The most exciting part of organizing a move to Spain is deciding where you’ll live. It can also be daunting when you’ve never visited the country and live thousands of miles away. So, if you’re free to choose, here are some things to take into account:

1. Lifestyle: Do you prefer a vibrant city with a busy cultural life, a quiet coastal town, or a traditional rural area? Often, we suggest going for a change. If you live in the countryside, try living in the urban environment for one year. If you live in a coastal area, try the mountains; if you need to drive to do anything at home, choose a place where you can forget the car for your everyday life.
2. Climate: Are you okay with rainy days, or do you need daily sunshine to thrive? If you live in a sunny part of the world, you may be tempted by the green landscapes of northern Spain. If you suffer from cold and grey weather at home, you’ll enjoy the warm and sunny South.
3. Cost of Living: Large cities will have a higher cost of living than small towns and villages. Still, you’ll find everyday life very affordable compared to North America or Australia. 
4. Learning Spanish:  Would you like your family to become fluent in Spanish? Castilian is the official language of Spain, but it’s often spoken along a regional dialect like Catalan or Basque. In some areas, public and private schools will teach in both languages, which is disconcerting for new learners and will delay learning Spanish. 
5. Degree of immersion: If you don’t speak Spanish and are not interested in learning, you may choose an area with a large English-speaking community. For a total immersion experience for your family, you’ll prefer a Spanish neighborhood where expats are a minority. Many locations offer a healthy mix of Spanish and expat communities. 
6. Travels: You’ll take advantage of your time in Spain to explore other European countries and all the corners of Spain… you’ll appreciate a nearby train station and airport with a wide choice of destinations. 
7. If the outdoors are important to you and easy access to nature from your new home is essential, choose a place where you can easily walk or bike to the hills and the forest from the center of town. We can recommend locations where mountains and ocean are only a short drive away to have skying, climbing, hiking, diving, and surfing opportunities on your doorstep. 

When families hire us to organize their year in Spain, we start with a long conversation to identify the best part of the country for their project. After 25 years of residing in Andalusia and exploring all corners of Spain, we can bring you the clarity you need to make the best decision for your family.