Beyond the City Walls: A Close Look at Valencia’s Best Suburbs Near Top International Schools

Not every family looking to settle in Valencia dreams of city living. For many, the ideal home lies just outside the city walls — where there’s more space, cleaner air, quieter evenings, and a sense of community that comes from living just far enough away. For families relocating with school-age children, proximity to an international school is often what defines their search.

The good news? Valencia’s suburbs are more than just bedroom communities. They’re well-developed, connected, and in many cases, purpose-built for families. And while there’s no single “perfect” area, there are a handful of premium urbanisations that consistently stand out — not just for their quality of life, but for their proximity to some of the region’s best international schools.

Here’s a detailed look at Valencia’s most desirable areas near international schools within 30 km of the city, through the lens of what matters most to relocating families: real housing options, access to education, daily convenience, and long-term value.

1. Santa Bárbara (Rocafort)
Elegant, private, and community-focused

Located just 10 km from Valencia city, Santa Bárbara is one of the most established gated communities in the metropolitan area. Designed in the 1960s, it remains a symbol of discreet affluence — elegant, residential, and protected by 24-hour private security.

Homes here are predominantly large, detached villas with mature gardens and pools. Plots tend to be generous, often upwards of 1,000 m². Architecture ranges from traditional Mediterranean to contemporary rebuilds.

Families choose Santa Bárbara for:

• Direct access to Cambridge House, La Devesa, and Domino Servite School
• Private country club, tennis courts, social facilities
• Quick drive to the CV-35 highway and Godella metro (15 mins to city)
• Reliable services: international vets, English-speaking doctors, local gourmet shops

This is a neighborhood for families who want calm, privacy, and space — without being isolated.

2. Campolivar (Godella)
Residential calm with metro access and variety in housing

Campolivar sits between Rocafort and Godella and offers a slightly more accessible alternative to Santa Bárbara, both in terms of price and lifestyle. It’s a leafy, open residential area with wide avenues, parks, and a mix of housing styles.

You’ll find everything from traditional villas on 800+ m² plots to more compact townhouses and newer developments aimed at younger families.

Key facts:

• Served by the Godella and Rocafort metro stops
• Less than 15 minutes from Valencia by car
• Close to Cambridge House and Domino Servite
• Presence of bilingual nurseries and local Spanish schools
• Walking distance to Godella town center with cafes, bakeries, markets

Campolivar is ideal for families who want a neighborhood feel, proximity to international schooling, and more flexibility in housing size and budget.

3. La Cañada (Paterna)
Lively, connected, and family-friendly

La Cañada isn’t a gated urbanisation but a well-developed residential area within Paterna municipality, just 12 km northwest of Valencia. With a train line, two metro stations, and direct highway access, it’s one of the best connected suburban zones.

Unlike more secluded areas, La Cañada is vibrant year-round. It has its own commercial streets, restaurants, medical services, and public facilities.

Home types range from classic chalets to newer semi-detached houses, and apartments closer to the town center.

Why families choose La Cañada:

• Proximity to British College La Cañada, El Plantío International School, and Lycée Français (main campus nearby in Paterna)
• Metro lines 2 and 9 for school commutes and city access
• Family-oriented sports clubs and municipal swimming pools
• Bike paths and green areas (near La Vallesa forest)

For those who don’t need a gated community but want a family ecosystem with amenities, La Cañada checks many boxes.

4. El Plantío (Paterna)
A micro-urbanisation with villa charm and easy access

Tucked into the pine-covered hills adjacent to La Cañada, El Plantío offers a quieter, greener environment. It consists almost exclusively of private villas, some newly built and others dating back to the 1970s-80s, often renovated.

There are no tall buildings or apartment blocks — just homes with gardens, typically used by families who work in the city but want more privacy.

Features include:

• Walking distance to El Plantío International School
• Fast connection to CV-35 (15 minutes to central Valencia)
• Proximity to hiking trails and nature
• Close to local shopping zones and the Heron City entertainment center

This is a good choice for families who want calm and greenery without being isolated.

5. Mas Camarena (Bétera)
Modern, secure, and self-contained

Mas Camarena is a master-planned gated urbanisation northeast of Valencia. It’s been designed with families in mind — modern homes, security, schools, shops, and sports all within the community.

You’ll find both townhouses and detached villas, all with a sometimes too uniform architectural style, private streets, and shared green areas.

Why it’s attractive:

• Home to Mas Camarena International School (bilingual, private)
• On-site shops, gym, clinic, restaurants, and paddle courts
• Private security and traffic-calmed streets
• Near Escorpión Golf Club and Heron City
• Accessible by car (CV-35), less convenient by metro

This is one of the few areas where families can live, shop, educate, and socialize — all without needing to drive into Valencia daily.

6. Torre en Conill (Bétera)
Golf-side luxury with space and peace

Adjacent to Mas Camarena but more upmarket and spacious, Torre en Conill is built around the Escorpión Golf Course. Homes here are typically detached and sit on larger plots, with a more refined, villa-style atmosphere.

This urbanisation is favored by executives, returning Spaniards, and foreign buyers seeking a balance between exclusivity and accessibility.

Highlights:

• Gated security and golf community environment
• Close to Mas Camarena School, 10 minutes from Cambridge House
• Larger plots and newer builds (post-2000)
• Direct car access via CV-35, Bétera town 5 minutes away

Torre en Conill is for families who value peace, architecture, and a more mature environment — with schools still within 15 minutes’ reach.

7. L’Eliana (and Montealegre, Entrepinos, Hendaya)
Suburban life with its own identity

L’Eliana is more than just a suburb — it’s a town with its own energy, services, and identity. Yet it remains deeply residential, and several of its micro-urbanisations are very appealing to international families.

You’ll find:

• Montealegre, Entrepinos, Hendaya: quieter residential zones with villas
• Easy access to Iale International School and Rivas Luna School
• Excellent metro connection (Line 2) to Valencia
• Markets, cafés, and municipal sports center
• A mix of older chalets and new builds

Families who want town life, green spaces, and walkable schools often find L’Eliana to be a sweet spot.

8. Náquera
Forest-side living with growing appeal for families

Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Calderona Natural Park, Náquera has long been known as a weekend escape for Valencians — but in recent years, it has quietly become a full-time home for many families seeking affordable space, green surroundings, and a slower pace of life. While it’s slightly further from the international schools than other suburbs, several families choose to make the daily drive because of the lifestyle it offers.

Náquera offers a variety of detached houses — from older chalets on large wooded plots to new-build modern villas. There’s less density, more nature, and more silence.

Why some families are drawn here:

• Larger plots at more accessible prices
• Surrounded by forest, trails, and clean air
• Under 35 minutes to Valencia by car via CV-35 + CV-310
• 25–30 min drive to schools like Cambridge House, Iale, or Elian’s
• Strong community of remote workers, artists, and nature-loving expats

You won’t find a metro station or international café around the corner, but you will find views, space, and a sense of calm that many families increasingly seek. For those who can manage the commute, Náquera offers something the closer suburbs can’t: real rural charm with urban access.

9. Los Monasterios & Alfinach (Puçol)
Gated prestige north of the city

Though just at the 30 km limit, these two gated communities in Puçol are some of the most exclusive in the province. They attract international buyers primarily because of their quality and proximity to American School of Valencia.

• Los Monasterios: large villas, country club, sea and mountain views
• Alfinach: slightly more accessible, with a similar premium profile
• Strong sense of community, security, and privacy
• No metro, but ASV school bus and AP-7 highway provide access

These areas are ideal for families prioritizing quality of life, safety, and bilingual/American-style education — with space to grow.

10. Valterna (Paterna)
Modern, urban-suburban blend near the Lycée Français

Valterna is a newer, planned neighborhood close to the main Lycée Français de Valence campus. It offers modern apartments, semi-detached homes, and gated communities that cater to middle-to-upper income families.

• 5 minutes from Valencia via CV-35
• Access to tram/bus to city
• Parks, gyms, local schools, cafés
• Lower price point than Rocafort or Santa Bárbara, but convenient and family-ready

For French-speaking families wanting to stay close to the Lycée without moving too far from city life, Valterna is a practical choice.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Urbanisation Starts with Your Family’s Reality

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to Valencia’s suburbs. Some families prioritize walkability to school, others want space for pets and gardens, and others still seek gated security or proximity to a particular curriculum.

Each of these urbanisations has its own rhythm, style, and long-term potential. What they all have in common is a direct link to international education — and a lifestyle that lets children grow up in a safe, balanced, and connected environment.

If you’d like help matching your family’s needs with the right area — whether that’s a private villa in Rocafort, a modern apartment near Valterna, or a golfside retreat in Bétera — we’d be happy to guide you.

Let’s talk. Our team can help you navigate the suburbs — school options, housing, logistics, and all — with clarity and local insight.