Leading US magazine Forbes has released a 2024 list of the best retirement locations in Spain.
The magazine praises the country for being ‘sunny’ and ‘much cheaper’ than the US.
The publisher also said it was ‘relatively easy’ to gain the right to stay in the country, while its healthcare is ‘excellent and cheap’.
In addition, ‘crime rate is low’ and ‘politics are stable’, it says.
The article adds: “The renewable, oddly named Non-Lucrative Residence Visa is relatively easy for a US retiree to get upon a showing of adequate annual income, roughly $39,000 a year for a couple.
“Spain doesn’t tax pensions of retired expat government workers, and a tax treaty between the U.S. and Spain eliminates many double taxation issues.”
However it does warn prospective residents that some knowledge of Spanish is a must.
But the truth is there are many expats who have spent decades in Spain without learning a word.
Among the best locations for Americans to retire to is the Costa del Sol, says Forbes.
Translating as the sunny coast, the 150km stretch includes popular resorts such as Malaga, Marbella, Estepona and Manilva.
It has long been a hotspot for Brits of all ages and is recently proving a hit with American hous hunters.
Elsewhere, Forbes advises Bilbao, in the northern Basque Country.
The city is famous for its food and iconic ‘pintxos’ – essentially pieces of bread stacked with delicious tapas. It’s also a very cultural city and is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Also among the four areas mentioned by Forbes is Alicante, on the Costa Blanca.
The area boasts stunning beaches and landscape and has been a popular holiday destination for decades.
It also has cheaper property prices than more luxury markets like the Costa del Sol.
The Costa del Azahar, aka Orange Blossom Coast, is also a good choice for retirees, according to Forbes.
The area sits just above the Costa Blanca and includes the provinces of Castellon and Valencia. Popular towns include Peñiscola, Benicarlo, Oropesa del Mar, Benicassim and Castellon de la Plana.
