Thinking about Girona

Jared, I’m not from Girona but get some decent health insurance. And then just enjoy the Spanish life!

@jaredvifl

There are lots of delightful places in Spain to visit and live/retire in. Many of the downsides of Girona might be Spanish, rather than specific to the city. Girona is a lovely smaller city, and, personally, I'm a big fan of Catalonia and the Costa Brava. So I doubt you'll go far wrong by choosing it. For some, a couple of downsides might be that the city is too small, and too far from the beaches. On the other hand, it's pretty close to Barcelona (fab city) and the Pyrenees which were a big plus for me when I lived nearby. If you're a biker (or would like to be) it's a very popular cycling area, and you'll work your heart hard going up the local hills.

The upside, in my view, is that the coast proper (and especially the larger cities and resort towns) can be very busy, and very expensive. Choosing a more traditional Spanish city a bit inland allows you to experience a different way of life, and property/living costs can be lower. I would say we chose somewhere similar, as we're in Elche, just inland from Alicante. This is a very nice UNESCO-listed city with a historic downtown and a river and riverside walk through it. It's slightly bigger than Girona, and slightly closer to the Costa Blanca beaches, but I think it's conceptually similar.

We find that Elche is certainly big enough to enjoy all city amenities, and we've really enjoyed living here. It's slightly cheaper to live in than downtown Alicante, but the big win was that our large 3 bed apartment was a fraction of the price of something similar in Playa San Juan or other ritzy beachfront parts of Alicante.

@jaredvifl

No real downside to Girona or any other city, really.  Girona is a famous city well-known around the world.  I live 40 km from Girona and have been there many times. Food is excellent, lots to see, places to hike, etc….

@jaredvifl

Hi! I live and work in Girona, and I think it's a wonderful place to live, especially if you're looking for a good quality of life without the pace of a large city.

But since you're asking about the downsides, here are a few things worth considering.

**The rental market** can be challenging. There isn't a huge supply of long-term rentals, particularly in the most desirable neighbourhoods, and finding the right property can take some patience.

**Language** is another consideration. Girona is very much a Catalan city. You can certainly get by with Spanish, but English isn't as widely spoken as in Barcelona or more international coastal towns.

**Summers can be hot and humid**, and some of the beautiful older apartments in the historic centre aren't particularly well insulated. Many buildings also lack lifts, which is worth thinking about for the longer term.

**Girona is relatively small.** That's part of its charm, but if you're used to the cultural variety, shopping and entertainment of a major American city, you might find it a little quiet.

And finally, **Spanish bureaucracy** can be frustrating, particularly when you're first settling in.

That said, Girona has a lot going for it: it's walkable, has excellent restaurants, a lovely historic centre, beautiful countryside nearby, and Barcelona is easily accessible by train.

I think your idea of renting before buying is absolutely the right approach. It gives you time to experience the city through different seasons and discover which neighbourhood really suits you.

I work in the local property market, helping buyers find homes in Girona and the surrounding area, and one thing I've learned is that choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the right property.

Happy to share some local insights if you have any specific questions. Girona is a lovely place, but it's important to know both sides before making such a big move!