When it comes to comparing the safety and lifestyle of Spain versus the U.S., for me, it’s truly a no-brainer: Spain wins, hands down. Since moving here, I haven’t once felt unsafe, and that alone has been such a breath of fresh air. There’s a level of peace in everyday life here that I didn’t even realize I was missing until I experienced it.
Ladies, imagine this: you’re out late with your amigas, dancing the night away, and it’s suddenly 5 AM. In Spain, especially in cities and towns where nightlife is woven into the culture, you can actually walk home without clutching your keys between your fingers or looking over your shoulder every few seconds. That doesn’t mean I recommend strolling around solo at dawn all the time, but the reality is, it feels much safer to do so here than it ever did back in the States. There’s a collective sense of community, and people are generally out and about, even at odd hours, which makes you feel less alone and more secure.
Back in the U.S., there’s a saying that goes, “Nothing good happens after midnight.” But here in Spain, locals would probably laugh and say, “Midnight? You’re early!” No, seriously, midnight is when the clubs are just starting to open. The real party doesn’t even begin until around 3 or 4 AM, which is considered peak time.
It’s definitely one of the bigger cultural shifts I’ve had to wrap my head around. I’m used to winding down by that time, not hyping up! Let’s just say my bedtime routine had to be put on pause. Nightlife here isn’t just an activity, it’s an entire lifestyle, and it runs on a clock that’s about five hours ahead of mine. I’m still adjusting, but I’m learning to lean into the rhythm, one late night at a time.
Spain is widely recognized as a safe, family-friendly country with a low crime rate. Even in big cities, there’s an ease that comes with the slower pace, the warm interactions with strangers, and the fact that safety isn’t something that’s constantly weighing on your mind. You can go for an evening walk, sit in a plaza by yourself, or take public transportation at night without that underlying sense of danger.
In contrast, back in the U.S., my experience has always depended on where I was. There are beautiful, safe places, absolutely, but even in “safe” areas, there’s often an undercurrent of caution, especially for women. You learn to be hyper-aware. And that kind of vigilance, while necessary in many places, is exhausting.
While I’d say it’s generally safe here, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut; if something feels off, it probably is. I’ve learned that listening to my intuition has helped me avoid situations that didn’t feel quite right, even in places that seemed perfectly normal at first glance. Safety isn’t about being fearful, it’s about being mindful. So enjoy yourself, but stay smart out there.
Personally, I prefer the Spain way. I feel more at peace here. My lifestyle has shifted in a way that allows me to enjoy simple pleasures without the extra weight of constantly watching my back. And that, freedom, comfort, and safety, is something I’ll never take for granted.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
