When my husband and I moved from Connecticut to Spain in August of 2025 with our two young sons, we'd never even been to Spain before.
We were seeking a different kind of life for our family. One that was healthier, slower, and more connected. One that offered better work-life balance, more travel, and the chance to actually see the world with our kids while they were still young enough to soak it all in.
Of course, we expected surprises with an international move. There have been many. Some welcome, some a learning opportunity.
What went right
The kids surprised us
When we moved, our boys were just 6 and 9, and their adjustment was our greatest concern.
It turns out, we had nothing to worry about. They love their school, quickly found great friends, and they have been learning the language.
During a recent conversation with my 10-year-old, he said, "We made the right choice." I could have cried.
We don't miss what we left behind
We sold our forever home and 95% of our belongings before we moved, bringing only what fit in suitcases.
I feared we'd have regrets. We don't. I don't miss any of our old furniture or decor. We've intentionally kept our new home in Spain minimal, preferring to enjoy just a few meaningful items and spend money on experiences instead.
Our marriage has grown closer
I've never felt more connected to my husband. There's something about walking into the unknown together that bonds you in ways you can't explain.
Sure, we have fewer date nights without family nearby to babysit, but we communicate more, and the time we have together feels more present than it had been back home in the US.
We've found a sense of community
Strangers have embraced us. The café owner down the street offers us rides in his car. A neighbor volunteered to be our emergency chauffeur if one of the kids ever needs urgent care. Another neighbor invited us to celebrate their kids' 18th birthday the day we met them.
We have been welcomed more than we ever imagined possible. We're not trying to replace the relationships we built over the years in Connecticut, but it's remarkable to me how quickly we've found a community of local and international friends who truly care and already treat us like family.
My health improved
I lost 15 pounds — almost instantly and with little effort — and went off anxiety medication I'd been on for years. We live in a walkable neighborhood, I get more sun and fresh air than I ever have in my life, and I'm eating fresh food every day.
This wasn't a planned diet overhaul or fitness regimen. It's just a byproduct of our daily life here.
What we'd do differently
Learn the language before moving
You can get by in Spain without speaking Spanish. AI makes that easier than ever. But we're here to integrate, not get by.
The daily cognitive overload of navigating daily life in a language we're not yet fluent in is intense at times. Nothing runs on autopilot. Every decision takes longer. It has made me more tired than I've ever been. Learning the language before we left would've significantly lightened that load.
Understand school transportation options
We have no car here and rely on public transportation. We're lucky to live in a well-connected area, except when it comes to our kids' school. They attend an international American school in a nearby town, which requires a train and a bus every day. More than once, my 7-year-old has fallen asleep on the way home. If we had it to do over, we'd ask every school we considered whether they provide bus service.
Research the local climate
I didn't think about how a different climate might impact our family. The air and allergens in the Madrid area have affected my youngest's respiratory system. He used an inhaler occasionally in the US for allergy-induced asthma. Here, he now takes a daily preventive inhaler.
He's managing things fine, but I'd research climate and health more thoroughly before choosing a location next time.
Choose a place to live with good light and outdoor space
We signed our rental contract without seeing the space in person. We love our flat overall, but I'd do one thing differently if I could do it over: prioritize light and outdoor space.
Most of our home doesn't get any natural light, a complete change from our home in the US. Without a balcony, laundry has to dry inside, and we have less connection to the air and world outside. This choice is affecting our daily quality of life more than we anticipated.
The biggest surprise
We've been here just shy of a year, and Spain already feels like home. Our life back in the US feels like a distant memory. This one, though imperfect and sometimes exhausting, feels the most alive and aligned it's ever been.
Read next
Find me on Instagram at @heartandhomeabroad.
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