For Sarah and David Miller, life in Chicago had been comfortable but increasingly stressful. Between long commutes, icy winters, and rising living costs, they began to dream of a change. “It started as a fantasy,” Sarah admits. “We’d watch YouTube videos about life in Spain, about families who moved to the Costa del Sol. One evening David said: Why don’t we just look into it seriously?”
The Decision to Relocate
The tipping point came during the pandemic, when remote work became the new normal. David’s company confirmed he could work from Europe, and suddenly what felt impossible became realistic. “We started running the numbers,” David says. “Property prices, cost of living, healthcare, international schools for our kids. Marbella kept ticking every box.”
The Buying Process with Best Spain Home
Their first concern was complexity. “We didn’t know the legal system, the taxes, or even where to start,” Sarah recalls. “That’s when Best Spain Home came in. They didn’t just show us houses—they walked us through every step. From recommending English-speaking lawyers, to helping us understand taxes, to even setting up meetings with mortgage advisors.”
The couple visited Marbella in spring 2024 and toured more than a dozen homes. “The funny thing is, the house we ended up buying wasn’t even on our initial list,” Sarah laughs. “It was a modern villa near Estepona, with a pool and mountain views. The moment we stepped inside, we knew it was ours.”
Settling into a New Life
Nine months later, the Millers have fully settled into life on the Costa del Sol. “The biggest change is how much time we spend outside,” David says. “Back in Chicago, half the year we were locked indoors. Now the kids bike to the beach after school, we hike on weekends, and dinner is often on the terrace.”
Financially, the family also feels more at ease. “Our monthly expenses are about 30% lower than they were in Chicago. Food, utilities, even healthcare—it all adds up. And yet our quality of life is higher.”
Looking Back
When asked if they’d ever return to Chicago, Sarah shakes her head. “We still visit family, of course, but this is home now. The community here is warm, international, and welcoming. It feels like we gained both a house and a lifestyle.”
