From the American Dream to the Spanish Way of Life: Stories of Integration

What is it about Spain that leads so many American families to start a new life here?

The decision to move to another country is not taken lightly. For many American families, it means leaving behind stable jobs, established social networks, and a familiar lifestyle. And yet, more and more of them are choosing to swap cities like Los Angeles, New York, or Austin for Madrid, Valencia, or Málaga. So, what is it about Spain that attracts those from across the Atlantic?

The answer lies in a combination of factors that make Spain much more than just an attractive destination: the quality of life, the culture, the climate, and above all, a different —more human— approach to daily life. But there’s also something deeper, something almost historical and cultural, that connects the two countries more than we often realize.

In terms of lifestyle, many Americans express growing fatigue with a culture dominated by overwork, constant competitiveness, and a lack of time for what truly matters: being with loved ones, resting, and enjoying the present. In the U.S., even taking a vacation is considered a luxury; in Spain, however, free time is not a perk — it's an essential part of wellbeing. Here, people value long meals with friends and family, relaxed conversation in the town square, and outdoor living. It's not just a cultural difference — it's a philosophy of life.

Then there's our culture: rich, diverse, and full of living traditions and history. For many Americans, it's a continuous source of learning and wonder. And far from staying on the sidelines, many of the expats I work with show a genuine interest in integrating: they learn the language, participate in local festivals, send their children to public schools. They want to be part of it — not just spectators.

And let’s not forget the climate. The sunshine in Andalucía, the Mediterranean breeze on the eastern coast, or the mild winters in the south feel like a gift compared to the harsh cold of Chicago or the climate chaos of California. Being able to spend more time outdoors, walking without needing a car, or simply soaking in the sunlight... is a compelling reason for many families.

But we also can’t ignore a crucial fact: the United States has a deep Latin American cultural influence, particularly Mexican. Spanish is not just present — it’s deeply rooted. More than 62.5 million people speak Spanish in the United States, representing 18.9% of the total population. Technically, the U.S. has no official language, and Spanish is the second most spoken language after English. This means that, for millions of Americans, moving to Spain isn't as linguistically foreign as it might seem. In many cases, they are reconnecting with a language they already know or one their children are learning in school.

From a historical perspective, the connection runs even deeper. Spain is not a stranger to the origins of the United States — quite the opposite. The Spanish presence in North America played a key role in shaping the country, with cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio founded under Spanish rule. In a way, Spain helped create the United States, forming a cultural and linguistic bond that is often forgotten. In some ways, we share more with them than with other European countries, such as Germany or the Nordics.

All of this adds up. Because the truth is, the American culture —far from common stereotypes— is often open, friendly, welcoming, and full of a vitality very similar to our own. Perhaps that’s why, when they arrive in Spain, many feel more at home than expected… and they stay.

As a lawyer who supports these individuals in their move to Spain, I see it every day: this is not an escape — it’s a search. A search for balance, community, mental health, and authentic wellbeing. And that, ultimately, is what Spain offers. It doesn’t just attract because of what it has — but because of how it offers it: with warmth, with closeness, with humanity.

So, when someone asks me why so many Americans are moving to Spain, my answer is simple: because here, you don’t just live — you live better.

An Integration That Contributes to Spanish Society

As a lawyer who advises American citizens in their migration process to Spain, I witness a reality every day that deserves more recognition: the immigration of U.S. citizens adds value, builds community, and deeply enriches our society.

These Americans don’t come driven by necessity, but rather drawn by the best our country has to offer: the quality of life, the culture, the healthcare system, the safety, and a way of understanding time and relationships that contrasts with the fast-paced rhythm of their home cities.

They’re not looking to live in an “American bubble” on Spanish soil; on the contrary, they make a genuine effort to integrate.

Their children learn Spanish, attend local schools, and make friends in the neighborhood.

They pay taxes here, respect our customs, actively participate in community life, and in many cases, they start businesses or work in sectors where they bring valuable international experience.

This is not a type of immigration that takes advantage of the system — it is one that participates in it.

This reality contrasts with other more passive forms of immigration — such as that of high-income individuals who come to retire without any real intention of integrating or learning the language.

The profile I deal with daily is very different: people who are committed, grateful, and eager to build a life in Spain — not just pass through it.

That’s why, from both a professional and personal perspective, I firmly believe that this immigration brings great value to Spanish society.

Not just economically, but culturally and humanly as well.

And it deserves to be recognized as such.