Why Expat Families Choose La Cañada for Relocation
Expat Families La Cañada for Relocation

Located just outside the city of Valencia (Spain), La Cañada has become a preferred choice for families who want space, greenery, and access to good schools—without disconnecting from urban life. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this neighborhood so appealing, especially for those moving to Valencia with children or long-term plans in mind.

Note: Confused by all the Cañadas? You’re not alone. Some of our readers were actually looking for La Cañada Flintridge in California—and a few even meant Canada. If you’re one of them, don’t worry: we’ve written a lighthearted comparison to clear it all up → Read our take on La Cañada vs. La Cañada Flintridge (and a nod to Canada too).

But if you’re here for La Cañada, just outside Valencia, Spain—you’re in the right place.

A Breath of Fresh Air Just Outside the City

La Cañada is a residential area located just 12 km from Valencia city, within the municipality of Paterna. What sets it apart is its unique blend of nature, space, and easy access to urban amenities. Surrounded by pine forests and protected green zones, this suburb has long been a refuge for Valencian families seeking space and calm—something that increasingly resonates with international families as well.

For expats relocating from denser urban environments, La Cañada offers the rare luxury of air, light, and silence. Houses often come with gardens, pools, and shaded terraces—perfect for children, pets, and those craving an outdoor lifestyle. And yet, you’re only 20 minutes from the city center by metro or car.

At Livin’Valencia, we’ve helped dozens of families find the right fit here—balancing space, budget, and lifestyle with proximity to international schools and essential services.

More Than a Suburb: A Community Where You’ll Feel Welcome

La Cañada isn’t just about space—it’s about belonging. Many of our clients have remarked how quickly they felt integrated here. While Spanish families have called this area home for generations, the expat community is well-established, active, and welcoming.

Local associations often organize events, open-air concerts, sports tournaments, and street markets. Cafés are filled with familiar faces, and neighbors tend to know one another. For families coming from abroad, this makes all the difference.

When we guide families relocating to Valencia, we always point out places like La Cañada not just for their real estate—but for the life that awaits there.

Access to Top International Schools

School choice often determines where a family settles—and La Cañada delivers. Within a 10-minute radius, you’ll find several of the most renowned private and international schools in the Valencian Community:

  • British College La Cañada (British curriculum)
  • El Plantío International School (British + IB)
  • Liceo Francés de Valencia (French national curriculum, just a few minutes away in Paterna)
  • Colegio Palma and Colegio Santo Tomás de Villanueva, among others

Most of these offer bilingual or trilingual programs, ideal for children transitioning from abroad. And with our relocation support, we help you contact schools, schedule visits, and understand registration timelines—because yes, they do fill up fast.

Quick, Direct Access to Valencia City

Despite its leafy, almost rural atmosphere, La Cañada is seamlessly connected:

  • Metro Line 2 links you to the city center in under 25 minutes.
  • The CV-35 highway offers quick car access to Valencia, the airport (15 minutes), and the CV-30 ring road.
  • Bike paths and walking routes connect the neighborhood to nearby areas like L’Eliana and La Vallesa.

This connectivity makes it especially appealing to families where one parent commutes into the city for work or travel is a regular part of life.

What Does It Cost to Live in La Cañada?

The real estate market in La Cañada has grown steadily, particularly since the pandemic increased demand for space and outdoor living.

  • A family home with garden typically starts around €450,000.
  • For larger or fully renovated villas, especially with pools or proximity to top schools, prices often start at €600,000 and can exceed €1M in the most consolidated streets.
  • Apartments are rarer but may be found starting from €180,000–€250,000, usually in newer developments.

As Livin’Valencia is not tied to any agency, we offer unbiased advice on price trends and location. We also help negotiate prices, evaluate construction quality, and spot hidden costs in older homes—common in this area.

Everyday Life: Parks, Markets, and a Mediterranean Rhythm

Life in La Cañada follows a calmer pace—without sacrificing convenience. The suburb has everything families need:

  • Local pharmacies, bakeries, and fresh produce markets
  • Restaurants and cafés ranging from family-friendly terraces to paella spots by the pinewoods
  • Valterna and Heron City shopping areas just 10 minutes away
  • Public health centers and private clinics nearby

The Turia Natural Park and La Vallesa Forest are on your doorstep, offering cycling, hiking, and picnic areas. For those who love the Mediterranean lifestyle but don’t want the bustle of downtown or the isolation of remote countryside, La Cañada hits the balance.

How We Help You Relocate or Buy in La Cañada

At Livin’Valencia, we’ve guided many families through the process of settling in La Cañada—from the first video call to the final signature and beyond. Our services are tailored to your needs:

  • Relocation Support: For buyers and renters—includes school selection, neighborhood visits, NIE/TIE procedures, and utilities setup.
  • Home Buying Services: We pre-select, schedule, and evaluate properties that fit your criteria. No sales pressure—just smart guidance.
  • Legal and Administrative Oversight: We connect you with trustworthy notaries, lawyers, and tax advisors to ensure your transaction is sound.
  • Post-Move Assistance: Need to repaint, install solar panels, or enroll your kids in school? We’re still by your side.

We know the market. We know the area. But most importantly—we know what moving feels like.

Thinking of Moving to La Cañada? Let’s Talk

La Cañada isn’t just a neighborhood. For many families, it’s the beginning of a new rhythm, a new language, a new season of life.

And if that’s what you’re looking for, we’d be glad to help you make it real.

Book a 15-minute courtesy consultation with us

Or discover more about buying property in La Cañada

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