Valencia is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, innovative urban planning, and commitment to sustainability. Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BCE, the city seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern marvels like the iconic City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is also a leader in green living, with abundant parks and eco-friendly initiatives that enhance residents’ daily lives. Its affordable public transportation, universal healthcare, and robust social services ensure a strong safety net for all.

 

In today’s blog, we highlight 5 key ways Valencia looks after its residents, making everyday life a little easier. Whether you’re already in love with this vibrant city or just starting to discover its charm, these insights are sure to capture your interest.

 

Extensive green spaces and parks

Valencia is home to extensive green spaces and parks that offer numerous benefits to locals, with the most famous being the Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia). This massive park, created from a former riverbed, stretches over nine kilometers and provides a lush, green corridor through the heart of the city. It features running and cycling paths, playgrounds, sports facilities, and scenic areas for relaxation, making it a haven for outdoor activities. Other notable parks include the Cabecera Park, Parque Central and the Albufera Natural Park, a wetland reserve just outside the city, known for its biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.

 

These green spaces significantly improve residents’ quality of life. They promote physical activity, offer a peaceful escape from the urban environment, and help reduce stress. Parks also improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide a space for community gatherings, fostering a sense of social cohesion. For families, these spaces offer safe environments for children to play and explore nature. Valencia’s commitment to green spaces helps create a healthier, more sustainable city, ensuring that locals enjoy both physical and mental well-being.

 

Economic public transport

One of our favourite perks about the city is its economic and accessible public transport. Valencia has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro network. The city promotes sustainable and affordable transport options for its residents, with initiatives such as discounted passes for seniors, students, and low-income individuals. A great example of this is the Abonament Temporal Jove gratuït – is a temporary free youth transport pass which allows people from the ages of 16 – 30 to use transport services for free.

 

Additionally, Valencia supports and promotes cycling, with a vast network of bike lanes that are visible all around the city and the public Valenbisi bike-sharing service, encouraging eco-friendly transportation. Valenbisi launched in 2010 allows residents and visitors to rent bikes from various docking stations across the city, making it a convenient way to travel short distances without relying on cars or public transit. The system operates with more than 275 stations and over 2,750 bicycles, covering key areas throughout Valencia.

 

Health care services

Spain’s healthcare system is known for its quality, and Valencia is no exception. The city provides residents access to universal healthcare, which includes public hospitals, primary care centers, and specialized medical services. Preventive care programs, mental health services, and initiatives promoting healthy living ensure that residents receive necessary medical attention. Additionally, Valencia Health City, a public-private collaboration, aims to make the city a hub for health innovation.

 

Building on this theme, Valencia offers a wide range of social programs specifically designed to support its most vulnerable residents, including the elderly, low-income families, and immigrants. These include housing assistance, food banks, and job training programs. The city also provides various social services to promote inclusion and equality, ensuring that no one is left behind in terms of access to education, employment, and basic needs.

 

Sustainability and clean energy

In today’s society, improving sustainability and protecting the environment has never been more critical and Valencia places a strong emphasis on sustainability and clean energy, striving to become a leading eco-friendly city. The city has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy sources. Solar energy is increasingly used in both public and private buildings, while energy-efficient infrastructure is prioritized in new developments.

 

Valencia’s focus on sustainable mobility is evident through its extensive network of bike lanes and affordable public transport options, all of which encourage greener travel. The city also prioritizes waste reduction and recycling, with effective programs that promote responsible waste management among residents. Additionally, Valencia is part of the European Union’s Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

 

These efforts not only help combat climate change but also improve air quality, reduce energy costs, and create a healthier, more livable environment for residents. Through its commitment to sustainability and clean energy, Valencia sets an example of how cities can prioritize environmental well-being alongside urban development.

 

Free courses & training

Valencia offers a range of free courses and training programs for residents, aimed at fostering personal and professional development. These initiatives include vocational training, language courses, digital skills workshops, and cultural enrichment programs, all designed to enhance employability and skills.

 

The city’s commitment to accessible education is reflected in partnerships with local institutions and organizations that provide these opportunities at no cost. It is also important to mention the educational institutions in the city and whilst there is a price to study, the city boasts a variety of high-quality educational institutions, from esteemed universities like the University of Valencia and Polytechnic University of Valencia to innovative research centers and vocational training schools.

 

Valencia´s vibrant cultural scene also enriches the educational experience, offering students and residents exposure to a rich array of artistic and cultural activities. The city hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the famous Las Fallas, where residents can experience traditional music, dance, and fireworks right infront of their eyes. Many of Valencia’s museums and cultural institutions, including the Museo de Bellas Artes and the IVAM (Institut Valencià d’Art Modern), offer free admission on certain days or reduced rates for locals.

 

Through these initiatives, Valencia fosters a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment for its residents. Affordable public transportation, universal healthcare access, and strong social services support residents’ well-being. Its thriving economy, powered by industries like tourism, technology, and agriculture, provides ample job opportunities and Valencia’s balance of cultural richness, environmental sustainability, and strong public services makes it an excellent place to live for its people.