Question
“Can we talk about the Spain nobody’s telling you about? I see so many people stressing about moving to Spain because they’re only looking at Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and those handful of “top expat destinations” that every post, blog and YouTube channel talks about.
And then they’re shocked when it’s expensive. Of course it’s expensive! When millions of people are all told to go to the same 5 cities, prices skyrocket and locals (understandably) get frustrated with the overcrowding.
But here’s what I wish more people knew: There are incredible small towns all across Spain that nobody’s talking about.
I live in a town of 50,000 people, just 30 minutes from Valencia, and:
- 3-bedroom apartments rent for €800
- A friend pays €350 for a 1-bedroom
- I bought a 3,000 sq ft house for €130,000
- There are 4 large grocery stores within easy walking distance (2 are literally within 2 blocks)
- I can walk across the entire town in 10 minutes
- We have festivals and parades almost every weekend
- The community spirit is unlike anything I experienced in the US
The way Spanish towns are designed—it’s all made for walking, for living, for community. I only have a car because I have a kid. Otherwise? Completely unnecessary. There’s a bus to the train station, and from there I can get to Valencia easily.
I don’t feel like I’m missing out on ANYTHING by not living in the “popular” areas. If anything, I’m getting the authentic Spanish experience that a lot of expats in the big cities don’t.
So if you’re planning a move to Spain on a budget—or if you just want a real cultural experience instead of living in an expat bubble—I’d encourage you to look beyond the usual suspects. Stop looking where everybody else is looking. There’s so much more to this country, and the prices (and the lifestyle) might just surprise you.”
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“That comment about Spain being overcrowded because of Americans was clearly satire. But it shows how tense conversations about immigration can get in any country. Spain’s slower pace, healthier food system, and multilingual regions are part of what makes it great.”
“I live near Barcelona in a small beach town. We bought a renovated 3-bedroom apartment for €154,000 and are three minutes from the sea. It feels much more Spanish than the big coastal cities and the community is incredibly friendly.”
“We moved to Almuñécar. It’s not tiny, but smaller than Málaga and much cheaper. You still get beaches, culture, and an active expat and local community. It’s about 35 minutes from Granada and an hour from Málaga, so it’s the perfect middle ground.”
“I’m planning to move next year and want a more authentic experience. I speak Spanish and prefer smaller towns like Pontevedra, the Granada region, or somewhere near Jerez. I don’t want to be surrounded by only English speakers.”
“Small towns work great for families or couples, but some people really need the social life that a big city provides. I live in Valencia and yes, rent has gone up, but nothing compared to the US. For me, the culture, convenience and city lifestyle are worth it.”
“I live in Castellón, about 65km from Valencia. You have everything you could need here and you don’t miss anything. Prices are more reasonable and the lifestyle is calm.”
“This is why I’m moving to Northern Spain. Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and much lower costs compared to the big-name destinations.”
“My strategy was simple: I used Google Maps to explore small towns near major cities with good train lines. Then I used Street View to walk around neighborhoods virtually. We found a great rental that way and are moving November 1st.”
“Spain has thousands of small towns. As long as you have access to decent medical care, a few services, restaurants, and maybe a small group of expats to help you transition, you can have an amazing life outside the main cities.”
Peaceful (& Connected) Towns to retire in Spain
Conclusion
The conversation shows that many American expats in Spain are rethinking the classic “big three” cities and seriously considering smaller towns for a more authentic, affordable lifestyle.
Members highlight that small and mid-sized towns near Valencia, Málaga, Barcelona, Galicia and Almería can offer lower housing costs, strong community spirit, walkability, access to healthcare, and enough services without the stress and prices of major urban centres. At the same time, some people still prefer larger cities like Madrid or Valencia for social life, culture, and easier networking, especially if they are single.
Overall, the key takeaway for American expats in Spain is to explore beyond the usual hotspots, visit different regions, test how you feel in both cities and small towns, and choose a place that matches your budget, language level, climate preferences, and need for community. This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
