This story is based on a conversation with marketing specialist Jennifer Cody Kemp, 53, a mother of one, who lives in Alicante, Spain. It has been edited for length and clarity.
My mind was racing wildly as I waited at the Cairo airport for my flight back to the US in October 2024.
I’d spent nearly two weeks on a girls’ trip to Egypt: the thought of returning to everyday life and my corporate job in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, filled me with dread.
I wondered if I should make a permanent move abroad
A voice in my head said, “You don’t have to stay on the hamster wheel and deserve to be happy.” My thoughts went back and forth. My cost of living was getting ridiculous in the US, and the more money I made, the more money I needed.
I’d traveled all over the world and particularly enjoyed visiting Europe, where things were cheaper, more fun, and less demanding. What if I made a permanent move to one of my favorite countries, Spain?
First, I booked an appointment with my financial advisor to review the numbers. He said I’d set myself up well for the change, and there was absolutely no reason for me to put it off.
He understood when I said I didn’t want to work another 15 years and miss out on the things I wanted to do right now. My father died at just 67 in 2020. I’d already lost a couple of friends who were my age, too.
Next, I sought advice from the online agency Move Overseas Now to secure a digital nomad visa in Spain.
I decided to live in Alicante on the Costa Blanca
I quit my job, which I’d held for 28 years, in April of this year, put my 2,600-square-foot, four-bedroom house on the market, and flew to Europe the following month. My son, Mark, 24, joined me for a long vacation.
I decided to settle in the city of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, in southern Spain, because of its great climate and the nearby beaches and mountains.
My first step was to rent a 1,300-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment in the city center. It costs the equivalent of $925 a month, compared to my mortgage in Florida, which was $1,600.
I was glad to no longer pay my annual $7,300 housing tax, nor my $450-a-month health insurance, co-pays, and referral fees. Spain has a universal healthcare system.
A glass of wine costs the equivalent of $3.50
Giving up my car saved me $450 a month in motor vehicle insurance. People walk everywhere in Alicante. And it’s a 12-minute bus ride from my home to the beach.
You can enjoy a glass of wine here for the equivalent of $3.50, and groceries are significantly less expensive. For example, I recently bought two dozen eggs for $2.50, compared to the $12 I spent in the US.
My income — generated from my work with individual clients, including a publishing company — goes a lot further. I can eat out when I like, which is a great opportunity to meet new people.
I’m single and use dating apps, but I much prefer to start a conversation with someone in a restaurant or bar instead. It comes more easily in Spain.
You need to be patient in Spain
Still, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. The biggest challenge was adjusting to the so-called “tranquilo” lifestyle, which is designed to promote relaxation and calmness.
The culture I experienced in the US was immediate gratification. If I wanted something, I could order it on Amazon. The item could be there the same day, or at least two days later. Here, you’ve got to learn patience and wait.
Many stores in Florida are open 24 hours a day. The Spanish siesta usually lasts two or three hours. There’ll be a sign on the door saying, “We’ll be back at 5 p.m.”
Most supermarkets are closed on Wednesdays, so it’s best to do your shopping by Tuesday night.
It can also be frustrating to find the products that you want. But it pays to have a sense of humor about it. I don’t drink regular coffee — I only drink mushroom coffee — and had used up the 90-day supply I’d bought from home.
I visited various stores to see if anyone stocked it. I joked that my day couldn’t get started without a mushroom coffee. Nobody knew what I was even talking about.
As the months have passed, I’m learning to take a deep breath and slow myself down, just as the locals do. It’s good for your soul, and I’ve never felt happier.
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