americans Increasingly Cite lifestyle as Key Driver for Relocating to Spain
Madrid, Spain – A growing number of Americans are choosing to move to Spain, and increasingly, the motivation isn’t political or financial, but a desire for a fundamentally different way of life, according to recent discussions among expatriates. While navigating Spanish visa requirements and limited job opportunities for Americans remains a challenge - with many finding work remotely or through self-employment – the appeal of a slower pace,stronger community ties,and a less materialistic culture is proving powerful.
Many Americans report a stark contrast between life in the US and Spain, with one reader commenting, “Even these threads of Americans commenting on how cheap everything is in Spain … we’ve learned to evaluate EVERYTHING through the lens of money. It’s always all about money, sigh. America has broken us. In Spain, people treat each other with politeness and respect. Thay value family time, togetherness, laughter, human connection. They do not ghost each other like Americans routinely do. Is that not worth more then gold?? (It is to me!).”
Others echo this sentiment, describing the US as “a materialistic, consumeristic, for-profit BUSINESS” where “every single aspect of American life is about monetisation.” One expatriate noted finding “a humanity that has long gone missing in the US, a certain innocence, honesty, human kindness and connection” in Spain. Another stated their move wasn’t driven by US politics, but by a desire for “the culture, people and their zest for life and not having to try so hard to get real, clean food.”
Though, the influx of Americans is also raising concerns among some residents. Readers have highlighted the potential for increased cost of living pressures and exacerbation of the existing housing crisis, with foreign buyers able to afford higher prices and contribute to speculation. “Spanish people can’t afford buy a flat because the prices are raising too much,” one reader explained. “Foreigners with higher salaries are buying and renting a lot here and normal people with normal wage in Spain can’t live in our cities.”
For Americans seeking to move to Spain, visa options include those detailed in a recent report by The Local, https://www.thelocal.es/20240228/listed-the-visa-options-americans-can-apply-for-to-live-in-spain. Popular destinations for American expats are also highlighted in another The Local article, https://www.thelocal.es/20250902/where-are-americans-looking-to-move-to-and-rent-in-spain.
