Is this sun-drenched place the happiest expat enclave in Europe?

A recent study on expatriate happiness around the world found that old world great Spain dominated the rankings.

Valencia was named the number one city for expat quality of life, with Malaga, Madrid, Alicante and Barcelona all in the top ten.

Additionally, Spain ranks second as the country with the happiest expatriates (a close second behind Mexico).

The Spanish cities of Madrid and Barcelona were also ranked as the top two cities to consider for real estate investment this year in a recently released report on emerging trends in global real estate.

As founder of Live And Invest Outsiders and publisher of the annual Global Retirement Index, it’s no surprise how Spain wins. In fact, Valencia also took the top spot in the 2024 ranking of the world’s best destinations for overseas retirement.

Spain, the second largest country in the EU after France, is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich culture and proud traditions.

There are miles of coastline to the Mediterranean, Cantabrian Sea, and Atlantic coasts, and you can drive to neighboring Portugal and France.

One of the biggest misconceptions North Americans have about expat life in Europe is that it is financially unaffordable. Fortunately, Spain is one of the cheapest regions in Western Europe. Here you enjoy an average cost of living that is 49% lower than in the United States.

With a monthly budget of $2,477, couples can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Valencia, Spain’s third largest city and home to 800,000 people.

This geographically privileged region enjoys one of the best climates in the world, with approximately 2,700 hours of sunshine and more than 300 sunny days each year.

Walking through this city, long known for its architecture, is like traveling through 2,000 years of rich history. But it has moved with the times, providing its residents with reliable, well-maintained infrastructure, from convenient public transport to affordable world-class healthcare and first-class connectivity and utilities. Masu.

We are not resting on our laurels here either. Many developments and initiatives are planned for the distant future, with a focus on urban renewal, reducing carbon emissions, and expanding car-free zones.

Another key attraction here is safety. Spain is ranked the 6th safest country in Europe and the 29th safest country in the world by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Valencia’s crime rate is the lowest among large cities in Spain. Day-to-day safety is not a concern, a fact that is largely due to the sense of happiness and contentment expressed by expatriates who call this city home.

Add to that delicious local cuisine, a variety of entertainment options, a Mediterranean beachfront, and a welcoming local community, and you’ll understand why Valencia is popular among expats and its nickname “City of Joy” It’s not difficult to do.

Apartment rents average around 1,000 euros a month and have risen by around 14% in the last year due to increased demand. If you are looking to buy, you can also find an apartment for under 100,000 euros. To build a house with a sea view, his budget needs to be more than 250,000 euros.

There are no restrictions imposed on foreigners looking to purchase property in Spain. The country encourages foreigners to invest in real estate through its Golden Visa program.

Spain does not have a visa specifically for retirees, but the Non-Learning Visa (NLV) is aimed at retirees and people with passive income who can support themselves financially.

To qualify, you must be able to prove your monthly income is approximately $2,400. NLV grants you a one-year residence permit, which can be extended for four years.

For those looking for sunshine, opportunity and a happy life in Old World Europe, Spain ticks all the boxes.