I loved so much about this beautiful city, even the things that surprised me I grew to fall in love with. Here are just a few of many points on what made me go head over heels for Valencia:
Walkability
There is so much to appreciate in Valencia, but, as an American this takes the cake. Being able to walk or bike everywhere I need to go is something I was completely blown away by. Valencia and its neighborhoods have such an inviting environment that makes it feel like a dream to walk to work. The plentiful amount of bike lanes, beautiful parks, clean streets, nice pathways for pedestrians and amazing fountains/parks on every street make it such a delight to travel from one place to another. Every time I’m walking in the city center, or walking to one market to another it seriously feels like I’m in a movie. The infrastructure and the public transport also play a huge role in this.
Public Transport
Valencia has some of the best public transportation I have ever seen in my life. So much so that it is common and convenient to live here without owning a car. With the metro, tram, train and bus as options you truly have access to all of this amazing city with ease. America took the opposite approach and instead invested all its resources into a massive highway system so there is virtually no room for good public transportation unless you are inside a large city. Even then, public transport is looked down upon because it is often dirty, expensive, and very inconvenient.
Architecture/Infrastructure
Not only are the buildings and layout of the city beautiful, they are super welcoming and inviting like they are asking to be appreciated. The streets are extremely clean, and they don’t have massive traffic lights and construction on every block. In America, the majority of the buildings you see are so commercialized/industrialized. The large amount of warehouses, parking lots, massive highways, ETC, make it feel so uninviting and unappealing to look at or be around. In Valencia, however, the buildings are filled with color, intricate designs and surrounded with greenery that make you want to take a picture on every street you cross.
The Cars
The lack of massive trucks, super loud engines and huge roads also really helps contribute to the charm of Valencia.The smaller roads and smaller cars here make it much more peaceful and enjoyable to be around. Since arriving here two months ago, I have yet to see a cop car blasting its sirens or a garbage truck being obnoxiously loud. In America walking alongside streets is miserable and makes you feel like you’re doing something wrong because of the blaring car noises. Since the layout is designed for cars in America, walking/biking/public transport takes a backseat which makes it a challenge and a hassle when you are tasked with something as simple as traveling to the grocery store without a car.
Pace/Intensity of Work
When I first arrived, I was told that Spainards work to live and Americans live to work. After my time in Valencia I have found this to be so accurate. The concept of work-life balance differs greatly between Spain and America. In America, there is often an emphasis on work and career, with longer work hours and limited vacation time. American workers have limited paid time off and may find it challenging to disconnect from work, leading to a potentially higher level of work-related stress.
On the other hand, Spain places a greater emphasis on leisure, family, and personal time. Spain has a generous vacation policy as well and offering this extra “holiday” provides ample opportunity for individuals to relax and rejuvenate. American work culture tends to emphasize productivity and efficiency. The “9-to-5” work hours often translate to a fast-paced environment, where employees are expected to complete tasks promptly and meet deadlines efficiently. There is a focus on individual achievement and meeting targets, with a strong work ethic and dedication to one’s job.
In Spain, work tends to be more relaxed and laid-back, emphasizing collaboration and maintaining strong relationships among colleagues. Spaniards value social interactions and prioritize building connections in the workplace. While productivity is still important, the working style leans toward a slower pace, with a belief that fostering relationships and teamwork can lead to better outcomes in the long run.
Pricing
I was blown away at how affordable it is in Valencia. Getting a full week’s worth of groceries, a haircut, sushi at a nice restaurant, medicine from the pharmacy or even just a pack of cigarettes and a Bombon is so incredibly cheap it feels wrong. Due to the lower average salary and higher unemployment, the pricing, at least from an American’s perspective, is shockingly reasonable. Hospital visits and healthcare costs are probably the priciest things in America and even they are affordable in Spain. The lower amount of tax and not having to tip 20% make a massive difference as well.
