Thread: Retiring to Valencia -- Few Questions

Hello, everyone.

My husband and I are American, recently retired from state government. Our plan is to move to Valencia by the end of this year.

I have read through the majority of posts on this forum, and found a lot of very good information. I do have a few questions, though:

1. What are the best/worst areas/neighborhoods to live in Valencia?
2. Can anyone recommend a reputable relocation agency?
3. If you retire to Spain, but are not paying into social security, it is my understanding we will need our own private medical insurance since our insurance in the U.S. will not cover us in Spain. Any suggested insurance companies?

Thank you in advance for any information you can provide.

Joanna

Hello and welcome Jokofi ;-))

Whilst not living directly in the city itself, David Goodall, CD and ElJefe live in the Valencia Province so may be able to add insight. Hopefully they'll come along soon with input ;-)

Valencia is a beautiful city, however I am unable to say how it compares with the US. The last time I was in the States was 1966. There was a US Citizen on here recently who had had just moved to Barcelona, and Gregg gave him information about car sales at the airport. Does anyone know whether he is a Contributory member?
CD

Hi Joanna,

Not sure if you are looking at moving to the actual city or the outskirts of Valencia. One of the nicest places to live in the city is the district of Camins al Grau.

I'd assume though that living outside of the city might be a bit more relaxed, especially if you are looking to retire there.

Here are some relocation companies that you will find in Valencia:

moving2valencia

beaposa - Relocation Services in Valencia

Relocation Valencia

Valencia Relocation S.L.

As for insurance I suggest Mapfre or Sanitas:

Sanitas

Mapfre

Hope this helps. Keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask any other questions in any of the forum sections.

Greg

Originally Posted by greg

Hi Joanna,

Not sure if you are looking at moving to the actual city or the outskirts of Valencia. One of the nicest places to live in the city is the district of Camins al Grau.

I'd assume though that living outside of the city might be a bit more relaxed, especially if you are looking to retire there.

Here are some relocation companies that you will find in Valencia:

moving2valencia

beaposa - Relocation Services in Valencia

Relocation Valencia

Valencia Relocation S.L.

As for insurance I suggest Mapfre or Sanitas:

Sanitas

Mapfre

Hope this helps. Keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask any other questions in any of the forum sections.

Greg

Thank you, Greg, for all the information. I have contacted a couple of the relocation companies and now looking into some kind of health insurance.

As far as locations in the city of Valencia, we are looking for a nice area close to public transportation, cafes, markets, restaurants, etc., but not downtown where it tends to be noisier at night. Someone recommended the Campanar area. Is that a nice area, in your opinion? I will also look into the Camins al Grau area.

Do you know if retired Americans moving to Spain qualify for any of the health services offered to locals? In the past, we were told that when we became residents, we would be eligible for all those services, but I am wondering with the bad economy all over Europe (same as in the U.S.), that those services would not be available to us.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks for all your help!

Being a resident in Spain does not entitle you automatically to health benefits. If you are working and paying tax into the Spanish system, then you may be entitled to free health care. There are different rules for Citizens of the European Union and those such as you from elsewhere. My mother in law, A Colombian citizen aged 93, has been living in Spain as a resident for ten years. Although she has free medical care, we still have to pay for her medication.
CD

Thank you, Thader, for the information. I didn't think we would qualify for free health care, since we will not be paying into the Spanish system. We will have to look into private health insurance when we get there.

Thanks!

Private health insurance is much cheaper than in the U.S. It is also possible to pay to join the Spanish National health system.
CD

I am friendly with an American lady who has been in Spain many years, I wonder if you and she may want to chat ? Also have you heard about the AWC ? it is now called the American Womens Club ( used to be wives) they hold meetings and events throughout the year.

Also try looking for the International Womens Club Valencia...

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS CLUB
Valencia, Spain updated Mar-2005
We meet once a month for coffee and to share tips and information about living in Valencia, we also organise other events such as family activities and days out. Although our common language is English we welcome members of all nationalities.


Hope that helps a bit.