Thank you for your video. I also love València and planning to retire there in the near future God willing, however, Alicante and Málaga are also a very attractive options for me. Look forward to your candid opinion and suggestions regarding other areas to settle and particularly interested in your findings regarding the tax dilemma for USA citizens. I believe Portugal has better tax incentives than Spain. I also follow a gal who lives in Valencia (she’s an expat from LA-USA) and she recently had a very good video regarding taxation; you may want to check it out. Her name is: Antoanetta Now. Thanks for the wonderful video!!👏💃😎🫒🍷

@CloserToHappy

9 ай бұрын

Hi, thanks for your comment we will be sure to update you when we get further info on the tax situation. I agree that Portugal has a more attractive tax situation for ex-pats, but because the cost of living seems to be higher, think they may off-set. Will keep you posted on what we find

@belenborderias4654

9 ай бұрын

Pues marchad a Portugal, aquí ya hay demasiados defraudadores de impuestos.....que lo queréis todo gratis

@CloserToHappy

8 ай бұрын

⁠@@belenborderias4654we definitely don’t want to evade taxes, we absolutely believe in paying our fair share. We just want to be knowledgeable about tax laws to understand what we can and cannot afford

@KristpsRomanovskis

Ай бұрын

Hows Alicante even comparable due to it’s location and size? Its complete different experience. Find your why - whats the environment you are best at? Go from there

@goutfromfriedokra3936

Ай бұрын

@@CloserToHappy where are you honing in on ? Which country and what towns?

You guys are an amazing couple, truly. Radiating positivity and joy de vivre! Absolutely loved it. Great pace and narative all along.

@CloserToHappy

12 күн бұрын

What a lovely comment. Thank you so much!

Great video. You folks checked so many boes for us in this presentation thanks

As foreigners we can only scratch the surface of Spain, we have travelled all over a Spain and fell in love with Valencia it is so easy to live there, but don't tell too many people.

@CloserToHappy

14 күн бұрын

Ok, we’ll just keep it between us! 😉

oh wow, i'm that much closer to happy having found you both! thank you for your candid take on your experience in valenicia and surrounding towns. fantastic energy guys! :)

@CloserToHappy

12 күн бұрын

So glad you found us. We’ll be posting a new video soon, I promise!

My son finished his last semester of Economics with Utah State in Valencia (Universidad Politecnica). He (And most of the American kids there) fell in love with the City and everything that has to offer. As an Spaniard born and raised, we built our summer home in my region, Asturias (Northern Spain) but my son says that Valencia has a piece of his heart. Regarding Spain you are just scratching the surface, there are so many places of interest that it will be a big incentive for any retiree to take advantage of the enormous diversity that the country has to offer. Thank you so much for being so honest and sincere about my country. We live in Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County.

@CloserToHappy

7 ай бұрын

How amazing that your son got to do his semester abroad in Valencia! We agree that there are so many places in Spain for us to explore, we're madly in love with the few places we've been. We look forward to exploring Northern Spain as soon as we can, will be so easy once we're based in Valencia. We can't wait to get started on our Spanish adventure!

@louaceveu1925

7 ай бұрын

Northern Spain is very good to Explore from April to September. The mild weather, scenery, affordable prices, food and people are second to none and I promise you that you will not be disappointed. My American family loves my region. Regarding the taxes I recommend to you to hire an international agency that deals with European and American taxes because if you ask 20 people you will receive 20 different answers. Better to pay a professional agency to deal with something as complicated as taxes. Best wishes.@@CloserToHappy

@CloserToHappy

7 ай бұрын

@@louaceveu1925 Fantastic information about exploring the north, we’re so excited to discover your beautiful country. Also, this is definitely the best tax advice we’ve received 😊

@user-hq6hb2xv4n

3 ай бұрын

Bear in mind when we Spaniards say northern Spain we mean the northern Atlantic coast and surrounding areas, not the northern Mediterranean region, aka Catalonia, which is very similar to the rest of the Mediterranean coast.

One of the best expat videos I’ve seen. Great information and such wonderful energy from you both. Thank you!

@CloserToHappy

7 ай бұрын

You are absolutely too kind. Thank you so much, we really appreciate you posting here

Thank you for your video and insights. We love Valencia and Spain in general. Unfortunately, and perhaps inevitably, it is being discovered quickly by many of us here across the pond. As is the case in Lisbon, Americans are heading over there in increasing numbers resulting in higher prices, particularly for property as is the case in Lisbon. As a result Portugal, for one, made the Golden Visa program much more restrictive, and I will not be surprised if Spain follows suit. I wouldn't blame them. I hear you about the taxes - we, as an example, will pay an extra 15% income tax as Spanish tax residents vs US. Each person's situation is different but as I remind those that are surprised and even shocked by that, there's a reason for it. Spain's tax revenue goes to fund vastly superior health, infrastructure, green space investments!, let alone the lower cost of living. We can't have it both ways. Thanks again and I look forward to more of your videos!!

@CloserToHappy

2 ай бұрын

I couldn't agree with you more, really about everything. We are driving the prices up, which is challenging for locals, I suspect Spain will be forced to follow suit relatively soon. As far as the taxes go, you're absolutely right, that money goes to fund a vastly superior infrastructure. I, for one, don't mind paying my fair share. Are you planning to move to Spain soon?

@cameronbyers3932

2 ай бұрын

@@CloserToHappy We'd love to move tomorrow but have a few things to sort out first. Likely in the next 2-3 years though. We'll take another scouting trip in July - Cadiz to Valencia. We have good friends in Vejer de la Frontera and its a little different there being the Atlantic side but still spectacular. We'll then drive along the coast toward Valencia and stay a few days in that area. Yet to decide whether we want city/apartment life or smaller towns like Altea, Benissa. If prices continue to rise fast in Valencia (as we saw in Malaga the last couple years) we may have to rethink. Keep up the great videos!

We were in Valencia for the Fallas and it was a lot of fun.

You guys are adorable and look forward to learning more on the decisions. Heading to Valencia Friday!!

@CloserToHappy

4 ай бұрын

Woo hoo! Are you moving there on Friday or visiting? Either way we wish you a safe journey.

Are you still based in Valencia? I have just accidentally bumped into your video! It's so pleasant to watch! Bless you. Surely would like to be in touch when I am there 1st June 2024, Best wishes and kindest regards Andrew Carson

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story.

Brilliant vid. My favourite cty is Malaga - fabulous.

@CloserToHappy

8 ай бұрын

I’m so sad that we didn’t get to spend any time in Malaga, when we move to Valencia we’ll have lots of time to explore Malaga! Thanks for sharing

@CloserToHappy

5 ай бұрын

We’re going back to Spain to spend a week in Malaga and to scout neighborhoods in Valencia. Can’t wait to see Malaga!

My husband and I are planning to move to Valencia to live there for a year and I came across your video and I wanted to drop in a line to let you both know that your suggestions were very helpful and your calming, positive energy, sense of adventure and your passion for human stories made me so happy overall. So thank you! :)

@CloserToHappy

3 ай бұрын

Amazing! I'm so glad you enjoy the videos, I can't wait to hear about your experience living in Valencia, will you update us?

@roopashreejeevaji7881

3 ай бұрын

Yes absolutely! @@CloserToHappy

Thank you so much for the info!.....I was planning to relocate, maybe to Saint Petersburg, FL or Austin TX, but after some research i'm not longer considering any place in USA to move to. Sadly to say, USA is rapidly becoming one of the most unsafe and expensive places in the whole world. (Not to mention the extreme weather "new normal" issue.)....Now i think Spain is a better option, and Valencia looks to be one of the best choices....By the way, Spanish is my first language, (I'm from Puerto Rico), and "Valenciano" simply sounds like a variation of Spanish.

@CloserToHappy

8 ай бұрын

It really is so beautiful, and feels so safe to us. I’m sure it would be quite easy for you to pick up Valenciano but everyone we met also speaks Castilian and English. You really out to check out Valencia!

@JERios-wv8lx

8 ай бұрын

@@CloserToHappy Everyone you met speak Spanish and English, because Spanish is the official language of Spain and English is the "Lengua Franca" of communication among the countries of the European Union..... So if for example, someone from France needs to speak to someone from Poland, use English.

@mitcoes

6 ай бұрын

Valenciano is a variation from Catalan. But do not worry, it is latin based, easy to learn for a Castilian Spanish speaker, and almost not used in the City (Except peripheral neighborhoods). Perhaps it will cost you more, the difference between Puerto Rico Spanish and the several Spain Spanish variants that we have.

A big thanks for speaking so well about Valencia. Im from Costa Rica but my father was from Valencia (and my mother where from Barcelona, both places are great) I Know several European places and off course Spain. Regards from Costa Rica 🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷

@CloserToHappy

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for your note! We adore Costa Rica. Such a beautiful country filled with beautiful people

Hi guys! Absolutely love the video. Thanks for sharing.

@CloserToHappy

21 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

I love Spain, so much to do, so much to see it's almost overwhelming. I've spent a total of about 7 months in Spain and traveled all over and have yet to visit some landmark cities like Barcelona and Seville. I spent time in Malaga, Madrid, Cartagena, Ronda, Granada, Valencia, Valladolid, and on and on exploring and discovering and it's never enough (for my appetite). Everywhere I've been is lovely, the people are wonderful, so easy to get around with their amazing train system. One day, one day I will move there.

@CloserToHappy

4 ай бұрын

So far which city is your favorite?

Thank you so much for your perspective on Valencia. I value the same things both of you do in evaluating a place to live (retire). I am putting Valencia on the list. We are planning a 3 month visit in 2024 and check out many areas in Spain.

@CloserToHappy

5 ай бұрын

Definitely check out Valencia. You will learn so much by spending that 3 months, such a great call!

amazing sharing, I went to both portugal and spain and I had the same concerns about taxation that i need advisors too 😅

@CloserToHappy

11 күн бұрын

I have to say we’re really struggling with getting clarity. We’re going to meet with someone there in person, hoping that is helpful.

Hey guys..Thanks for taking the time to post about your experiences. We had been contemplating moving to Spain and to Valencia in particular for a while and finally made the trip a few weeks ago and after spending nearly a month there, we left highly disappointed. As you have mentioned in your video, there are many positives to living in Valencia but unfortunately, the negatives far outweighed the good things. Mostly that we did not feel welcomed there. We live in Southern California and really felt that we are not wanted there by the general populations. Perhaps because of expats, the cost of living has gone up which at least from our vantage point was easy to see compared to even a few years ago. We will look for other options. Wish you much joy, peace, and good health..

@CloserToHappy

3 ай бұрын

Oh no! I'm so sorry that you had that experience, we didn't have that experience at all. We met so many people who, at least on the surface, seemed really welcoming and happy that we were there. I got similar feedback from the ex-pats that we met. I'd love to hear more. But in the meantime, I hope you do find your perfect place!

@Maggie-zr2ow

2 ай бұрын

@AS-ru6lg I’d love to hear your perspective and experiences regarding the search for a new home. You have an informed and rational perspective which is rare in these threads. If you have the time, I’d love to hear what your current top places of research are. Best to you.

@AS-ru6lg

29 күн бұрын

@@Maggie-zr2ow Hello and my sincere apology for the tardy reply. Somehow I missed your message. We began our research nearly 2 years ago and reached out to several real state brokers, real estate and immigration attorneys, and healthcare insurance providers. All but the insurance agent were rather slow to respond or simply no replies at all. You quickly get the impression that if you are not physically there, they won’t waste their time. Attorneys seem similar to the ones here, just looking to charge you and not exactly helpful. We seemed to know more about the nuances of each visa type and recent changes than they did. Not suggesting all are incompetent or shady, just our experience unfortunately. And we spent more time away from the tourist areas and the locals that were kind and friendly were rare even in restaurants and shops. Part of our challenge was that we went there with high hopes and left disappointed. We are not totally giving up on the idea but perhaps with a more realistic perspective on what permanent living there may look like.

@Maggie-zr2ow

29 күн бұрын

@@AS-ru6lg Thank you, and I totally understand missing messages. So kind of you to follow up. Your experience in Spain sounds frustrating and disappointing, and your journey is interesting to us. We’re north of you, in Washington. It’s beautiful here, but we’ve been here over 30 years and it’s difficult to imagine being happy spending our remaining years here doing the same things we’ve been doing. Is it the same for you? We’ve been researching a move for around 8 years and after ruling everything else out in the US, we ended up focusing only on the west coast. It’s still more of what we’ve been trying to get away from, so this past year we started looking outside the US. We got close to being serious about NZ, and even secured an immigration lawyer, but then discovered the tremendous natural disaster predicted in the next 20 years. There are other problems there too. So seeing a discerning commenter like yourself, in a similar situation, peeked our interest and we’re wondering if you’ve found any other interesting places that you’re considering?

@AS-ru6lg

28 күн бұрын

@@Maggie-zr2ow I can share where we are in our search and research but perhaps this is not the best place to do so. I can email you directly if okay with that. Thanks,

You guys look like you’re having the time of your life! Did you ever get a definitive answer on the tax situation in Spain? That’s also my big question mark. Any recommendations on tax advisor? I’d appreciate it, either way looking forward to your adventures

@CloserToHappy

3 ай бұрын

Not yet, we've still been getting different feedback from different people! It's more than a little stressful, honestly. I'm part of a Valencia ex-pat FB group and we're going to get some recommendations from them on tax advisors. I'll be sure to share with you when I do.

Thank you for this. I’m in my retirement transitioning from nyc to valencia. Hopefully to be completed by summer’24. I just discovered your channel and will be watching occasionally. The total worth tax is a concern, naturally.

@CloserToHappy

5 ай бұрын

Best of luck, we're still sorting the tax implications out and will make a video once we get really clear.

Thank you! Very inspiring video. Please share info about the taxes whenever you guys find out something.

@CloserToHappy

21 күн бұрын

We still haven't gotten clarity, so confusing!

Thanks for your great video. You both seem to have the perfect attitude towards traveling. I have never been to Spain but I will retire this year and plan to move there. I think I have decided on Valencia to start. I have tried to watch videos and obtain as much info as I can, but I think I am just going to have to wing it. The only big down side that I see, which you mentioned is the taxes. They are very confusing and seem to be very high especially since they tax pensions and social security. The income tax can be avoided by spending less than 183 days a year there but that would be inconvenient and if you own a property they tax your residence while you are away on what you potentially could have rented it out for.

Hi, we are looking into Valencia (will be going there to check it out in the next few weeks) and came across your excellent video. Are you living in Spain right now and did you end up finding out about the tax situation there in Valencia Spain? Thanks :)

@CloserToHappy

21 күн бұрын

Hi there, we're not there yet, but are just dying to be. Life has gotten in the way a bit, but can't wait!

You are such a lovely couple. Very fine insights. ;) Just learn some Spanish someday, don't be like many German, Swedish and British "expats" living here completely segregated. Saludos y bienvenidos.

@CloserToHappy

3 ай бұрын

Hi there, we are studying really hard, and while we were in Valencia we took language classes almost every day. We still have a long way to go but getting better every day!

@miguimau

3 ай бұрын

Great!!! Watching TV series and KZread channels in Spanish will help you too! @@CloserToHappy

@CloserToHappy

3 ай бұрын

@@miguimau great advice!

Great city but prices are on the rise! :)

Love to see a happy, contented couple. Is it affordable to retire there on a low budget? Do you know what a furnished 1 bedroom apt goes for ? Thank you for your help ? Smiles

@EvainValencia

4 ай бұрын

Depends on the neighborhood but around 1200 euros i would say

@CloserToHappy

3 ай бұрын

I think it varies a lot by neighborhood. We have a new video coming out that talks about the neighborhoods, hope it's helpful to you.

👍👍👍👍👍👍

Minute 8:30 Anyone can learn Spanish at the EOl (Official School of Languages) for €100 a year (fees) + books. That is affordable. Classes are held twice per week.

@CloserToHappy

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing, we'll check it out when we return to Valencia!

@user-hq6hb2xv4n

3 ай бұрын

The main thing you need to learn Spanish is WILL

Hi. Where can we renew spain visa for language assistant? Thank you

@CloserToHappy

6 ай бұрын

Hi, I'm so sorry, I don't really know.

Sorry, but there are few points you are not mentioning about Valencia. One, you forgot to mention that most Valencian apartments are small and do not have open concept spaces. Two, most apartments are not surrounded by open green spaces and parks unless you are living in the center of Valencia. Three, Cabayol is one of the most unsafe areas to live in Valencia.

@CloserToHappy

8 ай бұрын

You raise some interesting points. Our frame of reference is based on apartments that we looked at with a realtor, most in the center of Valencia. I'm sure the kinds of apartments available will vary wildly. I know Cabanyal has had a reputation for being less desirable but know that the neighborhood is improving significantly. We stayed there for a month and never felt unsafe, even very late at night. That said, we weren't down at the beach late at night! Thanks for your insights.

@hectorsuarez846

8 ай бұрын

Cabanyal is unsafe by Spain standards, by US standards is way way safer. I lived in Banker's Hill San Diego California and Cabanyal is way safer. US has become one of the most unsafe countries in the world.

@CloserToHappy

8 ай бұрын

@@hectorsuarez846 We agree with you completely, as heartbreaking as that is.

@ellieramseyer2291

8 ай бұрын

@@hectorsuarez846 However, if they are encouraging people to move to Valencia, it's best to be transparent and clear. Affordability does not equate to safety. Hate to say it but safety may depend on the zip code you live in.

@cinchiboop

8 ай бұрын

@@hectorsuarez846 Small world! I live in San Diego too (well, until I move to Valencia that is lol). Good to hear that neighborhood is safer than SD! 👍 I was considering it

May I know how much is the tax percentage in Valencia?

@CloserToHappy

5 ай бұрын

Hi, we don't really know yet, we've gotten so many different takes. We have a call next week with a tax attorney and will share what we learn after!

@EvainValencia

4 ай бұрын

Depends on how much you earn and what tax regulations you have

Your wife she is beautiful !

The problem with Valencia, in my opinion and I, who am Valencian and have lived all my life in my city, is that it is gradually ceasing to be the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean. Valencia has never had the popularity, nor the publicity, nor certainly not by the means the economic investment that the state has always allocated to Madrid and Barcelona, it has been the poor bug among the three big cities, that was bad when it came to financing but it was good in other aspects that I will now comment. Everything we have in Valencia (city of sciences, metro, tram, turia park etc etc etc) has been paid for by the Valencians, almost everything they have in Madrid and Barcelona in terms of state infrastructures and part of their public transport (until the entry into operation of the autonomous communities in the second part of the seventies).... We Valencians have also paid for it along with the rest of the stateHowever, the tranquility that we have always lived in Valencia with reasonable tourism and with minimal rates of insecurity compared to Madrid and Barcelona is slowly changing because with social networks (Videos like this are an example), the publicity given by Forbes to Valencia last year declaring it the best city in the world to live in, foreigners realize what a wonderful city Valencia is, which has everything to live well and since in Madrid and Barcelona the rents and other costs are very high, they come to Valencia, so there are no more apartments to rent here... Prices are rising, which are getting closer and closer to those of the other two capitals, and tourism (as in Malaga, for example) is beginning to become unbearable. Frankly, I would have preferred it to remain the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean, absolutely discriminated against by the media, and to continue enjoying it as a native of it with the tranquility of always.

@CloserToHappy

18 күн бұрын

I completely understand how you must feel, I would feel the same way. We still really do love València though.

Definitely Valencia and not Lisbon ❤❤

Hows the crime?

@CloserToHappy

20 күн бұрын

Super safe. Feels safer than so many other European cities!

I see the decision,, Have only pain in your life would be, S PAIN,,,

Creo que exagerais un poco, valencia no es tan perfecta.

Immigrants*

@CloserToHappy

4 ай бұрын

What do you mean?

@midei

4 ай бұрын

Facha

Dear Americans, pls retire in US! You have many warm and nice areas. Spain needs young and prospective people. If it was up to me, I would not allow anybody over 60 (any nationality) to settle down in Spain. Just as a tourist for not more than a month - you are welcome, but not for retirement. Stay in Florida or California pls!

@CloserToHappy

4 ай бұрын

Ah but what if we bring jobs?

@davidprietogomez7254

4 ай бұрын

What are you talking about? Ppl that come and have their own resources to support themselves are a good thing to Spain. We all benefit from that indirectly.

@midei

4 ай бұрын

@@davidprietogomez7254 Por lo que veo, la sección facha la ha tomado con este canal, y les están dejando unos comentarios que dan vergüenza.

@user-hq6hb2xv4n

3 ай бұрын

​@@CloserToHappyYou don't. You get more from the system than you contribute to it. Spain needs American companies (like Ford in Sagunto) not american retirees

@toddl.3454

3 ай бұрын

But it's not up to you😂. Plenty of people from other countries retire in the US. What's the problem?