Why We Chose Valencia Over Barcelona or Madrid

Why We Chose Valencia Over Barcelona or Madrid

When we first started seriously considering a move to Spain, we did what every practical dreamer does—we googled. “Best places to live in Spain.” “Family-friendly Spanish cities.” “Barcelona vs. Madrid.” The results were no surprise: those two iconic cities stole the spotlight, and for good reason. Barcelona has the sea-meets-city energy and whimsical Gaudí architecture. Madrid boasts grand boulevards, flamenco soul, and world-class art. They are bucket list cities for a reason.But here’s the thing: when we pictured actual life—not just a postcard moment—we started to realize we wanted something more livable, more balanced, more... us. We wanted community over chaos. Culture without overwhelm. A place where our kids could thrive, not just tag along. A place where slowing down wasn’t something you had to schedule.And that’s how we found Valencia. Two years in, we’re still head-over-heels in love. Here’s why.

Big Enough to Have It All—But Human-Sized

Valencia is Spain’s third-largest cityAnd while we chose the smaller, more relaxed pace of Valencia, we never feel disconnected. The high-speed AVE train connects us to both Madrid and Barcelona in under two hours. That means weekend getaways—or even day trips—to Spain’s biggest cities are not only possible, but easy. We’ve hopped to Madrid for a museum binge and to Barcelona for beachside brunch. It’s the best of both worlds—daily life in a walkable, peaceful city, with quick access to the energy and glamor of the big two., but unlike Madrid or Barcelona, it never feels like it’s trying to prove anything. It has a low-key confidence—a soft breeze rather than a buzz. There's incredible food, rich history, world-class festivals, modern public transit, gorgeous beaches, and a surprisingly international community. But there’s also space. Space to walk, to think, to breathe.We can bike from our neighborhood in Benicalap to the beach in under 30 minutes. We pass through the stunning Turia Park, pick up fresh oranges at the market, and still make it to school drop-off in time. Try doing that in Madrid gridlock or navigating tourist-filled Rambla in August. It just doesn’t compare.

Family Life That Actually Feels Sustainable

Our daughters Frances and Evelyn are thriving in ways we never could have imagined in our old life. Part of that is Valencia’s family-first culture. Children aren’t an afterthought here—they’re part of the social fabric. You’ll find kids at dinner tables at 10 p.m., welcomed with smiles instead of side-eyes. Every plaza seems to have a playground, and every neighborhood feels built with families in mind.We chose a private Montessori school for our girls, which felt like the perfect balance of structure and creativity. But we were seriously impressed by the public and concertado (semi-private) schools as well. The options here are vast and varied. Many public schools offer bilingual programs, and concertado schools combine public funding with private management—making them affordable and often well-resourced. There are also fully international schools offering British, American, and IB curricula.The biggest difference? In Spain, schooling isn’t a high-stakes hustle. It’s about developing whole, happy children. There’s less pressure, more play, and a deeper focus on social connection. Evelyn has learned how to navigate friendships across languages; Frances is becoming fluent in Spanish and learning Valencian alongside her local friends. And we’re learning too—about trust, patience, and letting our kids grow without constantly measuring them.

Valencia Feels Safe. And It Is Safe.

One of the most life-changing aspects of our move was something we didn’t fully understand until we were here: how it feels to live in a truly safe city. Not just statistically, but viscerally. Valencia has a crime index of 35.5, one of the lowest in Europe, compared to cities like San Francisco (62.1), Chicago (65.8), or even Seattle (54.3). Violent crime is incredibly rare here. What we’ve seen most is petty theft—bike stealing or pickpocketing in tourist areas. Annoying? Yes. Scary? No.I walk the girls to school through city parks without a second thought. We let them run ahead to the bakery. They climb trees and play tag in plazas without constant adult supervision. There’s a freedom here that feels almost retro—in the best way. Spain’s strong pedestrian culture, visible community policing, and deep sense of neighborly care all play a role. And it’s not just us—other expat parents say the same thing: the difference is night and day.

Cultural Richness, Without Cultural Overload

Valencia is layered with culture, but it’s never overwhelming. The city feels like a living museum you actually get to participate in. You can visit a 13th-century cathedral, then grab modern tapas next to a 21st-century art museum. It’s a place where history, art, and architecture blend with real life.We’ve become regulars at the local ceramics museum, and the girls still gasp every time we visit the City of Arts and Sciences—it looks like a spaceship landed in the middle of the city. We’ve watched traditional dancers perform in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, wandered through food festivals in Mercado de Colón, and spent countless Sundays watching local parades or artisan markets pop up out of nowhere.And don’t even get me started on Las Fallas. For 30 days every March, the entire city becomes an explosion of art, fire, satire, and celebration. It’s loud, chaotic, and completely magical. Five-year-olds throw firecrackers under the supervision of their grandmas—who are also throwing firecrackers. It’s surreal and somehow very normal here.

Progressive, Welcoming, and Surprisingly Modern

Valencia has a reputation as a traditional Mediterranean city, but make no mistake—it’s also progressive, inclusive, and deeply committed to sustainability. The city recently pedestrianized much of its historic center, expanded bike lanes, and is investing heavily in green infrastructure. LGBTQ+ rights are respected and celebrated here. Women hold key positions in local government. You’ll find vegan cafés next to jamón stands, and zero-waste shops beside 100-year-old bakeries.We’ve met artists, activists, remote tech workers, and educators who have all found space to grow here. There’s an openness to new ideas and lifestyles that we didn’t fully expect—but have fully embraced.There’s also a sense of civic pride. People care about the environment, their heritage, and their community. Our neighborhood WhatsApp group regularly shares everything from lost cats to paella recipes to upcoming protests. We feel not just accepted here—we feel plugged in.

Let’s Talk About Cost—Because It Matters

Valencia lets us live well without financial anxiety constantly humming in the background. Compared to Madrid or Barcelona, the cost of living is dramatically lower. Numbeo data shows that Valencia is 45–60% cheaper than major U.S. cities. Rent alone is often 50–80% less. And unlike Barcelona, where expat-heavy neighborhoods can feel inflated and hollow, Valencia still feels rooted in its own economy and culture.Our weekly grocery haul for a family of four? Around €90–€100, and it’s fresh, local, and seasonal. Public healthcare here is excellent and essentially free for residents. Private insurance for visas is affordable—we use Adeslas, which includes English-speaking doctors and great support.

A Slower Pace That Changed Everything

Before we moved, I used to schedule my life in 15-minute increments. Between work, school, traffic, and obligations, I barely remembered what it felt like to slow down. Here, life invites you to pause. Not because you’re on vacation—but because it’s just how people live.Long lunches aren’t indulgent—they’re expected. Neighbors offer you leftovers. Strangers help you navigate the post office. You learn patience because bureaucracy moves slowly, but also because nothing good here is rushed. Even Cory walks slower now. That’s when I knew we’d truly settled in.

The Gut Feeling We Couldn’t Ignore

Ultimately, we chose Valencia because it felt like home. Not immediately, not without doubt or work—but in the way that deep down, we knew. When we watched our daughters dance around the fountains of Plaza de la Reina, when we sipped coffee at our corner café and everyone knew our names, when we felt safe, grounded, and at ease—we knew we had found something rare.

So… Should You Choose Valencia?

If you’re weighing a move to Spain, and torn between the magnetism of Barcelona or the prestige of Madrid, I urge you to spend a few days in Valencia. Really walk it. Talk to locals. Ride through the Turia. Visit a neighborhood school. Watch the way children are greeted in restaurants. Listen for the pace of life, not just the rhythm of music.Valencia might not shout for attention, but if you’re paying attention—it just might whisper back, “You’re home.”

In Gratitude,

Amanda Chigbrow
Founder of LaVidalencia
@LaVidalencia | LaVidalencia.com