I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a while, but I recently accomplished a major life milestone—buying a house in the suburbs of Barcelona! The process was quite a journey, but I’ve gained a lot of experience. I wanted to start a thread to share it with everyone, especially as a reference for those who, like us, are tired of the crowded city and looking for a change of pace.
Our decision to move out of the city was mainly driven by the desire for more space and a quieter environment. We explored pretty much all the popular areas around Barcelona. For instance, to the south, there are places like Castelldefels and Gavà Mar, which boast stunning beachside locations and are home to many British international schools. To the north, Sant Cugat del Vallès is known as a traditional affluent area with great green spaces and excellent safety, often called “Barcelona’s backyard,” making it perfect for families with children. Each area has its own unique character, so the choice really comes down to personal needs.
Our Final Choice and Considerations
We ultimately settled in Sant Cugat. There were several key reasons: first, transportation. The FGC train line goes directly to Barcelona’s city center, with a commute of around 30 minutes, which is completely acceptable. Second, the community atmosphere here is very family-friendly, with parks and activity centers everywhere. Although property prices aren’t cheap, compared to a small apartment in Barcelona’s Eixample district, the value for money is incredible! Since moving in, we feel our quality of life has genuinely improved a lot. The only downside might be… an empty wallet.
Here’s a direct comparison to show the differences between the city and the suburbs:
| Feature | Barcelona City Center | Barcelona Suburbs |
|---|
| Property Type | Mainly apartments | Townhouses / Detached houses |
| Average Size | 70-90 sqm | 150-250 sqm, with a garden |
| Price/sqm | Very high | Relatively lower, but total price is high |
| Environment | Noisy, convenient | Quiet, close to nature |
Of course, this is just a general overview; specifics depend on the property. Here’s a photo of a street in our neighborhood—this is the kind of atmosphere we love.
We have absolutely no regrets about moving from the city to the suburbs. While we’ve lost the convenience of stepping out for a drink anytime, we’ve gained tranquility, space, and a safer community. Waking up to the sound of birds chirping instead of car horns is a fantastic feeling. If you’re also considering a move, my advice is to definitely spend a lot of time visiting different areas in person to really get a feel for the local atmosphere, similar to what you’d do when buying a home in the Madrid suburbs.
I hope my sharing has been helpful! I also welcome any veterans of suburban living to share their experiences and advice!
