Valencia has always been one of those hidden gems and I, for one, couldn’t stop raving about it. Nestled on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, it strikes a balance that’s hard to find anywhere else. 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.
In addition, you don’t even need a car to get around. The public transport is affordable, reliable, and the city’s compactness makes walking or cycling a breeze. Let’s not forget the sea which is a huge perk for beach lovers. It’s only minutes away by bike, cycle, or car, so it gives Valencia that extra dose of sunshine and leisure that keeps people coming back.
Valencia is also a foodie’s paradise. Beyond the traditional Spanish fare like paella, which originated here, the city’s culinary scene is constantly evolving. You’ll find food from all over the world, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems offering Indian, Moroccan, Asian, and even American flavors.
Despite the city’s growing reputation, it has remained a gateway to the rest of Europe. 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.
Things Have Changed though:
As much as I love Valencia and trust me, I still do, I’ve recently stopped hyping the city as a dream destination for everyone. Things have changed, and not necessarily for the better. Valencia, like other cities that have experienced a boom in popularity, is undergoing a transformation that mirrors what has happened in places like Lisbon and Barcelona. My last post talked about how Valencia was reacting to the crush.
The first glaring issue is the housing market. When I first moved here, you could find a decent apartment for around 600–750 euros per month in my neighborhood, which is a well-connected neighborhood. It was an affordable escape for many of us, whether you were a digital nomad, an expat, or just someone looking for a change of pace.
Now? Those same apartments are listed at 1,550 euros or more if you can even find one. The influx of people, particularly from first-world countries, has led to a massive buy-up of property. Many are scooping up real estate not to live in it, but to rent it out for short-term stays and make a quick profit. It’s the “buy and flip” mentality that has infiltrated Valencia, driving up prices for locals and long-term residents.
This shift isn’t just affecting the real estate market. It’s altering the very fabric of the city. With rents skyrocketing, many locals are being forced out of the city center, having to move to less central neighborhoods or even outlying towns where prices are still somewhat reasonable. It’s an unsettling echo of what’s happened in other over-touristed cities. Oh man, I am so glad we bought our flat!
While Valencia is still affordable for some from wealthier countries, it’s quickly becoming less so for the people who’ve lived here their entire lives. It sucks, but that’s the way life is. Nothing stays a gem forever.
The cost of living is climbing across the board. Menu del dia, those delightful three-course meals that were once the hallmark of affordable Spanish dining I’ve noticed, has jumped by 5 euros per meal in just a few years, sometimes even more in central places like the city center and Russafa for instance.
You notice the shift in small things at first, like a slightly higher bill at your favorite cafe or bar. Over time, it adds up. Groceries, drinks, utilities, everything is creeping up in price, slowly but surely. If you follow the Nextbiteoflife YouTube channel, this is no surprise to you as I did the comparison of a 50-dollar grocery haul about 16 months apart. The 50 was then 65, but I will hazard a guess and put it at about $85 now.
Tourism has also exploded. Valencia used to feel like a well-kept secret, but not anymore. The streets are now packed with tourists and digital nomads year-round. The city, once an oasis of calm compared to its bustling counterparts like Madrid or Barcelona, is starting to feel like just another crowded European hotspot.
It’s still beautiful, but the increasing numbers of visitors are diluting the charm. And while the locals are friendly for now, I can’t help but feel that a tipping point is coming. It’s only a matter of time before frustrations mount and the friendliness that Valencia is known for starts to fade.
For those who are considering moving here, just be aware that Valencia is no longer the bargain it once was. You’ll need to adjust your expectations, and your budget, accordingly. Yes, it’s still a wonderful city, but the days of Valencia being an affordable, peaceful paradise are numbered, if they haven’t already passed.
The Good News About Valencia:
There is still some hope, though. Valencia isn’t a lost cause, especially if you’re willing to explore beyond the city center. While the core has become crowded and expensive, there are outlying neighborhoods and nearby towns that still offer good value for now. Pueblos like Alboraya or towns like Sagunto still maintains a more authentic, affordable vibe, without the crush of tourists and inflated prices. For now.
If you’re seriously considering making the move, I can’t stress this enough: do your due diligence. Look beyond the postcard-perfect images of Valencia’s historic center and its Instagram-worthy beaches.
There are other areas worth exploring, and by expanding your search, you might just find the Valencia you’ve been dreaming of in the form of a place that still holds onto the values of simplicity, community, and affordability, without falling victim to the pressures of a booming market.
Final Thoughts on why I have soured on publicizing Valencia:
I’ll always have a soft spot for Valencia. We’ve been here seven years now and we’re not going anywhere. It’s still a city that holds immense beauty, incredible culture, and the kind of lifestyle that many dream of. Like any popular destination, however, it’s evolving, and not always for the better. As the city grows in popularity, it’s losing a tiny bit of the magic that made it such a fantastic place to live.
So, if you’re considering moving to Valencia, come with your eyes wide open. It’s still possible to carve out a good life here, but the landscape is changing fast. The city is no longer the bargain it once was, and you need to be prepared for that reality. I don’t think it’ll ever get as bad as Barcelona, but who knows?
Prices are rising, the streets are getting more crowded, and Valencia is becoming less of the hidden gem it once was. But if you’re smart, patient, and willing to explore beyond the surface, you can still find a version of Valencia that holds onto its authentic, welcoming spirit.
For now, this is why I have soured on publicizing Valencia, but deep down, I hope it can find a balance before it becomes another victim of over-tourism and the “buy-and-flip” mentality. Whether that’s possible remains to be seen, but I’ll be watching, and hoping for the best.
For those of us who’ve been here a while, I’m curious, have you stopped singing its praises to your friends?
The other thing that I’m noticing is that newer arrivals aren’t as interested in getting involved in the Valencia culture and way of life, much like the Brits did in Benidorm in the 60s and 70s.
We didn’t buy and have a great apartment in the city, but our lease expires next year and we think we’ll probably have to leave the city.
You’re right. I had thought it was just my impression. I think maybe the digital nomad visa might have a lot to do with that. People are not so invested because they plan on doing their year or two and taking off for other places so they don’t feel the need to try much. Such a shame really. That sucks if you have to leave, but it’s really tough out there. The price gouging is insane :-(. I’m sure the landlord is probably salivating right now waiting for the time to come.
Out here is the suburbs, prices are more reasonable. Can still rent a decent 2 or 3BR apartment for around 900€. Of course there are also almost no expats around here (I rarely meet any native English speakers in these parts).
You’re still one of the lucky ones, Kris. It’s insane but if people can just wrap their heads around the fact that they don’t need to be right in the center, there are deals to be had. Remember when we first moved here and I said I only knew of one other guy who spoke English? Not the case anymore. The locals still outnumber the immigrants como yo but it’s definitely changed as they spill over from Russafa. It’s just the way of the world. Hope you’re well :-).