Ready to Retire? Seven Compelling Reasons to Choose Andalusia
Among Americans, retiring abroad is nothing new and it is further surging in popularity. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2022 more than 450 thousand retired Americans received benefits while living in another country. That number, explained by USA Today, is more than double that of retired workers who received benefits in 1999. As more and more Americans retire abroad and particularly in Spain, our company, Milcham is ready to help them settle in Costa del Sol, Andalusia.
Even though Portugal leads the list of the World’s Best Places to retire, Spain is close behind as a firm number two. Numerous surveys among expats living in various countries not only in Europe but also in Central and South America have confirmed Spain’s uncontested position as the second best place to retire.
Here are seven of the key reasons why I encourage my clients and friends to move here:
1. Longevity and High Quality Healthcare
People in Spain take the lead for living longer than in any country in the world with an average lifespan of 85.8 years. The public healthcare system offers quality care for every resident. The “Sistema Nacional de Salud” is one of the best in the world according to the WHO. Each of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain administers its own health care system. This affects ease of access to specialist doctors and hospital equipment which varies by region. Private insurance is also of a reliable quality at a fraction of the cost than in the United States.
2. Affordable Cost of Living
Most expats who moved to Spain will tell you that they have sliced their budget by more than half by coming here. Not only is housing less expensive, so is the cost of food, clothing and public transportation. Eating out is not a luxury in Spain, particularly if you frequent the restaurants where the locals go. The only item that exceeds the cost in the US is gasoline, which is why most people drive small cars or electric vehicles. The parking spaces are usually smaller anyway and don’t accommodate large vehicles like let’s say an American pickup truck or a Hummer.
If you want to explore Spain, rail, not flying is your best option. As of today, the Spanish High Speed network spans 3,402 kilometres, which is the longest high performing network in operation in Europe and second in the world after China. This puts the network ahead of those in other countries that have a great tradition in this mode of transport.
3. The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is the No 1 reason people live longer in Spain. The diet includes olive oil, fresh fish, chicken, pulses, fruit and leafy vegetables. Olive oil is key to good Spanish cooking. Affordable fruit, vegetables, nuts, meats and fish are widely available and are affordable. These foods are rich in omega-3 and 6 which makes the Mediterranean diet excellent for health. These beneficial factors reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, blood pressure and other diseases.
Locals are proud to live in a foodie paradise. Family-run restaurants offer superb quality at a good price range. We know that moderate sized portions help control body weight. And Spanish tapas are delicious bites of ham, cheese, tortilla and more… to share.
4. 300 Days of Sunshine
Sunlight is another reason why people live longer in Spain. Sunshine lifts our spirits and boosts our health. You can feel the benefit! How does sunlight improve our health? It activates our body’s production of Vitamin D and serotonin. Serotonin is often called a ‘happy’ chemical which boosts our natural appetite, sleep, mood, memory and learning ability. Andalusia, in particular la Costa del Sol, has 300 days of sunshine per year, days of azure blue skies and warm sunshine. A constant comfortable temperature enables our body to run in an energy-efficient mode. The climate in Spain is generally mild compared to northern countries in Europe.
La Costa del Sol is the favorite vacation spot to millions of Europeans due to its mild winters and hot summers. The climate is perfect for enjoying playing golf or other outdoor sports the entire year. No wonder the Malaga airport is now the fourth largest in passenger traffic in Spain (after Madrid, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona).
5. A Country Rich in History and Culture
Spain is a fascinating country full of history and culture. Whether you live in Malaga, a city which history spans for 2,800 years or in Madrid, the country’s capital, you will be discovering the legacy from other civilizations like the Phoenicians, the Romans, Moors and the Celts who were the previous inhabitants of this land called Iberia. Living in Spain is like having a huge museum at your fingertips, with incredible landmarks and 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located throughout the country.
The Moors conquered large parts of Spain in the 8th Century and as a result, the country and Andalusia in particular, has a lot of Moorish influence. The Moors – or more accurately, the Arabs in North Africa – were occupying a large part of Spain between the years 711 and 1492. During that period, many elements of their culture became ingrained into Spanish society, including food, music and architecture. It also extends to Moorish handicrafts, including the intricate tiles that you’ll find in many Spanish buildings.
6. Cultural Celebrations and Social Life
You never have to wait long for something to celebrate in Spain. There are local festivals, saints days and 14 national public holidays. Many calendar dates mark a historical event or patron saint. Days which give us a glorious excuse to dress up and have a party. Join in local celebrations of music, color and lively show.
Spain is not a wonderland or a Mediterranean utopia. Still, living in Spain offers many reasons to be cheerful. Holiday celebrations are one of the reasons why people live longer. Life is the occasion to celebrate. So, adopt a positive attitude and learn Spanish. You can then enjoy an animated conversation with expressive gestures. The Spanish language uses more positive words of ‘laughter’ and ‘love’ than sad emotions. So, notice the moments of joy in living. ¡La alegría de vivir!
Having said that, English is widely spoken in Costa del Sol for it is the preferred place for non-Spanish speaking Europeans to either retire or own a second home.
7. Personal Safety
Violent crime is incredibly low, and Spain is one of Europe's safest countries for tourists. Whilst Spain is safe, crime can happen anywhere. If it's going to happen while you're traveling around Spain, it will most likely occur in one of the larger cities, particularly around the main tourist landmarks. I would choose Spain a thousand times over other popular retirement locations such as Mexico, Costa Rica or Panama! I have traveled every single country in Latin America either for business or pleasure and I have never felt safer in my life since I moved permanently to Andalusia a year and a half ago.