The combination of sea and mountains, with the prosperous city life of the Mediterranean city of Barcelona renders it the choice destination of many expats, making this community account for 20% of the city’s population. International professionals view the extraordinary weather of the Catalan capital, the low cost of living, and the mix of different cultures as the perfect place to live, and the large number of international families that are residing in the city further prove this point. The proximity to other neighboring countries in Europe and Africa, as well as the diverse public that includes locals and a myriad of non-Spanish citizens makes the coastal city one of the best places in Europe to locate your business and target a larger and more varied audience. In the next post we are going to talk about the main advantages of living in Barcelona:
The city is not only enjoyable for tourism and amusement. There are many libraries, coffee shops, and public areas in parks or universities that carry a quiet and peaceful ambiance hidden inside the busy city, perfect for people that want to bring their work outside their houses. Moreover, families from different parts of the world decide to live in Barcelona for the top-rated international and English-language schools that are in some of the best neighborhoods in the city, such as in Sarria-Sant Gervasi, providing their children with an international-level educational system combined with a safe and peaceful environment. These elite schools are proven to be even better than institutions in Finland, Japan and Korea. Moreover, students have the opportunity to learn the second most spoken language in the world, Spanish, which will ensure an advantage in work application and culture development. Consequently, there are many international professionals that choose living in Barcelona, regardless of their actual place of work, willing to fly back and forth just to be able to enjoy the sleepless streets of Las Ramblas, the modern and historical architecture, and the spectacular views that the beaches like La Mar Bella, or parks like Collserola, offer free of charge.
Living in Barcelona, which neighborhood I choose?
As international migrants venture to live in Barcelona, there are different neighborhoods in the city that are unique and ideal for everyone depending on the priorities one has. One of the best places for international investors to live is in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of L’Eixample, a massive suburb filled with modern shops, chic bars and restaurants with historical buildings such La Pedrera and La Casa Batlló of Antoni Gaudí, as well as the famous Sagrada Familia, as your daily view. Public transportation is really accessible in this area for the numerous bus and metro lines, perfect for people that work in any other part of the city. A 2-bedroom apartment averages €1,000-2,000 per month.
For families that are looking to live in Barcelona’s wealthiest urban area, they can choose as their new home from the neighborhoods of Sarria-Sant Gervasi and Les Corts, located in the upper northwest of the city near the natural park of Collserola. Private properties with rustic yet sophisticated facades are abundant in this part of the city, far from the crowded center, where housing prices can rise up to €2,500; but with the best international schools, safe and luxurious streets and El Parc de Collserola near, Sarria-Sant Gervasi and Les Corts are the best areas for families that want to live in Barcelona.
Lastly, for expats that are seeking to live in the heart of the city where everything is near and different cultures fill the streets, Ciutat Vella is the perfect place. This area consists of four neighborhoods: El Raval, La Barceloneta, El Gòtic, Sant Pere, and Santa Caterina i la Ribera; each of them with different characteristics yet so close to one another. Here you will find the best cuisine from around the globe, cozy and exceptional music bars, even Roman ruins glassed off in the middle of a park. This area has a charming and unique atmosphere that will make anyone fall in love with Barcelona (if they haven’t yet!), as it is difficult to compete with a neighborhood that boasts art, history, vibes and the beach, all in one area.
