Pros and Cons of Moving to Seville

Seville has a vibrant culture and colourful history. Though it is a major city and the capital of Andalusia, it retains its small-town charms and offers newcomers a slower pace. Nevertheless, as with every city, along with these positives, there are a few negatives to life in Seville.

Below are some pros and cons of moving to and living in Seville.

Lifestyle and culture in Seville

+ PRO: Lively culture with many options for entertainment

Life in Seville is everything an outsider may think when imagining Spain: a place where the tapas culture is part of the everyday routine, where the flamenco compás  (rhythm) echoes through alleyways at night and where matadors are carried out of the ring like heroes. Many argue that it’s Spain’s most romantic and quintessential city, and they may be right. Seville’s charm, beauty, and rich lifestyle have convinced many to remain far longer than intended.

+ PRO: Small but welcoming expat enclave

Joining a group or club is a great way to meet people and make friends. You can choose from various running or book clubs, language exchanges, flamenco and cooking courses, and art groups all over the city. In a place as friendly as Spain, it’s easy to make connections.

- CON: Closed-off culture

As the old saying goes, ‘Sevillanos are the first to invite you to their home, but never tell you where they live’. Social circles in Seville are often entrenched and extend back to school days, so breaking into these cliques can be difficult. However, learning Spanish will go a long way toward acceptance.

+ PRO: Relaxing pace of life

One of Seville’s most attractive qualities is the relaxed pace of life. People worldwide come to Seville seeking out this slower pace of life in one of Europe’s most temperate cities. Lunches are long and leisurely, and the concept of time is hazy at best. 

- CON: The pace of life can sometimes be too slow

On the flip side, Seville’s ‘mañana, mañana’ (‘tomorrow, tomorrow’) attitude can mean bureaucratic quagmires, missed appointments, long lines and plenty of frustration.

Safety in Seville

+ PRO: Relatively low crime rate

Spain’s crime rate is extremely low compared to other European countries, and Seville is no exception. You can rest assured that life in Seville is generally safe.

- CON: Petty crime is an issue

Despite the low violent crime rate, petty theft is relatively common in crowded places and tourist attractions. You should always keep a close eye on your belongings. If something has been stolen, you should report it to the local police.

Getting around in Seville

+ PRO: Seville is walkable

Seville is flat, with just one hill in the entire city. This makes walking the preferred mode of transport, especially in the pedestrian-friendly city centre. You can use the metro and light rail to access areas and neighbourhoods further out.

Healthcare in Seville

+ PRO: Affordable with basic coverage

Healthcare is available to anyone legally residing in Spain through the government’s social security system, and employers almost always pay insurance. You might opt for affordable private insurance, which allows fewer wait times and greater access to specialists.

- CON: Long lines and waiting times

The public healthcare system, though a priceless resource in Spain, is not perfect. Expect queues in urgent care clinics and long waiting times for specialists.

+ PRO: Availability of English-speaking professionals

While public healthcare staff primarily speak Spanish, many private clinics and hospitals have English-speaking doctors and staff. This can be important for newcomers who are not yet fluent in Spanish.

Education and schools in Seville

+ PRO: Public and concertado schools are government funded

Spanish education comes in three forms: government-funded, concertado (funded in part by the Spanish government and the Catholic Church), and private schools. The government absorbs most of the cost, so families only pay the fees for school supplies, transport, after-school activities and specialised courses.

- CON: Bigger classes and fewer materials in public schools

Although public schools are inexpensive, classrooms can be cramped and teachers overworked. So you are advised to ask about teacher-student ratios and the facilities available.

+ PRO: University education is affordable

Studying at a public university in Andalusia is far cheaper than in most European countries. This is a major pull factor for students looking for a semester abroad in an exchange programme or those who wish to study full-time in Seville.

+ PRO: International education

There are several international and bilingual schools in Seville that offer globally recognised curricula such as the International Baccalaureate or British education system.

Accommodation in Seville

+ PRO: Relatively affordable living

Because Seville is small, you can choose a neighbourhood of your liking and won’t have to worry too much about long commutes. The closer to the city centre, the steeper the rent. Still, renting a room or apartment is considerably cheaper than in bigger Spanish cities, particularly Madrid.

- CON: Outdated housing infrastructure

Many homes in Seville have been passed on through generations, resulting in old houses needing extensive repairs or renovations. Some houses in the city do not have dryers, ovens, air conditioning or central heating. There are plenty of modern housing options, but don’t take it for granted that all accommodation has the amenities you’re used to.

Working in Seville

+ PRO: Many working holidays and a full month of paid vacation

Full-time employees enjoy many local holidays, a full two weeks of paid leave during the Christmas period, and days off during Easter and the local fair. What’s more, a full month’s summer holiday, which is often taken in August, is the norm for employees.

- CON: Hard to secure an expat job

While the unemployment rate has been decreasing nationally in recent years, Spain’s  job market hasn’t escaped the recent economic turbulence around the world. Andalusia has historically had a higher unemployment rate than the rest of Spain. 

Finding a job in Seville as a foreigner could prove difficult, and salaries may not be so lucrative. The hiring process is complicated: a company must demonstrate that no other European Union citizen is more qualified, and visas for non-Europeans are costly, time-consuming and not always granted. Teaching English is a common profession for young foreigners.

Getting around in Seville

+ PRO: Well-connected train travel

Spain’s public rail company is regarded as one of the best in the world, connecting even the far-flung corners of the country. Getting around by train in Seville is easy thanks to Renfe, or Renfe Operadora, which is known for its punctual service.

+ PRO: Top-class hotels and tourist attractions

Tourism is one of Spain’s greatest and most lucrative industries, and there are several major multinational brands providing excellent hospitality in Seville. The city is home to a fair few UNESCO World Heritage Sites and wonderful cuisine, making it a favoured European destination.

- CON: Heavy tourist movement during holidays and summer

Because of the well-established tourism industry, visitors flock to Spain, largely in the summer, to the coastal regions like the  Costa del Sol and Costa Dorada. For this reason, hotels, and restaurants sometimes charge peak rates during heavy tourist seasons and local holidays. Travelling off-peak can be more enjoyable and affordable.