But the big, and frequently-asked, question is where exactly should you live in Spain? Deciding which Spanish region to choose is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks that you will ever deal with if you truly consider moving to Spain. You should be able to determine the best place for you and your family. After all, you wouldn't want to end up going back to your own country with countless nasty stories about your unfortunate experience in Spain. Apparently, many people have failed to do the right things.
Here are some handy tips that will help you out if you are still in the process of deciding where to live in Spain:
Assess your resolve.
Indeed, before doing anything else, you should assess how determined you are in relocating. Finalize your decision so as to avoid dealing with conflicts of interests or any doubts that will hinder the success of your endeavor. Is there a great need for you and your family to make the move? Have you thought about it long and seriously enough while thinking about the pros and cons or the possibilities?
Make an outline of your goals, expectations and necessities.
Once you have strongly confirmed your resolve to live in Spain, you should then focus on the basics. Take into account your needs, the size of your family and other crucial aspects that could greatly affect your overall experience in the country. Do you have kids? You will need to check out schools. Will you rent an apartment? Do you prefer the rural areas? Be clear about your preferences.
Keep in mind the integral factors.
The climate, communication, cost of living, transportation or accessibility, local traditions, temperament of the locals, healthcare and crime rate are just some of the most important factors that you need to take into consideration before deciding to live in a particular region. Learn about these factors and see whether you can enjoy the positives along with the negative aspects of a certain area.
More importantly, you should take into account how you will deal with your expenses. Are you going to set up your own business? Is there a stable job waiting for you? How will you make ends meet? Today you need to present a proof of your income before you will be allowed to become a Spanish resident.
Check out different locations that fit your specifications.
It can be very easy to get lost or overwhelmed with all the many great places in Spain. Hence, make sure that you create a checklist first before doing your search for the 'right' location. Choose logically and not emotionally, especially if you are moving together with your family. Remember, there are several crucial factors to consider. Be systematic, reasonable, realistic and practical with your choices.
Barcelona may be exuberant and Madrid may be extraordinary. But, can you afford to live in these places? Seville, Valencia and Bilbao may all seem astonishing. But, is there a job for you or a business worth making? Spain has all sorts of fascinating places. But in the end, it is really all about your needs.
Compare the pros and cons of each location.
Learn as much as you can regarding all the locations that you feel like moving in to. Don't just look into the positive aspects. In fact, you should learn about the negative aspects more than the positive ones as this will contribute to your overall experience. Don't give anyone that surprised look when you have come to realize something that really annoys you about a particular region. This is why lots of research is a must.
Reach out to other expatriates and ask for recommendations.
First-hand experience is a good source of information, particularly if you haven't visited Spain yet. However, do not make this a really important deciding factor. What applies to them may not be applicable to you. What happened to them may not happen to you. It's all about what you do and how you deal with things that come along your way. Take their statements as basic information but do your own research.
Consider long-term rental before buying a Spanish property.
This will enable you to learn more about your chosen town or village. Perhaps there are certain local activities, norms, rules and regulations that your children are not quite comfortable with. Although making adjustments is a part of relocating to a different territory with different sets of culture and traditions, maybe you can find other places where you don't have to compromise to such and extent.
In addition, this will make it easier for you to decide on the type of property to buy. In fact, this is strongly recommended to those who aim to buy a property in Spain. Visit different areas and look into numerous properties being sold. Take into account the potential of both the property and the location.
In essence, the most important thing to do before deciding to move and live in Spain is to carry out a lot of proper research. Many things can go wrong if you are impatient and not diligent in doing your homework, especially if you intend to buy your own Spanish home. Therefore, learn as much as possible along with the help of your family members. Collect as much information, brainstorm and choose the best location based on your needs and personal circumstances. After all, hard work pays off.