Valencia is compact, flat and close to the sea. Families choose between the lively centre, the beach, and the green towns to the north and west where many international schools are. Here is how the main areas compare.
Three questions before you look at a single flat
Which school?International schools are spread across the city centre, the north (Puçol) and the north-west (Rocafort, Godella, Bétera). Most run school buses, but a short school run still matters.
Beach or city?The seafront neighbourhoods have a relaxed rhythm; the centre has everything on foot. Both are 15–20 minutes apart by tram or bike.
Flat or house?Flats in the city, houses with gardens in the surrounding towns. The metro links many of those towns to the centre.
The areas our families choose most
City of Valencia
Walkable, cycle-friendly, flats rather than houses
Ensanche · Eixample
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Elegant early-20th-century buildings, shops and restaurants, close to the old town and the Turia gardens.
Best for
Families who want central living with character
Schools
Close to the British School of Valencia and other central schools
Getting around
Metro and bus; everything within walking or cycling distance
Ruzafa
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Creative and lively, with cafés, markets and a young international crowd. Can be busy at night.
Best for
Couples and families with older children who like city life
Schools
Central schools within easy reach
Getting around
Walking, bike and metro
Pla del Real · Jardines del Real
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Quiet, residential and green, next to the Viveros gardens and the universities.
Best for
Families who want calm without leaving the centre
Schools
Deutsche Schule Valencia and several private schools nearby
Getting around
Metro, tram and bike lanes along the Turia
Cabanyal · Malvarrosa · Patacona
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Seafront neighbourhoods with colourful houses and the beach at the end of the street. Patacona is quieter and more residential.
Best for
Families who want the beach in their daily life
Schools
City schools by tram or bus; Puçol schools to the north by car
Getting around
Tram and bus to the centre in about 20 minutes
Campanar · Benicalap
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Newer buildings, many with pools and parking, close to the Turia gardens and Nuevo Centro.
Best for
Families looking for space and modern flats in the city
Schools
Good access towards the north-west schools
Getting around
Metro and good road links to the ring roads
Around Valencia
Houses, gardens and international schools
Godella · Rocafort
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Village feel, villas and gardens, a short metro ride from the centre.
Best for
Families who want a house and a community atmosphere
Green residential areas with houses and pools, close to the Valencia Technology Park in Paterna.
Best for
Families working in Paterna or the north-west business parks
Schools
Several international and bilingual schools in the area
Getting around
Metro and CV-35 motorway
Bétera
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Residential estates with golf and larger plots, more countryside around.
Best for
Families who want space and nature
Schools
Mas Camarena is in Bétera
Getting around
Car usually needed; metro to the centre
Puçol · Rafelbunyol · Port Saplaya
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North of the city, between orange groves and the sea. Port Saplaya is a small marina with colourful houses.
Best for
Families choosing a school in Puçol
Schools
Caxton College and the American School of Valencia are in Puçol
Getting around
V-21 motorway and metro line to the north
El Puig
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A coastal town just north of Valencia, with its own beach, a historic monastery and a calm, local atmosphere. More space for the budget than the city.
Best for
Families choosing a school in Puçol who want the sea close by
Schools
Right next to Puçol, home to Caxton College and the American School of Valencia
Getting around
Cercanías train and V-21 motorway to Valencia in about 20 minutes
El Bosque (Chiva)
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A gated residential estate about 20 km west of Valencia, with 24-hour security, an 18-hole golf course, tennis and riding clubs, and villas on large plots.
Best for
Families who want space, privacy and nature, and are happy to drive
Schools
Bilingual and international schools to the west of Valencia; we check school bus routes for you
Getting around
A-3 motorway, under 30 minutes to the city; car needed
Rent level: € more affordable · €€€€ top of the market. Relative guide only.
Good to know before renting in Valencia
Demand has grownValencia has become very popular with international residents. Good family flats go quickly, so we move fast for you.
What landlords ask forUsually proof of income, a deposit and sometimes extra guarantees. We prepare the file with you.
Summer is differentCoastal areas fill with seasonal rentals in summer. Long-term contracts are easier to find from September.
Register at the town hallEmpadronamiento opens access to schools and healthcare. We book it and go with you.
See the neighbourhoods with us, in one day
An orientation day with Susana Chorro: the areas that fit your family, two or three schools and a realistic view of the rental market. +34 652 890 412 · susana.chorro@enjoyrelocation.com
