There were two more episodes of HouseHunters International this past week from Spain. The one I saw featured Madrid again. The neighborhoods were: Malasaña, near El Retiro and south of the city center. Again, it was interesting to see the offerings and the prices. The woman moving over had never been to Madrid before, but she decided to make a life change. She moved to teach English. How is that possible? Can Americans find English teaching jobs that easily? I thought that if someone else in the EU could do the job, they had priority over an American. If that's the case, I want to be an English teacher in Madrid, too! She had to find a roommate to afford the $1400/month rent.
I also watched that episode last night! They said it was Malasana but showed them exiting the metro Opera!I didn't follow wwhy she needed a roommate.............she could have found an apartment for just herself at half the price! The apartment she settled on was yes at the very edge of El Retiro,close to Atocha, not a very interesting area, not at all convenient for transportation. When it comes to Americans magically moving to Europe they never mention that there is a 90 day limit to stay legally.Also her teaching job would not pay even half of her rent!
That show was broadcast a few months ago. What an adorable couple!
The second show this week was a music professor looking for a place in Valencia. He had a much larger budget ($2000/month) and it seems like Valencia properties might be more spacious. One of the flats he looked at had a huge terrace. He wanted to be in the old part of the city, so he chose a flat with a much smaller terrace.
Crisco: I don't understand how she was funding her experience. Did they mention it on the show or did it sound like her only job was teaching English? Maybe she saved up to make this move and was living off of savings in addition to her teaching job. A local teacher from my area is taking a teaching assignment in Spain. It is a one year contract. She told me that the program is for college graduates through 35 year olds. She will only be making 700 euros/month. It sounded like a perfect retirement job, but obviously, I wouldn't be able to retire and meet the age requirement of that program. Oh well. I am content to visit Spain as a tourist for the time being.
teachertraveler8, I just watched the episode you mention above of House Hunters International focusing on Madrid, where an Atlanta, Georgia, USA resident, "Gina", pulls-up-stakes and moves to Spain's capital, seeking a rental property.
She, Gina, visits and considers three different 2-bedroom flats located in Malasaña, Arganzuela, and next to Retiro Park. She has a budget of $1,300/1,013€ per month.
I was watching and when she got to Madrid, meeting her American friend there, "Lisette", I said, "Hey! I know her!!" And I do! I know Lisette via Facebook. What a surprise that was!