Published in Tips & Advice
Moving to Spain: A Complete Lifestyle Guide for Americans
Explore moving to Spain with our lifestyle guide for Americans, covering top cities, property tips, and key considerations for a smooth transition. Start your journey today!
Why Move to Spain?
Spain’s beautiful beaches, world-renowned tapas, and stunning architecture have long attracted Americans for holidays—and now, many are choosing to make Spain home.
From 2023-2024, there has been a 15% increase in Americans relocating to Spain and buying property, often with the intention of starting a new life here. Coming from states like California, Texas, New York, and Florida, these individuals and families seek a higher quality of life at a more affordable cost.
With financial perks like the "Beckham Law", investment opportunities, and Spain’s relaxed lifestyle, the appeal is clear. This guide answers common lifestyle questions our American clients have about settiling to Spain.
For practical questions like choosing the right visa, driving on an American license, and more, check out our Practical Guide to Moving to Spain.
Finding a Place To Live: Choosing the Right Lifestyle
Where you choose to live depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Many Americans moving to Spain prefer larger cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, which offer international airports, a walkable environment, plentiful amenities, and vibrant international communities. Girona is also gaining popularity for its outdoor lifestyle and proximity to Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
For families, Spanish cities offer a welcoming, laid-back culture, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of green spaces like Retiro Park in Madrid, Barcelona’s beaches, and Valencia’s parks. Spain also has 309 international schools, with 22 specifically American schools located in Madrid and Barcelona.
Outside of the main cities, coastal towns along the Mediterranean are increasingly popular among Americans. Here, you’ll find more tranquil environments with beautiful beaches, private pools, and gardens—all at a fraction of the cost of similar properties in the U.S. Smaller towns are ideal for those seeking a slower pace, but it’s essential to consider accessibility to amenities, transportation, and local services, which can vary.
Key Questions for Choosing a Location:
Is it a seasonal town, busy in summer but quiet in winter?
Are amenities (like restaurants and supermarkets) open year-round?
How close are essential services, such as hospitals and shopping?
What’s the tourism scene like in summer?
Does the community include people with shared interests or language?
Our advisors at Lucas Fox can guide you through these questions, helping you choose the best area for your lifestyle.
Traveling Back to the U.S.
Even after relocating to Spain, many Americans need to return to the U.S. for family or work. Accessibility to international airports can be a significant factor in deciding where to live. Currently, there are direct flights from Spain (Barcelona and Madrid) to U.S. cities such as Miami, New York, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, among others.
American Airlines from MIA to BCN
American Airlines from JFK to BCN
American Airlines from DFW to MAD
American Airlines from JFK to MAD
American Airlines from MIA to MAD
American Airlines from PHL to MAD
Delta Air Lines from JFK to BCN
Delta Air Lines from ATL to MAD
Delta Air Lines from JFK to MAD
United Airlines from EWR to BCN
United Airlines from EWR to MAD
For those settling outside Madrid and Barcelona, domestic connections across Spain make it easy to reach international airports.
Finding Your Ideal Property
Instead of navigating property listings alone, connect with a Lucas Fox agent who understands the nuances of moving to Spain. The Spanish property market differs from the U.S., with language barriers and cultural expectations to consider. Most areas in Spain offer agent services covered by the seller’s commission, providing a customized service at no additional cost.
Start your search by discussing your preferences with an agent, including your lifestyle, budget, and location. Our team can present you with hand-picked options tailored to your needs, making moving to Spain a smoother experience.
Pro Tip: If you find a property through alternative channels such as property portals, share it with your Lucas Fox agent. Our team may have it listed as well or can provide additional insights about the area and property.
Securing a Mortgage
At present, Spanish banks offer competitive mortgage rates compared to the U.S. While rates in the U.S. hover around 6%, our network of banks in Spain provides options as low as 2.5% fixed. Many Americans settling in Spain choose to finance part of their property purchase, finding the process quick and favorable to foreigners.
If you need assistance in securing a mortgage, we can connect you with the right contacts.
Conclusion
Moving abroad can feel overwhelming, especially with cultural and language adjustments. At Lucas Fox, we support our clients with a network of experienced professionals dedicated to making your move to Spain as seamless as possible. We’ll help you understand the market, make well-informed decisions, and set realistic expectations for your new life here.
Reach out to schedule a consultation with one of our property advisors today.
