Hello, I am planning a move to Spain and would greatly appreciate if someone could tell me where most of the US ExPats have settled.  Also, is it realistic to think that I can find a job and make a decent living for me and my daughter there?  I am about 75 fluent in the Spanish language.

Thank you kindly.  Linda

Hi Linda,

I think you need to get a better idea of the size of Spain and how many expats we’re talking about. There are large clusters of Americans in Barcelona and Madrid of course, but they’re everywhere, although less holed up on the Costas than the British and Germans.

If you’ve got a handle on Spanish already then that’s half the battle right there. As for the job it depends on what kind of job you’re looking for, what kind of lifestyle you’re expecting, etc. If you have some savings, say, enough for 6 months worth, then yes, it’s realistic to think you can find a job and setup a life in Spain.

Hi Linda,

The Expatriator is right about Barcelona and Madrid, but there are also quite a few American settlers in Murcia, and along the coast between Marbella and Malaga.  I drove through Barcelona yesterday, and I can’t imagine anyone paying me enough to live there!

If you are planning to move to the coastal areas, then the language shouldn’t be a problem - but further inland, English-speakers are few and far-between.

It’s a tough choice - there is more work for foreigners in the cities and coastal resorts, but property prices and living costs are much lower inland.  Perhaps start by making a list of what you need and what you can’t live without, and seeing how each area checks out - you can learn a lot by browsing this forum!

Regards,
Alan.

Thank you for your replies.  I am still researching.

This has also been included in the Lifestyle section…........we live in Torrevieja.