According to a survey administered by the Organisation for Users and Consumers, one of the best places to live in Spain is Pamplona. The city ranked at the top for high quality of life, personal security, transportation, employment, health care and housing. Pamplona has always been considered a lively city with its famous San Fermin festival, where the Spanish tradition of "Running of the Bulls" takes place. Pamplona is an old and modern city at the same time; its Casco Viejo, or old city, thrives with the new neighborhoods and villages.
If you prefer city life, Barcelona is a great place to consider. It is the second-largest city in Spain and has a thriving arts culture. As a large city on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona has a high real-estate demand that can make housing expensive. It is considered to be a global city that is influential in the areas of finance, commerce and media. You may wish to stay in Barcelona in order to avail yourself of what the city offers as an international hub.
If you like to be surrounded by lovely views of the mountains, you may want to consider northern Spain. Cities in the region such as Bilbao and Galicia are rich in Basque culture. Residents appreciate ancient buildings, Basque cuisine and Pyrenees and French influences. Northern Spain is considered to be countryside compared to metropolitan cities in the country, but life is slower and cities such as Madrid and Barcelona are a train ride away.
