How to Choose Where to Live in the Province of Valencia (2026)

The province of Valencia (part of Comunidad Valenciana) offers a wide variety of living options: from the dynamic city of Valencia to peaceful coastal towns, rural communities, and historic villages. The decision of “where to live” depends on age, family situation, budget, and lifestyle.

According to expert sources and housing market data for 2025, the province remains relatively more affordable than major European centers, but there is growing pressure on prices, especially in the city itself and its nearby suburbs.

1. Young, dynamic people (20–35 yrs) – tudent/creative life

HolaVLC first recommendation: Valencia (city)

Who it suits:

• People studying or working in the city, enjoying social and nightlife

• Seeking mobility, transport, bars, and events

Neighborhoods and atmosphere:

• Ruzafa / Russafa – central, creative, and social area with bars, cafés, and a music and arts scene

• El Carme / Ciutat Vella – historic city center full of energy and students

• Benimaclet – diverse neighborhood with a large student population

Rent prices (approx. 2025):

• 1-bedroom in the center: starting pretty much from €1,100/month

• In younger neighborhoods and outskirts... oh wait: it's almost the same :)

  
  

👉 Tip: If you can only afford a room, look for neighborhoods near universities (Benimaclet, Campanar) where young people often share housing.

2. Young families with children – budget-based choices or chic from the cradle?

HolaVLC's first choice: Suburbs near Valencia (family-friendly areas)

Characteristics:

• Quieter than the city center, more green spaces, schools, and kindergartens

• Good transport connections

Popular places:

• Quart de Poblet – close to Valencia, metro, lower rents (up to ~18% cheaper than Ruzafa)

• La Eliana and San Antonio de Benagéber – larger homes, often with gardens, ideal for families

• Godella, Rocafort, Bétera – preferred for comfortable family life and international schools

Prices:

• 2–3-bedroom apartments in suburbs: vary significantly depending on location and quality, often lower than in the city center.

  
  

Small towns for families

Examples:

• Oliva – coastal town with beaches, culture, and lower property prices; ideal for families seeking a balance between sea and tranquility

• Ontinyent – inland town with an active community and university campus, where many residents stay after graduation

👉 Tip: Families often choose places with good schools, easy transport, and green spaces.

3. People 35–55 yrs – career-focused, teenage kids, social life

HolaVLC First choice: Valencia, Denia

Reasons: urban life and nightlife

Advantages:

• Cultural events, concerts, restaurants, international environment

• Convenient services and transport everywhere

Neighborhoods with active nightlife and social life:

• Eixample – central boulevards and cafés; part includes Gran Vía, a more upscale area with a lively scene

• Pla del Remei and Camins al Grau – modern and social neighborhoods with many services

• Denia - just visit this vibrant town and you will get overwhelmed by its power and tranquility

👉 Budget: if you choose Valencia, central rents/property prices are higher (so-called premium areas), but the conveniences compensate for active professionals. In case you choose Denya - your life will be easier.

4. People 56–69 yrs – comfort and tranquility

Coastal and inland towns

Advantages:

• Slower pace, close to nature/sea

• Access to healthcare and pleasant daily environment

Options:

• Oliva – 7 km of beaches and moderate lifestyle

• Sagunto and Gandia – cities with history and culture, yet thriving communities (despite housing market pressure)

👉 Tip: Choices can range from inland mountain living to coastal climate with long beaches.

Retirees 70+ – easy lifestyle

Small towns with low costs

Preferred quieter locations:

• Ayora – often mentioned as one of the most affordable places for a retired life in the province, with low property prices (≈ €563/m²)

• Other inland villages and small towns – where living and housing costs are lower

Mediterranean climate with services

Options:

• Playa Puig, El Cabanyal – coastal areas offering climate and healthcare access, but with higher prices

👉 Tip: Retirees often look for tranquility, proximity to healthcare, access to good food, and a mild year-round climate.

How to assess yourself

💡 Key criteria to consider:

• Budget for rent/property – how much can you afford monthly?

• Work and transport – will you commute daily to the city center?

• Schools and services – family? International schools?

• Level of tranquility – do you prefer city life or a quiet location?

• Healthcare and comfort – important for older adults.

Conclusion

The province of Valencia offers an exceptional variety of places to live, meeting the needs of students, families, professionals, and retirees alike.

• Valencia city is ideal for dynamic, social people with good work and leisure opportunities.

• Suburbs and smaller towns like Mislata, La Eliana, or Oliva are excellent for families seeking a balance between tranquility and convenience.

• Quiet, affordable places like Ayora and other inland villages are more suitable for retirees and people seeking low costs and close contact with nature.