MOVING TO SPAIN FROM THE US

From the iconic architectural wonders of Barcelona to the historical treasures of Madrid, Spain captivates visitors with its vibrant cities, picturesque coastal towns, and charming countryside. 

Whether you're drawn to the Moorish influences in Andalusia, the avant-garde architecture in Valencia, or the laid-back island vibes of Ibiza, Spain has something for every traveler. 

Indulge in the culinary delights of tapas and paella, immerse yourself in the passionate rhythms of flamenco, or simply relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Let's highlight a few destinations that are essential to explore in this remarkably diverse country.

Barcelona:  

• Sagrada Família: Gaudí's masterpiece, an iconic basilica known for its breathtaking architecture.
• Park Güell: A colorful public park also designed by Gaudí, offering stunning views of the city.
• La Rambla: A vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
• Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter): Explore narrow medieval streets, historic buildings, and the Gothic Cathedral.
• Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Gaudí's modernist residential masterpieces.
• Picasso Museum: Home to one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist.
• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: A mesmerizing fountain with nightly light and music shows.

Madrid:  

• Prado Museum: Home to an extensive collection of European art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
• Royal Palace: Explore the official residence of the Spanish royal family, known for its impressive architecture and lavish interiors.
• Puerta del Sol: Madrid's central square and a bustling hub, featuring the iconic Bear and Strawberry Tree statue.
• Plaza Mayor: A historic square surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants, perfect for people-watching.
• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: An art museum with a diverse collection spanning from medieval to contemporary art.
• Templo de Debod: An ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid, offering a unique cultural experience.
• Cibeles Palace and Fountain: An iconic symbol of Madrid, featuring a stunning fountain and a grand palace.

Seville:

•  Alcazar of Seville: A stunning royal palace known for its intricate Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
• Seville Cathedral: The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
• Barrio Santa Cruz: Wander through the charming Jewish quarter with its narrow streets, patios, and historic buildings.
• Plaza de España: A grand square featuring a semicircular building with colorful bridges, representing the provinces of Spain.
• Giralda Tower: Climb the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral for breathtaking views of the city.
• Archivo de Indias: A UNESCO World Heritage site housing historical documents related to the Spanish colonies.
• Triana District: Cross the river to explore this lively neighborhood known for its ceramic workshops and vibrant nightlife.
• Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza: Visit one of the oldest and most iconic bullrings in Spain.

Granada:  

• Alhambra: A breathtaking palace and fortress complex with stunning Islamic architecture, gardens, and panoramic views of the city.
• Generalife Gardens: Adjacent to the Alhambra, these beautifully landscaped gardens feature fountains, courtyards, and lush greenery.
• Sacromonte: Explore this historic neighborhood known for its cave houses, flamenco shows, and picturesque views of the Alhambra.
• Granada Cathedral: A magnificent example of Spanish Renaissance architecture with ornate interiors and an impressive facade.
• Albaicín: Wander through the narrow, winding streets of this medieval Moorish quarter, offering a mix of traditional houses, shops, and cafes.

Valencia:  

• City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias): Explore this futuristic complex featuring remarkable architecture, interactive exhibits, and the Hemisféric IMAX cinema.
• Valencia Cathedral: Visit the historic cathedral with a diverse mix of architectural styles, housing the Holy Grail, and enjoy panoramic views from the Micalet tower.
• Mercado Central: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling indoor market, offering an array of fresh produce, meats, and local products.
• La Lonja de la Seda: Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a 15th-century silk exchange showcasing exquisite Gothic architecture.
• Bioparc Valencia: Experience the innovative zoo with its focus on natural habitats, providing an immersive environment for observing wildlife.

Cordoba:

• Valencia Cathedral: Visit the historic cathedral with a diverse mix of architectural styles, housing the Holy Grail, and enjoy panoramic views from the Micalet tower.
• Mercado Central: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling indoor market, offering an array of fresh produce, meats, and local products.
• La Lonja de la Seda: Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a 15th-century silk exchange showcasing exquisite Gothic architecture.
• Bioparc Valencia: Experience the innovative zoo with its focus on natural habitats, providing an immersive environment for observing wildlife.

Ibiza:

• Dalt Vila: Explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and stunning views of the island.
• Ibiza Town: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the island's capital, known for its lively nightlife, trendy boutiques, and waterfront cafes.
• Es Vedrà: Marvel at the iconic limestone rock formation rising from the sea, offering breathtaking sunset views.
• Hippy Market (Punta Arabí or Las Dalias): Immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of the famous hippy markets, featuring handmade crafts, clothing, and live music.
• Talamanca Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of this picturesque beach, located near Ibiza Town, with clear blue waters and a laid-back ambiance.

 San Sebastián:  

• San Sebastián: Located in the Basque Country, it is known for its picturesque beaches, culinary scene, and the annual San Sebastián International Film Festival.
• Dalt Vila: Explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and stunning views of the island.
• Ibiza Town: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the island's capital, known for its lively nightlife, trendy boutiques, and waterfront cafes.

Toledo:  

• Toledo Cathedral: Explore this Gothic masterpiece, housing impressive artworks, chapels, and the High Altar.
• Alcázar of Toledo: Visit the historic fortress with its military museum and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its towers.
• Jewish Quarter (Judería): Wander through the narrow streets of this charming neighborhood, featuring historic synagogues and architecture.
• Puente de San Martín: Admire the medieval bridge spanning the Tagus River, offering picturesque views of the city.
• Santa María la Blanca: Discover the historic synagogue, known for its unique Mudejar architecture and cultural significance.

Málaga:  

• Alcazaba: Explore this Moorish fortress with its well-preserved walls, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city and sea.
• Gibralfaro Castle: Hike to the top for stunning views of Málaga and the Mediterranean Sea, and explore the castle's history.
• Picasso Museum: Immerse yourself in the art of Pablo Picasso, showcasing the renowned artist's early works and personal collection.
• Málaga Cathedral: Visit this iconic cathedral with its distinctive Renaissance and Baroque architecture, located in the heart of the city.
• Muelle Uno: Stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy the shops, restaurants, and cafes, and take in the views of the Port of Málaga.

It's important to understand that it largely depends on your lifestyle preferences, such as the type of job and family size. Even so to make it easier, here are the top-rated places according to nomads:

• Málaga, 25% of the population of the province of Málaga are foreigners, and there are plenty of international schools to cater for non-Spanish families and incredible beaches on the Costa del Sol.

• Sotogrande, is home to a large expat community.

• Madrid, he largest of Spanish cities, Madrid is Spain’s capital city.

• Barcelona, compared to other Spanish cities, the cost of living in Barcelona is relatively high. But it is cheaper than major cities in the US.

• Seville, may be one of Spain’s major cities, but it has a small-town feel.

• Valencia, has everything that the big cities in Spain offer at a fraction of the price. It’s a bargain Barcelona, a more moderately-priced Madrid.

• San Sebastián, may be known as the jewel of the Basque Country, but it is, in fact, quite a small town.

• Granada’s Moorish heritage sets it apart from other Spanish cities.

• Bilbao, the opening of the Guggenheim art gallery in 1997 established Bilbao as a style capital.

• Ibiza, digital nomads have turned this vacation destination into a more year-round location.

• Zaragoza, english is spoken less than in other Spanish cities because Zaragoza is less touristy.

• Almeria is the most popular Spanish province for Expats, with foreigners making up 22% of the population. Girona secures the second spot with an expatriate population slightly exceeding 20%, totaling 162,300 expats, a figure slightly higher than that of Almeria. The primary nationalities among expatriates in this province, situated north of Barcelona, are Moroccan, Romanian, and Honduran.

• The most desirable new home for Americans is Valencia, with approximately 32,500 Google searches recorded in the last four years and boasting around 2,500 registered US citizens as residents, Valencia ranks as the fourth most sought-after province for American expatriates relocating to Spain. Renowned for its stunning beaches, this city combines a lower cost of living compared to Barcelona or Madrid with outstanding infrastructure and a thriving cultural scene. Moreover, Valencia is a haven for food enthusiasts, thanks to its renowned cuisine, making it a preferred destination for culinary lovers.

• Securing the second spot, Barcelona records slightly over 30,000 Google searches in the past four years, establishing itself as the second most favored province for US expatriates, hosting a population of just over 8,000. Notably, Barcelona stands out as the sole Spanish province to appear in the top three desired cities for both the UK and the US, underscoring its widespread desirability.

• Taking the third position is Madrid, registering slightly above 14,000 Google searches in the past four years. As the capital of Spain, Madrid boasts the highest population of US citizens among all Spanish provinces, totaling 11,500. Despite being the most costly city in Spain, Madrid is more economically viable than other European capitals such as Paris and Copenhagen.

In recent times, Spain has grappled with elevated unemployment rates and limited job opportunities, posing increased challenges for non-locals, even those seeking temporary positions. However, the employment landscape is not uniform across all sectors, and there exist several industries where native English speakers can significantly contribute. The healthcare, IT, automotive, food/beverage, and tourism sectors are experiencing growth, offering numerous job openings.

It's crucial to note that job availability varies significantly by region. While major cities like Madrid or Barcelona boast numerous large companies, rural areas may not offer the same abundance. Nevertheless, many smaller communities have evolved into tourist hubs, creating a demand for English-speaking staff. For those seeking employment in Spain, particularly as an American, exploring tourist-centric areas beyond urban centers can be a fruitful approach.