If you’re turning the page on a new chapter in your life, leaving your job to pursue your dreams, or even quitting your job to travel, then you’re not alone. We are Cheryl and Cliff Pia and we’ve recently embarked on a similar path. We’ve been married for 25 years, raised four kids, and built a successful ad agency together in NY and CA. We’ve had two near-bankruptcy level financial crises, were forced to relocate our family, survived a major health scare, and have learned a hell of a lot along the way. We’ve learned from business and spiritual leaders, had a slew of personal coaches and teachers from every discipline and even enrolled in Dartmouth Business School. Everything we’ve learned and implemented that’s gotten us to where we are today, we’re going to share in case it can be of value to you. So, we invite you to come along for the ride, give us a follow, and share your experiences with us. See you on the path.
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Thanks for an informative and thought provoking comparison here. As a long term(18 very happy and content years)British born resident, of the Costa Blanca. I agree wholeheartedly with what you say about lovely Valencia. The city is not only Spain's third largest after Madrid and Barcelona, with a population of +/- 800,000, but also capital of the autonomous "Communidad Valenciana" of which Costa Blanca is a part of. I have to admit though that 12 years of just barely surviving in London(U.K.) convinced me that, I am much more of "A Small Town Lad" than "a Big City Boy". However getting back to Valencia, you might be interested to know that the city also has an excellent Health Care system, in keeping with the rest of Spain(8th Best in the World according to "W.H.O"). In addition other points worth mentioning are the incredible "Parc de Sience y Cultura" built along the disused "Turia" River bed and home to a collection of amazing structures designed by the visionary Valencian architect "Santiago Calatrava", where the "crown" jewel is undoubtedly "The Reina Sofia Centro de Cultura"(Queen Sofia Cultural Centre) a.k.a. Valenica Opera House. It is an iconic a structure in it's own right, as the more well known "Sydney Opera House" In Australia. You also failed to mention Valencia's gigantic covered market, which I believe is the largest in Spain, where one can buy top quality, but still cost effective, fresh produce... Lastly if you enjoy "Fiesta's" then you really need to experience Valencia's "Fallas"(pronounced "Fay-yas") which take place annually, marking the end of the "Lent" religious period. For a two week period they feature amazing and beautiful, elaborate, fantasy or topical figurative structures made of wood and papier-mache mostly, to rival anything found in Disney, erected in squares and parks throughout the city. Widely accepted as the best in all of Spain, on the final night and witnessed by crowds of several hundred thousand, these beautiful structures are set ablaze accompanied by music, dancing and much merriment..!!
Have you guys made the move to Valencia now? Where did you end up? I am Anglo-American and I lived in SoCal (Carlsbad & San Diego) for 20 years and now back in UK :( Am trying to encourage my husband to move to Valencia! We stayed at Hotel Las Arenas near to El Cabaynal and loved the Michelin starred tapas bar near there. Miss SoCal, so Valencia seems like a good alternative!
Hi! We haven’t made the move yet, have had some happy events occur that have delayed us. However we’re currently in Spain scouting and will be in Valencia in a week to met with tax attorneys, etc. have been in Spain for a few weeks and forgot how very much we love it here.
I hope there's more from Valencia soon!
We will have more soon. Will be back in Valencia in a week (not for good, sadly) but to do more scouting and to meet with a tax attorney. We’re in Spain looking at other areas as well.
Great video. You folks checked so many boes for us in this presentation thanks
I like Spanish Mercadona in Portugal grocery stores are very poor choices
It’s not ocean in Spain it sea big diference
Good point!
España está bañada por el mar Mediterráneo, al Este, el Mar Cantábrico al Norte y el Atlántico al NorOeste y Sudoeste.😊
amazing sharing, I went to both portugal and spain and I had the same concerns about taxation that i need advisors too 😅
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.
That is why Valencia has so many orange trees, it was to disguise the sewage smell.
😂is that true?
You guys are an amazing couple, truly. Radiating positivity and joy de vivre! Absolutely loved it. Great pace and narative all along.
What a lovely comment. Thank you so much!
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! :)
So glad you found us. We’ll be posting a new video soon, I promise!
Really enjoyed this overview! Transparent and clear. Love the spark and charm between you two as well. Looking on making a new home in Valencia, so this helps immensely! Thank you!
You are very kind! We’ll be back (unfortunately just for a visit) in a few weeks and will share more of what we’ve learned.
Hi! This video was posted two months ago. Any updates on your travels or plans yet?
Hi. So many delays on the move so we’re heading back to spend time in a few weeks!
We were there for the festival last month, and yes it is very noisy but we just loved it.
We were supposed to be there for Fallas. So sad we missed it!
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.
Ok, we’ll just keep it between us! 😉
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.
I completely understand how you must feel, I would feel the same way. We still really do love València though.
@@CloserToHappyQueda't a ta casa, gringo sense escrúpols
Hows the crime?
Super safe. Feels safer than so many other European cities!
Can you let me know what being in Valencia would be like in March?
I haven't been in Valencia in March, so can't answer that but from my research it appears that it's on average mid-60 degree F. Which sounds glorious to me!
OMG. This is a what I've been looking for, as these are the two cities that I am researching to retire. Been to Lisbon and will visit Valencia for the first time this coming May. Thank you. 😊
Oh, report back to us about what you think!
New to your channel. What I like about your channel is: you 2 seem educated and erudite
Oh, thanks so much!
I see the decision,, Have only pain in your life would be, S PAIN,,,
Thank you! Very inspiring video. Please share info about the taxes whenever you guys find out something.
We still haven't gotten clarity, so confusing!
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
Hi guys! Absolutely love the video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much!
We are seriously considering moving to Valencia, and this video is extremely helpful, thank you!
Hi. Have you considered establishing residency in a state other than CA to avoid paying state income tax? I know you're stuck paying federal taxes. I promise I'm not with the IRS.
😂 Yes. We have several friends who have done this, but will probably be in Spain soon!
We were in Valencia for the Fallas and it was a lot of fun.
Creo que exagerais un poco, valencia no es tan perfecta.
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 :)
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 fantastic and completely honest. I recognize my retirement very similar even if my life is different from yours but one thing is identical the fact that I was sure to know how to manage the future but I am not at all. I will follow your Chanel and stay a kind in touch with you. Actually I am also looking for a ideal destination in Spain, Italy or France. It is not a big problem as I live already in Europe and have a Swiss and Italian passport. Who knows one day we might meet in Valencia. Looking very forward to your videos and wish you the best if luck. Thanks for the great content on your Channel. Roberto
What a lovely comment, Roberto! We wish you the very best luck in finding your perfect place to retire.
Thank you for the informative and fun video! We are retired educators looking to move to Valencia. I grew up in LA (three careers there) and we lived in Valencia, among other SoCal areas. Spain seems to offer a walkable and affordable lifstyle. Question: do you plan on renting long term, or will you buy? I ask bc we are asking ourselfs the question. Thanks! Gracias! Dean & Cindy
Hi Dean. We're planning to rent initially until we find our perfect neighborhood, it's really hard to tell if you vibe with a place until you've spent some time there, there are so many variables. Spain does offer a walkable and affordable lifestyle, depending on where you live, of course. We simply love Valencia!
@@CloserToHappy Thank you for the response!
We initially thought Lisbon was the one, but we just got our visas and we fly out of Boston Tuesday, to Valencia!
Simply amazing! Will you keep us posted about how it's going?
will do! I am very excited but also a bit anxious-it's a big leap for me (husband is from Scotland and we met while working in Bermuda, but Boston will always have my heart--it's where I'm from). But when we visited Valencia (a couple of times at the end of the pandemic) we thought it felt right and that it would be an affordable and lovely place to retire. We also considered Malaga and Granada-we love both, but still Valencia won out--for all of the reasons you mentioned. The visas took a lot longer than we anticipated (!) -mostly waiting for the apostille of the FBI record, but only 3 weeks after submitting our application at the consulate in Boston, we got the visas (the consular staff were wonderful).
@@user-gm6gb6ul2r I’m so excited for you, and more than a little jealous 😊
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!!
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?
@@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!
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.
Don't come and go to exploit somewhere else, tax avoider.
Thanks for making this video! We're planning to move in September and have been researching different areas. Your video gave us a great impression of the city. It seems like there's so much to do in terms of cultural events, diversity, and entertainment options. Plus, there are plenty of beautiful parks to enjoy. We want to live within walking distance of our favorite activities since we're ditching the car. That way, we can easily access the things we love without relying on transportation. I'm thrilled that I've completed four years of Spanish lessons and hope to communicate with most Spaniards. Good luck and keep up the great work!
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..
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!
@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.
@@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.
@@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?
@@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,
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! :)
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?
Yes absolutely! @@CloserToHappy
Please, don't come, expats and tourists are really hated here, they have destroyed the city.
Please, don't come, expats aren't welcome here.
Your wife she is beautiful !
Bear in mind that It gets very noisy during Las Fallas. So if you get upset by noise, choose a building w/o comisión fallera, because they are open literally all night long. New apartment blocks are being built up near the new La Fe hospital.
Boy oh boy have we been warned about the noise during Las Fallas! But what a party!! We'll check out the apartments near the hospital, thanks for the tip!
@CloserToHappy was just at those new units being built 3 weeks ago. The buildings are nice and going up everywhere. Super wide sidewalks and great bike lanes but also way away from everything, no metro (yet?) Unless you walk to the tram stop 15 minutes and that only goes to Russafa. For a purchase and wait that area may be good, but far from ready imo. Just too far from everything.
What are the prices for one bedroom apartment?
Hi there. The prices range wildly depending on neighborhood and size. Impossible to answer!
Depends where you want to find it but you can find 1 bedroom pisos in great areas from about €750 to €1200.
Thank you for this information. I really enjoy watching your videos!
I'm so glad!
Been here two months. I live in Montolivet, which is just below Rusafa. I walk through Rusafa every day on my way to the center of the town. I am also about a 15 minute walk from the city of arts and sciences. I would like to be a bit closer to the center, but this is affordable and I get my exercise from walking every day. :)
I’m jealous. I think that during high season you will be really glad to be in Montolivet! I also really love walking everywhere so it would be good for us. How are you liking it overall so far?
What do you think about that area for a family of three (me, wife, 11 year old + 45lb dog)?
@@ivanhannel @jimchadwick2738 what do you think?
@@CloserToHappy You guys seem so fun and happy doing your videos and living life in Valencia. Do you have like a Facebook Group or other platform (e.g., website)? Thanks!!
@@ivanhannel you’re very kind. We kind of do have fun doing this! We have a FB group but I’m the worst at posting there. Maybe I’ll pick that ball up, appreciate the encouragement
I would not recommend Idealista or similar online services. That’s where you have to “be careful about”. It’s much better to go to a real state agency (“agencia inmobiliaria”). They are reputable and you won’t have your pay them. In Spain, it’s the seller (or landlord) the one paying the agent’s fees.
We're moving on April 18th from Oregon. Love the videos! Gracias por todo
How exciting!! Do you know where you’ll be living? I’m so envious. Report back please!
@@CloserToHappy will do! We'll share the adventure. Our and yours! When is your target to move?
We are planning on moving near the end of summer from San Francisco to Valencia. It’s me, my wife, and our 11 year old son and dog. We prefer a slightly quieter environment. Prefer no sewage smells, LOL. Any good neighborhoods to consider? Cost range for a 3 bedroom 110m+ apartment. What were the other ways to identify properties with legitimacy as you mentioned?
@@ivanhannel we traveled a few areas just outside of Valencia, Silla is lovely and took us about 14 minutes to get into the train station next to the bull fighting ring. Burjassot was great and a very quick metro into the city. El Botánico, also lovely. We're moving from southern oregon.
@@ivanhannel I’ll share those once I can find my notes. In the meantime this just popped into my email www.idealista.com/inmueble/103846815/
Maurice from the Bay Area here, my wife and I, absolutely love your videos. Our family spent three weeks, over Christmas, 3 Kings and New Year's, researching different neighborhoods/barrios and visiting a school (near Pucol) for our daughter. El Cabanyal might not be for everyone but we absolutely fell in love with it and we are putting an offer on a place as we speak. Funny enough, we also realized we were only getting a brief snapshot of a place, at a specific time, and wondered how hot or touristy El Cabanyal would be in the summer. It was very chill/relaxed in Dec and Jan. Watching your video was somewhat surreal as we are living the same experience, at the same exact time......also from California. If you would like to connect and share information we would be happy to help share what we know or what we've learned. I too was going through guitar-playing withdrawals and it occurred to me that I should start thinking about how/if I can bring my guitar amp(s), or kitchen appliances, as they are all 110v and Spain is 220v. Things I had not previously thought about but are important given the distance and cost to move stuff. Sorry to hear that you have had such a rough start to 2024, wishing you a safe and rewarding move to Valencia.
Would love to connect. Can you dm me? I’m so excited for you, El Cabanyal is so 4:24 wonderful. Have a drink at Gran Martinez for us!! Cliff is definitely bringing his bass 😊
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
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.
Congratulations on taking this type of risk on this next stage of your lifes! congratulations!
Thanks, definitely a bit scary!
@@CloserToHappy as I always think. What is the cost of opportunity of not doing it? I decided to started it in my early 30's -after 10 years in corporate america as well. Best decision ever! No regrets
Valencia looks fantastic and I’m looking forward to visiting there in March for a conference. However, have you considered the general water issues throughout southern Spain, including in the Valencia region? Climate change leading to extra hot temps and drought in southern Spain is one of my concerns about living there. Coastal Portugal (even the Lisbon area) hasn’t been hit as hard, so I think edge Lisbon on that metric.
Definitely Valencia and not Lisbon ❤❤
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story.