Moving to Valencia: Pretty Photos, Different Reality

Dénia was a bubble.

We had the sea, the pool, beautiful views, good food, cafés and a life that felt relatively easy. When we first arrived, the very first apartment I walked into became our home. The school came easily too. Looking back, I think Dénia gave me a completely unrealistic idea of how moving within Spain worked.

Then our landlady decided to sell the apartment.

And I thought: Maybe this is the moment. It’s time for something different.

What I didn’t understand was how difficult that “something different” was going to be.

I had already decided that we would live in Russafa. Yes, one of Valencia’s most in-demand (and possibly most controversial) neighbourhoods.

But I know what kind of place makes me feel alive. I lived on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park, Chicago, and on Kensington Park Road in London. I’m not listing old addresses to sound fancy. I’m saying it because I like neighbourhoods with character. I want to walk out of my house and feel something: my favourite local café, an art gallery, a record shop, interesting people, beautiful buildings and a little bit of chaos.

I like style. I like a vibe. Russafa had both.

People told me it would be almost impossible. I wasn’t rich enough. I didn’t have the right Spanish paperwork. I had children. I did not have enough savings...etc. etc. And, just to make it more interesting, I decided I would find our home without paying an agency fee.

Why? Because during my first attempt, I nearly got scammed.

That was my welcome to the Valencia rental market.

So if you are planning to move here, bring more than your suitcase. Bring resilience, courage, patience, persistence, and a very healthy level of suspicion.

Not every agent is dishonest, of course. But when you are new, don’t let anyone treat you like a baby who doesn’t understand the rules. Ask questions. Check everything. Don’t transfer money because someone is rushing you or telling you that ten other people are waiting. (which usually is actually true in most cases, but...)

And most importantly, don’t believe everyone who tells you that what you want is impossible.

People always tell me, “It’s not possible. You won’t be able to do it.” And somehow I do it anyways....

Do not ever listen to people!!! Because You CAN!!!