich and diverse culture
The cuisine in Spain is thoroughly appealing, the wine is delicious, the history of the nation is fascinating, and then to cap it all off, much of the scenery in Spain is breathtakingly magnificent.
5. Vast and diverse landscapes and geography
There is a part of Spain that appeals to each and every one of us.
If you prefer a more temperate climate, Northern Spain is cooler, alternatively, if you want as much sunshine as possible, the Costas are ready and waiting.
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast or a lover of the great outdoors, what about the Pyrenees or the Sierra Nevada?
If the dream of island living appeals most you have the Spanish Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, each with their own unique character.
6. It’s relatively easy to buy a property in Spain
You don’t even have to have residency in Spain to be able to become an owner of your own home in the sun.
Spain has an agreement with many countries, the UK and the USA included, whose citizens are allowed to come and stay in Spain for 3 months every half a year without any visa. So if this is what you want, you don’t need to worry about visas and residency formalities.
On the other hand, if you are ready to spend a minimum of €500,000 buying a property in Spain, you can qualify for a Golden Visa which gives you the right to residency in Spain.
7. Spain loves dogs as much as you
Dogs and other pets are very much loved in Spain and if you are a pet owner, socialising is not a problem. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and other places where dogs are welcome. The only negative is that not everyone cleans after their dogs, so be careful where you step.
Original author Expatra.com
