Pese a que los datos sitúan a la Ciudad Condal como una de las capitales más caras de España para vivir, la ciudad ofrece soluciones residenciales para todos los gustos y bolsillos.

With a population of nearly 1.7 million, Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain. Dynamic, cosmopolitan, and multicultural, the Catalan capital has much to offer across its more than 100 square kilometers, an area divided into about ten districts, including some of the best neighborhoods to live in Barcelona—and for good reason, as it boasts more than 70 of them.

And there’s more. The Barcelona metropolitan area includes more than thirty municipalities that, just over half an hour from the city, offer interesting residential options for those looking to live near Barcelona—enjoying the benefits of the capital nearby without sacrificing the quality of life found in quieter towns.

In the last quarter of 2021 alone, a total of 15,629 real estate transactions took place, representing a 7.7% increase over the previous quarter. Of these, more than 13,000 were for resale homes and 2,447 were for new-construction properties, representing increases of 8.4% and 3.8%, respectively, compared to the first three months of the year.

The data, collected by the Real Estate Registry Statistics, also reveal that, with an average price of 4,131^€/m2, the Catalan capital is the second most expensive city in Spain, surpassed only by Donosti (4,851^€/m2) and ahead of Madrid (3,594^€/m2). In any case, there are plenty of great areas to live in Barcelona and its surroundings with much more moderate prices and all the necessary amenities.

Best Neighborhoods to Live in Barcelona

• Pedralbes

In the Les Corts district, right in the heart of the city’s upscale area, lies a neighborhood that many consider one of the best places to live in Barcelona. This is Pedralbes, one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the area, where luxury homes and high-end apartments create a setting that exudes exclusivity.

From the mountains to the Diagonal, the neighborhood has all kinds of amenities, and although its shopping areas aren’t very crowded, it has everything its residents need. In addition, it has extensive green spaces and schools, making this neighborhood one of the best places to live in Barcelona with children—provided, of course, that you have a certain level of purchasing power.

• Sarrià

The Sarrià neighborhood, located in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, is also exclusive—it’s another of the best areas to live in Barcelona. It was incorporated into Barcelona in 1921; until then, it had been an independent municipality.

Ever since it became part of the Catalan capital, it has been considered one of the most sought-after places to live. Its residential character makes tranquility one of its main features, although, unlike Pedralbes, it offers a wide range of shopping and leisure options.

• Sant Andreu

Far from the exclusivity of the city’s upper districts, there are other great areas to live in Barcelona. This is the case with the Sant Andreu neighborhood, in the eastern district of the same name—another of the municipalities that was annexed by the capital years ago. Its industrial past, a history with its own unique character, and the fact that it isn’t a particularly touristy neighborhood make it a good residential option for those seeking tranquility and amenities.

In addition, it boasts excellent transportation links, with three subway stations, two train stations connected to the city center, and several bus routes.

• Sants

The Sants-Montjuic district is another of the best areas to live in Barcelona. Its family-friendly atmosphere is one of its defining characteristics. It’s also worth noting its excellent transportation links, which are largely made possible by the Sants train station and its proximity to the airport.

If you want to live in Sants-Montjuïc, in the La Marina neighborhood, you’ll find the Culmia Port Montjuïc new-construction development, just 15 minutes from downtown Barcelona. It’s very close to the beaches, with easy access to Barceloneta Beach, Bogatell Beach, and Mar Bella Beach.

Another option is to live near the City of Justice, within the Sants district and just 10 minutes from the airport, 15 minutes from downtown, and 20 minutes from the beach. CULMIA Themis Riera consists of two buildings with 85 three- and four-bedroom apartments, each featuring a terrace, a parking space, and a storage unit. The development includes a communal pool on the rooftop of one of the buildings.

Marina del Prat Vermell is another of the neighborhoods that make up the Sants-Montjuïc district of Barcelona. Marina del Prat Vermell is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from its industrial past into a modern residential area with a strong focus on affordable housing and green spaces. This neighborhood is home to the new-construction development CULMIA MarCelOna Montjuïc. It features 152 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, each with a parking space and storage unit, distributed across three buildings with a modern and exclusive design.

Sants Montjuic has no shortage of tourist attractions, such as the Olympic Ring or the Magic Fountain, nor does it lack options for cultural, culinary, or nature-based leisure activities—all without exorbitant prices. It’s also, along with Les Corts, one of the best neighborhoods to live in Barcelona if you want to enjoy the college atmosphere.

• Ciutat Vella

The city’s oldest district is a truly fascinating option; after all, it’s home to some of the capital’s most popular neighborhoods. The Raval, the Gothic Quarter, and the Born are among its highlights, forming a network of streets that are both captivating and surprising in equal measure. However, gentrification has driven the native population of these neighborhoods toward other areas that, like many of them, connect directly to the Mediterranean.

In this regard, Poblenou is an interesting option where residential areas, businesses, and universities come together. In recent years, it has earned a place among the best neighborhoods to live in Barcelona.

Best Places to Live Near Barcelona

Barcelona has plenty of attractions to make any of its many neighborhoods a great place to set up your primary residence. However, the towns near the capital —and even those in the metropolitan area—are emerging as an alternative —in many cases a more affordable one—that shouldn’t be ruled out either. Some of the best areas to live near Barcelona are:

• Sabadell

A little over half an hour from the capital, Sabadell is one of the most sought-after options among those looking for the best places to live near Barcelona. Well-connected to the capital, quieter, and more affordable—not only in terms of housing but overall—the city has proven to be a charming place to call home.

• Hospitalet de Llobregat

A total of 37 municipalities make up the metropolitan area, and Hospitalet de Llobregat is one of the most popular. It’s just a 20-minute drive or public transit ride from the capital’s city center. Add to that its location on the Mediterranean coast, its more than adequate transportation links, and the wide range of services it offers, and it’s no surprise that it has become one of the best places to live near Barcelona.

• Mataró

Another recommended option is to live in Mataró. A little further from Barcelona but with the charm of being right by the sea, Mataró is also a town worth considering. Its housing options range from modern multi-family apartment buildings to single-family homes with gardens—a variety that goes hand in hand with an enviable quality of life.

• Ruby

Rubí is a municipality in the province of Barcelona, located in the Vallés Occidental region, in the Riera Valley. If you’re thinking about living in Rubí, request more information about the CULMIA Rubí new-construction development, near Barcelona and well-connected to the city center by public transportation.

• La Roca del Vallès

Another highly recommended option is to live in La Roca del Vallésor La Roca, a municipality in the province of Barcelona, within the Vallés Oriental region. It stands out for its natural surroundings, its historical heritage, and its proximity to major urban centers. It is known for being home to the famous La Roca Village shopping center and for offering a high quality of life, combining a peaceful residential atmosphere with good connections to the city of Barcelona.

Mollet del Vallés, Terrassa, Viladecans, Cerdanyola del Vallès, and Badalona are also among the best areas to live near Barcelona—towns that offer all kinds of services and are perfectly connected to the capital. At Culmia, we offer you a variety of developments very close to Barcelona, or, if you prefer, check out our residential options in some of the best neighborhoods to live in Barcelona.