Historic centre
Ciutat Vella, El Carmen
Narrow streets, monuments and life on the doorstep. Beautiful and lively, with older buildings, little parking and some noise at night.
Living in Valencia
Valencia, explained from scratch. And the area that suits you
Sea, sun, a city you can cross by bike and a pace of life people don't want to leave. Here is what Valencia is, where it stands today and how its areas differ, so you can choose with your eyes open.
Valencia in 60 seconds
The essentials, before anything else
- 3rd
city in Spain
After Madrid and Barcelona. Big enough for everything, small enough to feel like yours.
- ~800,000
people in the city
And roughly 1.6 to 1.8 million in the metropolitan area, depending on how it is drawn.
- Sea
on the Mediterranean
Urban beaches in the city itself, and wilder ones to the south by the Albufera.
- Mild
climate
Short, gentle winters and long, warm summers. July and August are hot and humid.
- ~20 min
to the airport
Valencia airport is in Manises, connected to the centre by metro and taxi.
- ~1 h 50
to Madrid by high-speed train
Several AVE and other high-speed services a day from Joaquín Sorolla station.
- Port
one of the busiest in the Mediterranean
A working port and a marina, and a city that has always looked out to sea.
Population figures are approximate and change every year. Train and airport times are typical door-to-door estimates from the centre.
Where Valencia stands today
A city on the rise, and a rental market that has caught up
More people want to live here
Valencia has grown steadily in recent years, and a large share of that growth comes from abroad: families, remote workers, retirees and people relocated by their companies.
International recognition
Valencia was World Design Capital in 2022 and European Green Capital in 2024. Both titles reflect real changes: more cycle lanes, more pedestrian streets, more green space.
Rent is higher and moves faster
Renting costs more than a few years ago, and good flats at fair prices are often let in days. Landlords choose the tenant with the clearest file. This is the part where local help pays for itself.
Check flood risk, calmly
In October 2024 a DANA storm caused severe flooding in several towns south and south-west of the city, which are still rebuilding. A practical tip for anywhere: if you look at a ground floor, a basement or a garage, check the official flood-risk maps first. I do this for every shortlist.
Why it works for living
Seven reasons people stay
Quality of life without the rush
Long lunches, evening walks, terraces most of the year. The city works, but it doesn't run you over.
A human-sized city
Most of Valencia is flat and compact. Many people stop using the car: bike, metro, tram and walking cover daily life.
The Turia Gardens
An old riverbed turned into a 9 km park that crosses the city: playgrounds, running paths, sports pitches, and a green route to almost anywhere.
The beach in the city
Malvarrosa and Las Arenas are a tram ride away. To the south, El Saler and the Albufera natural park feel a world apart.
Cost of living
Day to day, Valencia is generally more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona: groceries, eating out and transport. Rent is the exception to watch, which is why choosing the right area matters.
Schools and healthcare
Public, concertado and private schools, including British and international schools in the north and west of the metropolitan area. A solid public health system with large hospitals such as La Fe, and plenty of private options.
An international community
You will hear English, French, Dutch, German and Spanish from across Latin America. It is easy to make friends and still feel you live in a Spanish city.
The metropolitan area
Valencia is more than the city. Think of it in rings
Within about 30 km you can choose between a flat in a historic street, an apartment by the sea or a house with a garden near an international school. These are the main types of area.
The Ensanche
L'Eixample, Gran Vía, Ruzafa
Wide avenues and classic 19th and 20th century buildings, shops and cafés, walking distance to everything.
Along the Turia
Pla del Real, Campanar, Benimaclet
Residential neighbourhoods by the gardens and the universities. Popular with families for parks, schools and calm.
The seafront
El Cabanyal, Malvarrosa, Patacona (Alboraya)
Beach life all year. El Cabanyal is a fishermen's quarter with tiled façades; Patacona is quieter and more residential.
North residential
Alboraya, Godella, Rocafort, Bétera
Houses and low-rise flats, gardens, space, and several international schools nearby. Metro line 1 reaches Godella, Rocafort and Bétera.
West
Paterna, La Canyada, Burjassot
La Canyada mixes pine woods, villas and schools; Burjassot is more urban and affordable, next to the university campus.
South
Torrent and l'Horta Sud
More affordable towns with strong local life. Some were hit hard by the October 2024 floods: they are recovering, and I check the specific street and building with you before any decision.
Area finder
Which part of Valencia suits you?
Answer four quick questions and I'll suggest three areas to start from. It is a first filter: in the call I tell you which one really fits.
Three areas to start from
Let's talk about these areas
In the call I tell you which one really fits, with real listings and prices.
All the areas I work in
Fourteen areas of Valencia and its metropolitan area, with who they suit and how you get around.
- Historic centre
Ciutat Vella · El Carmen
Medieval streets, street art, the Central Market and the cathedral on your doorstep.
- For
- Couples and singles who want to walk everywhere and don't mind some noise.
- Getting around
- On foot; metro and EMT buses at hand.
- Ensanche barrio
Ruzafa
Cafés, a covered market and the most international street life in town.
- For
- Remote workers, couples and singles who want energy on the doorstep.
- Getting around
- Walk to the centre; Xàtiva and Colón metro close by.
- Ensanche
L'Eixample · Gran Vía
Elegant, central and well kept, with classic buildings and high ceilings.
- For
- Couples, retirees and families who want everything within walking distance.
- Getting around
- Metro Colón, buses, and the Turia a few minutes away.
- By the Turia
Pla del Real · Mestalla
Calm, green and central, next to the gardens and the university area.
- For
- Families and retirees who value parks, schools and quiet streets.
- Getting around
- Metro (Aragón, Facultats), tram, and the Turia bike path.
- By the Turia
Campanar
Newer buildings, often with pool and parking, around a village-like old core.
- For
- Families who want modern flats and space without leaving the city.
- Getting around
- Metro Campanar, buses, and a short ride along the Turia.
- Neighbourhood
Benimaclet
A former village absorbed by the city: young, local and full of character.
- For
- Singles, remote workers and couples on a sensible budget.
- Getting around
- Several metro and tram lines; easy by bike to the beach or the centre.
- University area
Algirós · Blasco Ibáñez
Around Avenida Blasco Ibáñez and the university campuses, with rooms and studios at sensible prices.
- For
- Students, researchers and anyone who wants campus life with the beach a bike ride away.
- Getting around
- Metro, tram and a straight bike lane to the beach or the centre.
- Neighbourhood
Patraix
A real, unpretentious Valencian barrio with its own square and good value.
- For
- Anyone who wants local life and value close to the centre.
- Getting around
- Metro and buses; about 15 to 20 minutes to the centre by bike.
- Seafront
El Cabanyal · Malvarrosa
Tiled fishermen's houses, the beach at the end of the street, a growing food scene.
- For
- Couples, remote workers and retirees who want sea every day.
- Getting around
- Tram and metro (Marítim) to the city; flat and easy by bike.
- Seafront, residential
Patacona (Alboraya)
A quieter beach, a long promenade and newer flats, at the edge of the city.
- For
- Families and couples who want beach and calm with more space.
- Getting around
- Buses and nearby tram; bike lane by the coast; a car helps.
- North residential
Godella · Rocafort
Leafy streets, houses with gardens and several international schools nearby.
- For
- Families who prioritise school, garden and calm.
- Getting around
- Metro line 1 straight into the city; a car is handy.
- North residential
Bétera
Villas, gardens and space, with international schools in the area and a golf course.
- For
- Families who want a house and don't mind driving.
- Getting around
- End of metro line 1; a car is almost essential in the residential estates.
- West residential
La Canyada (Paterna)
Pine woods, villas and international schools, 20 minutes from the centre.
- For
- Families who want a house among trees and a school close to home.
- Getting around
- Metro line 2; a car is helpful for daily life.
- West, urban
Burjassot
An urban town next to the university campus, with more affordable rents.
- For
- Students, researchers, singles and couples who need value and a direct metro.
- Getting around
- Metro line 1 and tram; next to the Burjassot campus.
Why I chose ValenciaCarolina Martina · Founder of Hola Home
I left Argentina in 2012, lived five years in Mexico and then crossed to Spain, first Barcelona and then Valencia. Here I found the light, the sea and a pace of life I didn't want to leave. Today my children go to school here, and I help other families find their place in the city.
Valencia is the easy part. Let's find your area
Tell me who is moving, when and what matters most. In 20 minutes you will know which areas fit and how the search would work.
Carolina Martina
Founder · you'll talk to me directly