Lately, I’ve noticed more and more forum posts discussing which city to settle in in Spain. As a ‘newcomer’ who has been living in Valencia for almost two years after buying a home in Valencia, I’d like to share some of my thoughts from the home-buying process and my current living experience. I hope this can be a helpful reference for those who are still considering their options.
Why Did I Choose Valencia?
Initially, I was torn between Barcelona and Valencia for a long time. Barcelona’s vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere is certainly appealing, but the property prices and sheer number of tourists were daunting. Then, I took a trip to Valencia and was immediately captivated by its vibe: a perfectly sized city, not as crowded as Madrid; it has beautiful beaches but without the purely resort-like feel of the southern islands. Most importantly, the cost of living and property prices here are so much more reasonable than in the two big cities! The sunshine, seafood, oranges, and the excitement of the Fallas festival all convinced me to finally make my home here.
The Dilemma of Choosing a Neighborhood
Once I’d chosen the city, the next step was picking a neighborhood (barrio). Valencia’s districts are quite interesting, each with its own character. I primarily looked at a few areas:
- Ensanche: The city center. Life is convenient and the architecture is beautiful, but it’s also in the highest price bracket. Most buildings are old, which means finding a parking spot is a huge challenge and there aren’t many [new properties in Valencia] available.
- Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències: A newer area with good urban planning, modern buildings, and great green spaces. Many families with children love it here, but I felt the sense of community was a bit weaker, and it’s a little removed from the lively atmosphere of the old town.
- Benimaclet: Formerly an independent village, now part of the city. It’s very vibrant, full of students and young people, with countless small bars and unique shops. Property prices are relatively affordable, but the buildings are also generally older.
In the end, I chose an area not far from the Turia Park, a sort of junction between the old and new parts of the city. This way, I can enjoy the tranquility of the park while still having easy access to both the old town and the beach. The property viewing process is a real workout, especially in the summer. I’d recommend first shortlisting properties on Idealista, and then working with a reliable real estate agent to schedule viewings over a few concentrated days. It’s much more efficient.
The Real Pros and Cons of Property in Valencia
After living here for two years, I have a much deeper understanding of the properties here. Here’s a brief summary of the pros and cons based on my personal experience, which you can use as a reference.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Relatively reasonable prices, good value for money | Summers are very hot and humid |
| Plenty of sunshine, most apartments have good natural light | Many buildings in the old town don’t have elevators |
| Well-developed city infrastructure, convenient public transport | Inadequate heating systems for winter in some areas |
| Slower pace of life, strong sense of community | Finding a decent parking spot is difficult |
Valencia is a very livable city. It lacks the overwhelming pressure of a metropolis but has everything you need for a convenient life. Of course, no place is perfect. For example, although the winters here aren’t freezing, the damp chill from the sea combined with the lack of central heating indoors can feel quite uncomfortable. Also, the bureaucratic efficiency here… well, you know how it is, it requires a great deal of patience. You’ll also want to keep an eye on Valencia’s property prices as the market changes. However, when you’re sitting on your balcony, feeling the Mediterranean breeze, and sipping a glass of iced Horchata, you’ll feel that all the waiting was worth it.
