Moving to Granada, Spain
Last updated on Jun 09, 2024
Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Granada, Spain for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The city is home to the world-famous Alhambra palace, a stunning example of Moorish architecture, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Granada also boasts a lively music and arts scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. With its mild climate, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living, Granada is an attractive destination for expats looking to experience the best of Spanish culture.
What do I need to know before moving to Granada?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Granada, they said:
"Granada is a beautiful city in southern Spain, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Before moving to Granada, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as Spanish is the official language of the city. Additionally, expats should research the cost of living in Granada, as it is slightly higher than the national average. It is also important to note that Granada is a very hot city, with temperatures often reaching over 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months. Finally, expats should be aware of the city's rich cultural heritage, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year," remarked one expat in Granada, Spain.
How do I find a place to live in Granada?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Granada is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings for apartments, houses, and other types of accommodation in Granada. Additionally, you can search for local real estate agents who specialize in Granada rentals. You can also look for classified ads in local newspapers and magazines, or ask friends and family who may know of available rentals. Finally, you can visit the city and look for “For Rent” signs in the windows of buildings," said one expat in Granada.
With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Granada?
"Expat homes and apartments in Granada typically feature bright, airy interiors with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments have balconies or terraces, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The apartments are usually well-equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and washing machines. The city's vibrant culture and history are reflected in the architecture of the buildings, with many of them featuring traditional Spanish elements such as tiled floors and ornate balconies," remarked one expat in Granada, Spain.
What is the average cost of housing in Granada?
If you are thinking about moving to Granada, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Granada can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and the area. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Granada is around €500-€700 per month, while the average cost of buying a property is around €1,500-€2,000 per square meter," remarked one expat who made the move to Granada.
Should I buy or rent a home in Granada?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Granada, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"Buying a home in Granada can be a great investment, as the city is known for its rich culture and history. The cost of living in Granada is relatively low compared to other cities in Spain, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home. Additionally, Granada offers a variety of housing options, from traditional Spanish-style homes to modern apartments. Renting a home in Granada can also be a great option, as it allows you to experience the city without the commitment of buying a home. Renting can also be a great way to explore different neighborhoods and find the perfect place to call home," remarked one expat who made the move to Granada.
What should I pack when moving to Granada?
We asked people living in Granada to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"When moving to Granada, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing that is suitable for the warm Mediterranean climate. Bring a few items of warmer clothing for the cooler winter months. Make sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes, as Granada is a city of hills and cobblestone streets. Don't forget to bring a few items to help you adjust to the culture, such as a Spanish-English dictionary, a phrasebook, and a guidebook. Finally, don't forget to bring any necessary documents, such as your passport and visa," said one expat who made the move to Granada.
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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Granada?
We asked people in Granada if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"In Granada, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is considered impolite to be loud or disruptive in public places, such as churches or museums. It is also important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as covering your shoulders and legs. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public places, as this can be seen as disrespectful. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local cuisine and to avoid eating or drinking in public places, as this is considered rude," said one expat who made the move to Granada.
Why do people move to Granada?
When we asked people why foreigners move to Granada, they responded:
"There are several reasons - climate, cost of living (it is very cheap to live in Granada), location (access to ski resort in 45 min by bus, and to the beach in an hour), plenty of historical sites to see, plenty of cultural things to do (theater, music, dance, churches, cultural events). Because it's also a university town and has two of UNESCO world Heritage sites," commented one expat who moved to Granada.
"It's a medium sized college town that is very vibrant and inter-cultural Also near the coast and skiing," said one expat.
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
How are healthcare services Granada?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Granada, they replied:
"Granada offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is provided by the Spanish National Health System (SNS), which is funded by the government and provides free healthcare to all citizens. The SNS operates a network of public hospitals and clinics throughout the city, offering a range of services including general medicine, emergency care, and specialist care. Additionally, there are a number of private healthcare providers in Granada, offering a range of services including general medicine, specialist care, and cosmetic surgery. Private healthcare providers often offer more personalized care and shorter waiting times than the public system. Granada also has a number of pharmacies, providing prescription and over-the-counter medications," wrote one expat living in Granada.
"I would say medical care is excellent. For chronic medical conditions, it may be difficult to get an insurance and they will have to pay more. there are other expats with chronic condtions who are able to get private insurance," commented one expat who moved to Granada.
What are medical services in Granada like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Granada, they replied:
"Granada offers a wide range of medical services for its citizens and visitors. The city has several public and private hospitals, as well as numerous clinics and health centers. The public hospitals provide free or low-cost medical care, while the private hospitals offer more specialized services. Granada also has a number of pharmacies, which provide prescription and over-the-counter medications. Additionally, the city has a number of specialized medical centers, such as those for dentistry, optometry, and physical therapy," replied one expat when asked about moving to Granada.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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