Zaragoza is a uniquely charming city, brimming with history, culture and an unrivalled quality of life. Nestled in the heart of Aragon, it offers a blend of tradition and modernity and allows for a quiet life yet full of possibilities. Zaragoza has something for everyone, from its historical and cultural heritage to its nightlife and food, so this article will give you all the information you need to make this city your new home.
Why should you live in Zaragoza?
Zaragoza's strategic location, in the centre of Spain, makes it a connecting point to other major cities and, together with its efficient and accessible public transport infrastructure, this makes travelling in and out of the city easy.
Zaragoza's quality of life is excellent, with a wide range of services and opportunities, from outstanding educational establishments to diverse job opportunities in numerous sectors. Zaragoza is also known for its culture and historical heritage, reflected in its numerous museums, theatres and monuments.
The city is also famous for its social and culinary scene, with a wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can sample the local food and drink. In addition, the city hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, providing a wide range of leisure and entertainment.
As for housing, Zaragoza offers many options to suit different needs and budgets. From modern city centre flats to more traditional houses in the suburbs – there is something for everyone.
The best neighbourhoods in Zaragoza
Zaragoza is renowned for its diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own character and charm. Here are some of the most outstanding ones to live in.
Barrio de la Magdalena
The Barrio de la Magdalena is one of Zaragoza's oldest and most emblematic neighbourhoods. Its narrow streets and squares hide a rich history and a vibrant cultural life. Here, you will find many shops, bars and restaurants that reflect Zaragoza's authentic essence. Furthermore, as of October 2023, the price of its properties for sale is more affordable than in other areas of Spain, with an average of €1,805 per square metre.
El Casco Histórico
El Casco Histórico is the heart of the city. Here, you will find some of Zaragoza's most important monuments, such as the Basilica del Pilar and the Cathedral of La Seo. This neighbourhood is close to everything, with a wide range of services and cultural activities at your disposal. The average house price is €1,769 per square metre, while rent is around €10 per square metre as of October 2023.
Barrio de las Delicias
If you are looking for peace and quiet, Barrio de las Delicias can be an excellent option. It is one of Zaragoza's largest, most populated neighbourhoods, known for its extensive green areas and wide range of services. Las Delicias is ideal for families, with numerous schools, parks and sports centres. House prices are around €1,382 per square metre as of October 2023, and rent is around €9.2 per square metre.
Actur-Rey Fernando
Lastly, Actur-Rey Fernando is one of the city's most modern neighbourhoods. It stands out for its wide avenues, modern buildings and excellent communication with the city centre. This neighbourhood is perfect for those looking for a comfortable and convenient life in Zaragoza, with rentals in October 2023 averaging €8.6 per square metre and house prices averaging €2,212 per square metre.
What is the cost of living in Zaragoza?
One of the first things to consider when planning your move to Zaragoza is the cost of living. Living in Zaragoza can be more affordable than in other Spanish cities, as renting and buying is usually cheaper than in cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.
Utilities such as electricity, water and gas are also reasonably priced. Moreover, the city offers a wide range of public transport options at competitive prices and food and other groceries are affordable in local supermarkets.
Living in Zaragoza as a student: tips and recommendations
If you're a student considering Zaragoza as your next destination, the city offers a range of educational opportunities with prestigious universities and a vibrant student atmosphere. It also has many leisure and cultural activities that will enrich your experience.
One of the highlights of living in Zaragoza as a student is the affordable prices. Compared to other Spanish cities, accommodation, transport, and food costs are relatively low, allowing students to enjoy a high quality of life without stretching their budget too far. In addition, the city's universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports to music and art clubs.
Zaragoza is not too big, so it's easy to get around, but it is not small either, so it offers all the amenities and services you could need. The city has a great public transport network, including buses and trams, allowing you to get around quickly and efficiently to its many museums, theatres and events.
Pros and cons of living in Zaragoza
Zaragoza's size and location make it an ideal starting point for travelling around Spain and Europe.
As for its quality of life, Zaragoza has a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities, as well as interesting public spaces. The city is also known for its cuisine and nightlife.
These perks can compensate for the climate, which has hot summers and cold winters. You should factor in your individual needs and preferences when considering all the pros and cons of living in Zaragoza.
Living in Zaragoza with children: is it a suitable city?
If you are wondering whether Zaragoza is a suitable city to live in with children, the answer is a resounding yes. Zaragoza is safe and peaceful, ideal for children's growth and development. It has a wide range of quality schools – both public and private – and a large number of parks and outdoor spaces where children can play and enjoy themselves.
In addition, Zaragoza has a wide range of activities and events aimed at families. There is always something fun to do with kids, from workshops and children's shows to theme parks and playgrounds. Moreover, the city has sports facilities and many clubs and teams for children and young people.
Zaragoza housing options include everything from quiet residential areas to more central and lively neighbourhoods, suiting all tastes and budgets with affordable prices.
With its quality of life, wide range of family-friendly activities and safe and welcoming environment, Zaragoza is undoubtedly an ideal city for raising children.
Living in Zaragoza and working in Madrid
The option of living in Zaragoza and working in Madrid is a reality for many due to the excellent connections between the two cities. The high-speed AVE train allows you to make the journey in less than an hour and a half, making life easier for those who choose this option.
This option allows you to benefit from a more affordable cost of living in Zaragoza compared to Madrid. Housing, food and general services are cheaper, but working in Madrid gives you access to a more dynamic job market, with opportunities in various industries and sectors.
This is why living in Zaragoza and working in Madrid can ensure the perfect work-life balance. Zaragoza is a quiet and friendly city, ideal for enjoying family life and free time, where Madrid, with its nightlife and culture, offers a wide range of after-work entertainment and activities.
Living in Zaragoza and working in Madrid can offer the best of both worlds: a comfortable and affordable life in a quiet city and the job opportunities of a large metropolis.
Comparing Zaragoza: how does it rank among Spain's cities?
When considering a change of residence, comparing different cities is only natural. In the case of Zaragoza, this city stands out among others for offering a high quality of life, with a more affordable cost of living compared to other Spanish cities of a similar size.
The city is also in an excellent geographical location, halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. This makes it a strategic point for business and those wishing to explore other parts of Spain.
In terms of education, Zaragoza has several renowned universities and a wide range of educational centres for all ages, as well as a rich cultural offer and historical heritage, making it an interesting and appealing place to live.
All this means that Zaragoza offers a combination of quality of life, opportunities and cultural attractiveness, making it a very interesting option when considering moving there.
Whether you're thinking about living in Zaragoza as a student, a working professional or a family, we hope this article gave you an overview of what to expect. Deciding where to live is deeply personal and depends on many factors, but Zaragoza is certainly worth considering.