The slower, more relaxed pace of life in Spain is an attractive draw for many people who live a more hectic life across the Atlantic. The dream of buying a villa on the Costa Blanca overlooking the sea is a powerful incentive but what is it really like for Americans who take the plunge and move to Spain?
The Costa Blanca offers an average of more than 300 days of sunshine per year, with winter temperatures being pleasantly warm and summer heat calmed by the breeze that drifts inland from the sea, particularly as the tide turns. Property prices in Spain are also rather tempting, with real estate prices often being significantly lower than in the US, allowing those who move here to have a great property in an ideal location. For those who plan to spend part of the year in Spain, renting the home out is also a good option to pay some of the costs.
The tax and legal obligations of buying a property in Spain might bewilder those from the US, and it is essential to hire the services of a good English-speaking lawyer to help with this. Hamiltons Real Estate (formerly Hamiltons of London) has been successfully helping people find their dream home for 25 years, and our experienced and friendly team will be able to suggest a solicitor to help with your move.
If you decide that you would like to move to Spain permanently, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residency permit. The Spanish Golden Visa Programme has now ended, so this is no longer an option for new applicants. Fortunately, there are several other visa routes available to Americans, including non-lucrative, digital nomad, and work visas, each with its own requirements. Once again, your lawyer will be able to help you choose the most suitable option and guide you through the process of obtaining residency in Spain.
The first step to integrating into local life on the Costa Blanca is to learn some basic Spanish. Although many people will speak English, the effort is always appreciated. Some Spanish may also be necessary if you plan to visit inland villages away from the coastal and tourist areas. The welcoming Spaniards will soon accept you as part of their hometown, and you can better enjoy the local culture and festivals if you have some understanding of the history and language of your new home. You will find that there are also plenty of local international clubs to become involved in, and making new friends from all over the world will make for a very fulfilling life in your new home.
Embrace the change that you will feel in Spain with a more relaxed attitude to time, and enjoying a siesta during the day may be a little bit of a shock to those used to perhaps a more strict and efficient way of life. Deadlines are more flexible, and appointments may be late. Relax and enjoy the slower pace, which greatly improves your quality of life and is a key part of the way things are done in Spain.
The draw of the sunny shores of the Costa Blanca means that there is a large international community of ex-pats, with an abundance of social groups available to join, and several events are organised that cater to Americans living abroad. Such groups are great for ensuring that you start to feel at home and avoid feeling alone in your new environment.
There might be some obstacles on the way but, when you finally own a property on the Costa Blanca, you will be able to enjoy a relaxed and sociable life, or alone time sitting with a glass of local wine on your terrace watching the sun go down. With careful planning and a little patience, your new adventure in Spain will soon be a reality.
Yes. Americans are free to buy property in Spain, although it is advisable to use an independent English-speaking lawyer to guide you through the legal process and ensure everything is completed correctly.
Yes. Americans who wish to live in Spain for more than 90 days will generally need the appropriate visa or residency permit. The best option depends on your personal circumstances and current Spanish immigration regulations.
Yes. The Costa Blanca offers an excellent climate, beautiful beaches, welcoming communities, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, making it a popular destination for Americans looking to relocate or buy a second home.
Property prices vary depending on the location and type of home. Apartments can often be found from around €200,000, townhouses from approximately €300,000, and villas generally start from around €400,000, with luxury homes in prime coastal locations reaching several million euros.
Most Americans travelling to the Northern Costa Blanca will arrive via Madrid or another major European hub before taking a connecting flight to either Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and Valencia Airport. Depending on where you buy your property, the journey from either airport to your new home usually takes between one and one-and-a-half hours.
Yes. Whether you are looking for a villa, apartment, townhouse, finca, or another property, the Hamiltons Real Estate team can help you find the right home on the Northern Costa Blanca.
Updated in July 2026 by the Hamiltons Real Estate team (formerly Hamiltons of London).
