Choosing the right place to retire is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about finding a place to live; it’s about finding somewhere you can truly enjoy this next chapter of life with peace of mind, comfort, and access to the things that matter. Valencia — along with its scenic coastline and relaxed satellite towns — is becoming a rising favourite for retirees from the US, the UK, and beyond. And it’s not difficult to understand why.

At Livin’Valencia, we’ve supported hundreds of retirees making the move to Spain. We know that retiring abroad is not a postcard fantasy — it’s a complex process involving lifestyle choices, paperwork, financial planning, and finding the right home. Our goal is to guide you through every step, with empathy, clarity, and deep local knowledge.

Whether you’re considering retiring in Valencia from the UK or from the US, we’ve created dedicated, in-depth articles just for you. Discover them here:
👉 A Practical Guide for UK Retirees: Retire in Valencia from the UK
👉 A Realistic Guide for American Retirees: Retire in Valencia from the US

But if you’re still exploring the big picture, here are six reasons why Valencia and its coast might be the best retirement choice you ever make:

1. A Realistic and Affordable Cost of Living

In retirement, financial planning is key — and Valencia gives you more value for your money than most other European cities. Whether you’re renting or buying, housing prices are still significantly lower than in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or most major cities in the UK and US. Public transport is affordable and efficient. Local markets offer fresh produce at a fraction of supermarket prices. Dining out is not a luxury — it’s part of daily life.

You can enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle, filled with great food, cultural outings, and outdoor activities, while keeping your budget comfortably in check. This is one of the many reasons retirees from North America and Northern Europe are now turning to Valencia and the Costa Blanca.

2. The Mediterranean Climate That Truly Supports Well-being

Valencia’s weather is often cited as one of its greatest assets — and for good reason. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters, and dry summers, it’s a place where you can stay outdoors and active all year long.

For retirees coming from harsher climates, this alone can be life-changing. You’ll find yourself walking more, spending time on terraces, enjoying sea breezes, and living in rhythm with the seasons. The sun, the sea, and the slower pace all contribute to improved physical and mental health — and it’s no coincidence that Spain consistently ranks among the healthiest countries in the world.

3. A Deep Cultural Life to Keep You Engaged

Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down — not in spirit. Valencia offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences to keep you mentally active and socially engaged. From Roman ruins and Gothic cathedrals to avant-garde museums and world-famous festivals, the city blends heritage with contemporary flair.

You can join language exchanges, cooking workshops, attend open-air concerts, or simply explore local traditions like Las Fallas or the quieter, food-centric Fira de Nadal markets. There’s always something happening, and if you’re curious and open, you’ll never feel like an outsider for long.

4. Leisure and Wellness for Active Retirees

A happy retirement means staying active — physically, socially, and mentally. In Valencia and on the Costa Blanca, you’ll find a wide range of leisure activities tailored to different lifestyles. Golf courses like El Bosque, La Sella, or Club de Golf Escorpión offer world-class experiences, often with discounted memberships for seniors. Sailing is a local tradition, with marinas in Valencia, Denia, Altea, and Jávea offering both relaxed cruising and club culture.

There are yoga and Pilates studios in nearly every neighbourhood, often with English-speaking instructors. You’ll also find swimming pools, hiking clubs, bridge nights, and even university courses for older adults at local learning centres. Whether you’re into wellness, sports, or cultural discovery, you’ll have no shortage of enriching routines.

5. Quality Healthcare You Can Count On

Access to healthcare is often one of the biggest concerns for retirees — and rightly so. Valencia offers a strong network of both public and private health services. Public healthcare is available to residents, while private plans offer affordable, fast-track access to top professionals — many of whom speak English.

Modern hospitals like Hospital IMED Valencia, Hospital Clínico, or Quirónsalud provide specialised care across nearly every field. At Livin’Valencia, we work closely with clients to help register for the Spanish healthcare system or choose the right private health insurance as part of our relocation services.

6. A Well-Connected Base for European Travel

Valencia is not only a fantastic place to live — it’s also a strategic point for travel. The Valencia airport (Manises) offers direct flights to London, Dublin, Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, and many US gateways via Madrid or Lisbon. You’re also connected to the rest of Spain via high-speed trains (AVE), making cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga just a few hours away.

This means you can live a relaxed daily life, and still travel easily — whether for family visits, city breaks, or medical check-ups abroad. You’ll have the best of both worlds: local simplicity and European access.

And Yes — The Process Is Manageable

You may be wondering: is all this actually possible? Is it complicated? The truth is: yes, you’ll need to plan, but no, you don’t need to do it alone. Whether it’s the Non-Lucrative Visa for UK, US, Canadian, or any other non-EU citizens, the NIE application, or buying a property, we provide personalised guidance at every stage. Our home buying services, and relocation services are tailored for international retirees — we represent you. We vet the properties, help you understand true costs, and ensure every legal box is ticked.

Ready to explore if Valencia is your next chapter?

We invite you to schedule a free one-to-one video consultation with our team. It’s warm, informal, and fully focused on your situation. Whether you’re at the dreaming stage or already comparing properties, we’ll help you understand your options with clarity and care.

👉 Contact us directly here or book your free consultation — and let’s find out together whether life in Valencia or the Costa Blanca is the perfect fit for your retirement plans.