From Texas to Alicante: Our Retirement Journey in Spain

Marty and Mary’s story

Marty and Mary, a couple originally from Austin, Texas, share their experience of immigrating and retiring in Alicante, Spain. In this video, they talk about how they made the decision to move, the challenges of the visa process, buying their home, and adapting to life in Spain. From their first visit in 2018 to their permanent move in 2019, the couple found Alicante to be the perfect place for their retirement, thanks to its climate, culture, and lower cost of living compared to the U.S. 

With the help of their advisors, they successfully managed their retirement visa remotely and received guidance in purchasing their home. They also discuss key topics such as the Spanish healthcare system, access to private health insurance, and their experience with medical care when Mary was diagnosed with angiosarcoma.

They explain how their insurance coverage exceeded expectations and how the empathy within the Spanish healthcare system has been a tremendous support during her recovery. Additionally, Marty highlights the importance of proximity to services and transportation when choosing their home—something that became crucial when his wife needed medical treatment. 

They also cover the legal and tax aspects they faced as expatriates, including updating their will and managing taxes in both Spain and the U.S. If you’re considering moving to Spain for retirement, this video provides a realistic insight into the process and life as an expat in Alicante.