I’ve been chatting with friends recently and noticed that more and more people are considering moving out of the city centers of places like Madrid and Barcelona to buy a house with a yard in a nearby town or the countryside. I wonder if anyone on the forum is already living this kind of life? I’m still in the consideration phase, but the more I learn, the more appealing the benefits of this rural lifestyle seem!
First and foremost, the most noticeable benefit is the huge increase in A Sense of Space. Saying goodbye to the shoebox-like pisos, you get your own yard where you can plant flowers and vegetables, and maybe even set up a small pool in the summer. If you have pets or children, there’s so much more room for them to run around without worrying about neighbor complaints. Having a barbecue in your own backyard on the weekend with a few friends is an experience you just can’t get in the city.
Enjoying the True “Slow Life”
Living in the countryside, the pace of life naturally slows down. You wake up to the sound of birds instead of traffic, and opening your window reveals a view full of greenery. The air quality is much better too. The benefits of being close to nature for both physical and mental health are self-evident. Many people describe life in a Spanish country house as a form of la vida tranquila (the quiet life), away from the hustle, bustle, and stress of the city, making you feel completely relaxed. Moreover, internet coverage in many small towns is actually quite good these days, making remote work entirely feasible, so you’re not cut off from the world.
Another very practical advantage is the Cost of Living. This is especially true for housing prices. With the same budget, you might only afford a small apartment in the city, but in the suburbs or countryside, you could potentially buy a detached house with land. I made a quick comparison, although this is just a rough example and prices vary greatly by region:
| Item | City Center | Suburbs/Countryside |
|---|
| Avg. Price per m² | €3,500 - €5,000+ | €1,000 - €2,500 |
| IBI (Property Tax) | Generally higher | Relatively lower |
| Daily Spending | Convenient but more expensive | Requires driving but prices are lower |
There are pros and cons, of course. For instance, your reliance on a car increases, and you might need to drive a bit to get to a large supermarket or run errands. But in return, you get closer-knit neighborly relationships and a more authentic local cultural experience. Many pueblos have a fantastic community atmosphere where everyone is very welcoming. Overall, I think if your job allows for it, moving to a country house in the suburbs is an excellent choice for improving your quality of life. What do you all think? Are there any friends already living in a Finca who can share their real experiences?
