Five reasons to live in Spain
What’s so good about Spain? Why literally everything is. Varying in its climate conditions, wonders of nature and traditions, bursting at the seams with fruit and vine, Spain is basking in the sunlight, full of joy and celebrations and historical sights.
1. Climate Pattern in Spain
Spain occupies the most of the Iberian peninsula, so the climate conditions throughout the sunny kingdom vary drastically. The weather conditions on the Northern Coast are a bit like those in the Baltic States: all the way from Galicia to the Basque Provinces it’s rainy with occasional glimpses of sun. The center of the country is all mountains, so summer there is hot and winter is freezing. Canary islands are at the equator almost, so it’s quite comfortable there. All the year round it’s about 28ºC, a bit monotone if you ask me.
The Mediterranean Coast is considered the best place to live in Spain: 320 out of 365 days are sunny there. Winters are very mild with night temperatures rarely dropping below +10ºС and day temperatures reaching +25ºC. Summer in the Mediterranean is not overly hot, thanks to the sea breeze. The temperature is rarely over thirty-ish degrees. The same weather is inherent to Balearic islands. They are situated in just 75 miles from the beaches of Valencia.
The South of the Alicante province has its own very particular microclimate. Salt lagoons are stretched from the town Santa Paula to Torrevieja. They have a positive influence on the weather in the region and on the health of its inhabitants.
2. Standard of Living and Life Expectancy in Spain
Life expectancy in Spain has reached 83 years nowadays which is far ahead of a lot of other European countries. Besides, 45% of Spaniards who is over 65 don’t have any chronic illnesses and live their lives to their full potential! The reason for that is the considerable growth of the living standards in Spain during the last few decades:
We have low food prices while keeping the high quality of the food products. That includes fruit and vegetables, the abundance of which is there all the year round for you to enjoy! Spain, especially its benign plain Vega Baja (Alicante region, not far from Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar del Segura) is called “The main kitchen garden of Europe”; and rightfully so, for the majority of fruit and vegetables that end up in a plate of a European, grow and ripe here.The climate here in Spain is perfect due to the balanced influences of sun and maritime air; ecology is good too.
Many Spaniards from nothern and central provinces move to the Mediterranean Coast after their retirement. The Costa Blanca Coast is very popular among elderly Spaniards and other Europeans alike. It offers good weather and low real estate prices. Costa Blanca has admirable infrastructure; several of its long and tidy beaches got Blue EU Flags. The abundance of festivals and tourist attractions there can definitely warm every heart. And the Mediterranean cuisine which is delicious and healthy is the nice addition to all of it.
3. Healthcare in Spain
Public health services in Spain were among the World’s top ten for many years. Although these figures lowered after the economic crisis when the government had to cut budgets, now our health services are 19th on that list (which actually is quite good).
Private clinics, as well as public healthcare facilities, are fitted with all up-to-date equipment and technologies. Medical services in public hospitals are free for everybody living in Spain regardless of their legal status here.
The system of insurance (paid) healthcare is also well-developed in Spain.
4. Education in Spain
One can get the secondary education in Spain for free: they sign children in to schools with little concern for reasons of their residence in Spain. There is an option for a fee-based education for children as well: English colleges and French lyceum, a lot of Catholic schools (including Jesuit). The level of education in these schools is still considered as one of the best in the world.
A lot of young people from all around the globe aim to get the higher education and a degree in one of the Spanish Universities. The amount of foreign students there makes Spain the third in the corresponding list of European countries. Life and education here are a lot cheaper than in the most European States, whereas many Spanish Universities have leading positions in the lists of the World best educational institutions.
A degree certificate from Spain is highly regarded in Europe and in other continents as well. It helps young professionals and recent graduates to get high-paying jobs in Spain and the other European States.
5. Real Estate Prices in Spain
There is an unwavering interest in landed property in Spain among Europeans and British. One of the reasons for such interest is comparatively low real estate prices in the resort areas of the country.
Statistically, Valencian community (especially Alicante province), Andalucia (Costa del Sol), Catalonia, Balearic Islands and Murcia are the most popular regions in Spain for buying property. Barcelona traditionally is the leader in per-square-meter prices; Balearic islands are the close second with Costa del Sol not far behind.
Alicante (Costa Blanca) can take pride in the lowest real estate prices at Mediterranean Coast of Spain. That attracts not only the fans of the seaside life but also some serious investors.
I could go on and on about the advantages of living in Spain. There is a lot left to be said about its wonderful nature and friendly disposition of its citizens; about wonderful Spanish cuisine and delicious vintages; about ancient cities and medieval castles; and also about Spanish winter resorts and numerous hot springs!
But, as a saying goes, show, don’t tell! Come to Spain and see all the wonders of this country for yourself!