Why We Chose to Move Abroad—And Why Spain Was the Clear Winner
We’ve been sitting on this news for a while, but it’s finally getting real: we’re moving to Spain. This isn’t just a long vacation or a gap year—it’s a lifestyle shift we’ve been dreaming about (and planning for) over the past year.
A lot of people have asked us why we’re doing this. Why move abroad? Why now? And… why Spain of all places?
So here’s the honest answer: we want to live life on our own terms—while we’re still young enough to enjoy it.
Escaping the Burnout Loop
We both spent years working respectable jobs, paying bills, doing “the right things”… and quietly burning out.
Like a lot of people our age, we started asking ourselves: Is this really it?
Work until you’re 65 or older, take your two weeks of PTO, and squeeze your dreams into the margins of your life?
No, thanks.
We want more time, more adventure, and more mental space to be present. Spain offers a slower pace, better work-life balance, and—let’s be honest—a refreshing break from the intensity of American culture and politics.
Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
One of the biggest reasons we can do this move is because we both transitioned to working remotely. As newly minted digital nomads, we’re lucky enough to have location independence, and we want to take full advantage of that freedom while we can.
Spain, in particular, is making it easier than ever with new visa options for remote workers and freelancers. That was a huge green light for us.
Why Spain?
We considered several countries in Europe, but Spain kept checking every box:
✅ Affordable cost of living (especially compared to the U.S.)
✅ Access to world-class public healthcare
✅ Incredible food, culture, and climate
✅ Beautiful diversity from beaches to mountains
✅ Full access to the Schengen Zone—meaning weekend trips to Portugal, Italy, France, and beyond are totally doable
✅ A more balanced, community-oriented lifestyle
And maybe just as important: it’s a place we can actually see ourselves thriving. Spain feels welcoming, vibrant, and alive—but also relaxed in a way that makes you want to slow down and breathe.
Where We’re Landing
While we plan to explore as much of the country as possible, we’re initially drawn to northern Spain—especially the Bilbao and Asturias regions.
We love the idea of being near the coast without the intense heat of the south, and the north offers dramatic landscapes, lush greenery, and a bit more of an off-the-beaten-path vibe. Plus, fewer crowds, Asturian cider (iykyk), and arguably the best food scene in the country.
But nothing’s set in stone—we’ll be bouncing around at first, living the digital nomad life, trying on cities until we find the one that really fits.
Doing This Now, Not “Someday”
We don’t want to wait for the “right time.” There’s always a reason to stay put. But one thing this journey has taught us is that life doesn’t wait—and neither should we.
We want to explore the world while our knees still work, hike the Basque coast before we’re too tired to carry a backpack, and build a life that feels full—not just productive.
So here we go. Spain is calling, and we’re answering.
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing every part of this adventure, from packing up our lives to navigating visas, language learning, and finding a new home across the ocean.
See you on the other side.
— Lauren & Lee
LAUREN & LEE ROBERTS 
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