Best Cities in Spain for Retirement
Best Cities in Spain for Retirement
Retirement is one of the most anticipated moments for thousands of people who have worked their entire lives. Many of them consider moving from their hometown in search of a better quality of life; some even buy a country house or villa to spend their retirement surrounded by friends.
However, before taking such an important step as changing residence, it’s necessary to consider a number of factors: what a city should offer to make retirement comfortable and affordable. In this article, you’ll learn about the best cities in Spain for retirees.
What to Consider When Choosing a Place for Retirement?
Moving to a modern comfortable apartment, buying a country house, or living by the sea - these are some of the goals that many people set for themselves when retiring. But where is the ideal place for this?
Everything depends on each person’s preferences, however it’s important to analyze a number of questions: whether it’s better to buy or rent, what characteristics the new place of residence should have, and which cities are most suitable for retirement.
One of the main aspects is whether to buy or rent housing. For this, you need to calculate the costs of purchasing, as well as consider that a mortgage will be issued under special conditions - primarily due to the applicants’ age.
It’s equally important to calculate how much money will be needed to rent housing in Spain. After this, it’s worth evaluating what qualities a city should possess to become a good place for retirement.
1. A City for Retirement Should Be Affordable
Despite the fact that the cost of living in Spain is one of the lowest in Europe, the average pension in the country is 1,300 euros per month.
The government announced a general increase in pensions starting January 1, 2022, but the average increase will be about 30 euros per month. Retirees will receive about 1,330 euros per month.
Based on this, it’s optimal to choose a relatively inexpensive city where a retiree can purchase or rent affordable housing, as well as enjoy travel and leisure activities that the new location offers. In Spain, there are cities with quite affordable housing prices.
2. A City for Retirement Should Offer Leisure Activities for Elderly People
This is another important aspect. Although everyone has their own priorities, the new place of residence should have a wide selection of leisure activities for retirees: cultural centers, walking groups for the elderly, gyms, theaters, cinemas, etc.
Thanks to this, retirees will not only have a pleasant time but will also be able to find peers with whom they can share their leisure activities.
3. A City for Retirement Should Be Well Connected by Transport and Ensure Quality of Life
High quality of life - especially in retirement - plays a key role. Therefore, the chosen city should have all necessary services, good transport connections, green areas, a developed cultural program, hospitals, and a security system. Often the deciding factor is not the city as a whole, but a specific neighborhood that suits the retiree’s particular needs.
Transport accessibility is especially important for older people who may need to travel to a doctor or hospital in an emergency situation, as well as visits to relatives.
The ideal city for retirement should be affordable, offer leisure activities for the elderly, and provide a high quality of life.
5 Best Cities in Spain for Retirees
Numerous studies confirm that Spain is one of the best countries for retirement thanks to its climate, landscapes, gastronomy, diversity of cultural and entertainment offerings, as well as overall quality and lifestyle.
Nevertheless, some cities stand out from others based on the analyzed criteria.
Alicante: An Affordable City by the Sea
Alicante is one of the most popular cities for retirement. Like Málaga, it offers many leisure and gastronomic options at more affordable prices than other locations. Here you can enjoy the sun and magnificent beaches, and nearby is Benidorm - a favorite destination for European retirees.
Bilbao: One of the World’s Best Cities for Retirement, According to Forbes
Bilbao is one of Spain’s most expensive cities in terms of housing costs, but it offers exceptional quality of life. Forbes magazine included it among the world’s best cities for retirement. In addition to its rich gastronomic and cultural offerings, the city is excellently connected by transport and never ceases to amaze.
Castellón: 120 Kilometers of Golden Beaches for Retirees
Castellón attracts retirees with its extensive coastline featuring golden beaches stretching 120 kilometers. The city offers high quality of life, developed infrastructure, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Málaga: The Best City for Retirement
Málaga is the most popular destination for retirement. 3 out of 4 property buyers choose Málaga and the Costa del Sol coast as the ideal place for retirement life. Location, climate with more than 300 sunny days per year, and quality of life are the main advantages valued by those seeking a seaside retirement destination.
Navarra: Best Medical Care for a Peaceful Retirement
Navarra is one of the regions with the best medical care in Spain, which is especially important for retirees. Here reigns incomparable tranquility thanks to fairytale rural landscapes where time seems to stand still. Navarra is also one of the most affordable places for retirement, making it another highly recommended option.