Moving from California to the Costa Brava: Our Family’s Journey of Buying Property in Spain.

When we first started dreaming of buying property in Spain, it felt like a distant fantasy. Living in California, we had a busy, fast-paced life in a city filled with noise, traffic, and endless responsibilities. But as much as we loved our life on the West Coast, something was missing—a sense of peace, a slower pace, and more time together as a family. That’s when we discovered the Costa Brava, a magical stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, and we couldn’t stop thinking about it.

A few years later, we made the bold decision to leave behind the life we knew and move our family across the world to Spain. My partner and I, along with our two kids, are now living in a beautiful villa overlooking the Mediterranean, and we want to share our experience with anyone considering making the same leap. Whether you’re thinking about buying a vacation home, investing in property in Spain, or moving to Spain permanently, we hope our story can guide you on your own journey.

Why We Chose the Costa Brava: A Mediterranean Dream

Leaving behind the sunny beaches of California wasn’t an easy decision, but the Costa Brava offered everything we were looking for—breathtaking natural beauty, a relaxed lifestyle, and a family-friendly environment. Here’s why we fell in love with this incredible region of Spain.

Natural Beauty that Stole Our Hearts

California’s coast is stunning, but the Costa Brava has a different kind of magic. Imagine rugged cliffs meeting turquoise waters, hidden coves perfect for quiet swims, and quaint fishing villages nestled along the shore. The region stretches from Barcelona to the French border, offering a variety of landscapes and beaches that never get old.

The moment we set foot in Begur, one of the charming hilltop towns, we were sold. It felt like stepping into a postcard—whitewashed houses, medieval streets, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the area’s untouched natural beauty.

Laid-Back Mediterranean Lifestyle

One of the main reasons we wanted to leave California was the overwhelming hustle. Back home, we spent most of our time commuting, working, and rushing from one activity to another. In contrast, life on the Costa Brava moves at a slower, more relaxed pace. People here take their time to enjoy the simple pleasures—whether it’s lingering over a long lunch with family or watching the sunset from a beachside café.

Since moving, we’ve embraced this slower lifestyle, and it’s changed everything. We have more time to spend with our kids, to take evening walks along the coast, and to truly appreciate the little moments that make life special.

A Safe, Family-Friendly Haven

When we thought about moving our kids across the world, we were nervous about finding a place where they would thrive. But from the moment we arrived in Spain, we realized how family-friendly the Costa Brava is. There are countless activities for kids, from playing on the beaches to hiking in the nearby hills. The locals are welcoming, warm, and made us feel at home instantly.

We wanted a safe, community-oriented environment for our children, and we found it here. The Costa Brava feels like a world away from the fast-paced city life we left behind. It’s calm, peaceful, and ideal for raising a family.

Proximity to Barcelona

One of the reasons we chose the Costa Brava over other regions of Spain was its perfect location. It’s just an hour’s drive from Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in the world. If we ever miss the energy of city life, Barcelona is right there—offering everything from world-class dining and culture to international flights that make visiting family back in the U.S. easy.

For us, the Costa Brava offers the perfect balance: a peaceful, scenic retreat with quick access to the excitement of the city whenever we want it.

Our Journey: From California to Buying Property in Spain

Once we decided to move from California to Spain, the next step was figuring out how to actually buy property. We had no idea where to start, but through research, we found that the process wasn’t as complicated as we first thought.

Step 1: Setting a Budget

The property market in Spain, particularly on the Costa Brava, offers a range of options that are much more affordable than in many U.S. cities, especially California. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment, a beachfront house, or a sprawling villa, there’s something for every budget.

Our goal was to find a family home where we could settle long-term, so we set a budget based on our savings and what we expected to spend on extra costs like legal fees and property taxes. In Spain, buyers should expect to pay around 10-12% of the property’s price in additional fees, which include notary fees, property transfer tax, and legal costs.

Step 2: Navigating Spanish Property Laws

The legal side of buying property in Spain is different from what we were used to in California, so we knew we needed professional help. We found a great real estate agent who was experienced with helping expats, and they connected us with a lawyer who specialized in Spanish property law.

One thing to note is that as foreigners, we needed to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is an identification number required for all financial transactions in Spain. We also had to open a Spanish bank account to handle the payment process. Luckily, our agent and lawyer guided us through every step, making it easier than we expected.

Step 3: Finding the Perfect Location

We spent months exploring different parts of the Costa Brava to find the town that felt like home. Each town in this region has its own character, and while they’re all beautiful, we wanted to make sure we found the right fit for our family.

Here are a few of the towns we explored:

• Begur: This town stole our hearts with its medieval charm, hilltop views, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more traditional Spanish experience.
• Lloret de Mar: If you want a more lively atmosphere with plenty of amenities, nightlife, and tourist-friendly beaches, this town has a lot to offer.
• Cadaqués: Famous for its artistic heritage (Salvador Dalí spent time here), Cadaqués is a beautiful coastal town with a creative vibe. It’s a bit more isolated but perfect if you love art and culture.
• Platja d’Aro: This is where we finally decided to settle. It has a great balance of family-friendly beaches, restaurants, and local shops. There’s always something to do, and it’s been ideal for us.

Step 4: Buying the Property

Once we found our dream home in Platja d’Aro, the buying process moved quickly. In Spain, the process starts with signing a “contrato de arras” (a preliminary agreement), where we paid a deposit of 10% to secure the property. After that, the final purchase is completed at the notary’s office.

We were cautious to ensure everything was in order—our lawyer double-checked that the property was fully registered and that there were no legal issues. Having professional guidance made all the difference, and soon we were holding the keys to our new home!

Settling into Life on the Costa Brava

Now that we’ve settled into life in Spain, it feels like we’re living in a dream. Our kids are thriving, we’ve made new friends, and we spend our days exploring everything the Costa Brava has to offer.

A Warm Community

One of the things that surprised us most was how quickly we felt part of the local community. In California, life felt more anonymous, but here in Spain, people take the time to get to know each other. We’ve made friends with neighbors, shop owners, and even the local café owners who know us by name now. The sense of belonging has been incredible.

Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to the cost of living in California, life on the Costa Brava is much more affordable. We save money on everything from groceries to healthcare. In fact, one of the biggest surprises has been how affordable and high-quality Spain’s healthcare system is—it’s a huge relief to know we’re well cared for, and it doesn’t break the bank.

Education for Our Kids

Our kids attend a local international school, where they’re learning both Spanish and English. The school is excellent, and the teachers have been wonderful in helping our children adjust to their new environment. They’ve made friends quickly, and we’re amazed at how fast they’re picking up the language.

Outdoor Fun Every Day

We’ve always loved being outdoors, and the Costa Brava is perfect for families who love nature. We spend our weekends exploring the many hiking trails, visiting hidden beaches, and even taking sailing lessons! Every day feels like an adventure, and our kids are growing up in an environment that encourages curiosity and exploration.

The Perfect Time to Buy Property in Spain

If you’ve been dreaming of buying property abroad, now is the perfect time to invest in Spain—especially on the Costa Brava. Property prices are still lower compared to places like Mallorca or the Costa del Sol, but they’re steadily rising, which means it’s a great time to buy before prices go up further.

Plus, Spain offers a Golden Visa program for non-EU citizens who invest €500,000 or more in real estate. This visa allows you to live in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which is a huge perk for anyone considering a long-term stay or relocation.