When I arrived, I was captivated by the rich blend of history and modernity. For my husband, it was a little longer. You can walk down the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, feel the pulse of ancient Roman and Moorish architecture, and find yourself in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences within minutes. The city is alive with countless activities, ranging from beach days on the soft sands of La Malvarrosa, to cycling through the lush Turia Gardens, which were once a river and now serve as a green vein running through the heart of the city.
We live close to it and walking it is my form of exercise. The lifestyle here is pretty good and I like it much better than our time in Seville and Malaga.
The Spanish know how to live, and Valencia is a prime example. The pace is relaxed but not passive like in Andalucia, and the vibe is welcoming. The people of Spain, especially in Valencia, are warm and friendly, open to conversations with newcomers.
The sense of community here is real, neighborhoods still feel like neighborhoods. We should know, we live in one. We can stroll to the local market in the morning for fresh produce, or purchase from one of the numerous fruterias that surround us. We watch neighbors catching up over a cup of coffee, and sometimes finish the day with friends at a local tapas bar, sharing stories and laughter until late into the evening, then walk back home.
Another major draw is the lifestyle cost. Compared to other European cities, especially heavyweights like Paris, London, or Barcelona. Valencia offers a far more affordable alternative while maintaining a high quality of life. Rent, food, and transportation, all were substantially lower. The proximity to other European cities makes it easy to hop on a short flight or train and be in Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam within hours, offering an additional sense of freedom for anyone like yours truly with a case of wanderlust.
