A small village in Valencia, Spain, is offering municipal housing for less than €300 a month as part of a campaign to attract new residents. Zarra, with a registered population of 374, has launched the second edition of its “Vente a vivir a Zarra” (Come live in Zarra) program, which includes affordable rentals and community amenities like a pool and gym.
The initiative is confirmed by the local council and reported by several media outlets. It aims to combat depopulation and revitalize the area, following a successful first edition that brought three new families and eight schoolchildren to the village.
What Zarra Offers New Residents
The centerpiece of the campaign is the availability of municipal housing for under €300 per month. The council is also asking owners of empty private homes to rent them out at reasonable prices in exchange for municipal help with renovations.
Beyond housing, Zarra boasts a pool nestled in a forest and a gym, enhancing its appeal for families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle. These amenities are part of the village's effort to present itself as an attractive place to live.
Key Details of the Housing Offer
- Municipal rentals available for less than €300/month.
- Private owners encouraged to rent empty homes at reasonable rates.
- Municipal assistance for renovations of private properties.
- Second edition of the program; first brought three families and eight students.
- Application via simple form; no guarantee of housing or employment.
The program is a response to the challenges of rural depopulation, which has affected many parts of Spain. By providing affordable housing and supporting local services, Zarra hopes to reverse the trend and create a sustainable community.
How to Apply for Housing in Zarra
Interested individuals can apply by filling out a form with basic information: name, age, current residence, and employment status. The form can be sent to venteavivirazarra@zarra.org or completed by phone at 678 182 026, available Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 14:00 only.
It's important to note that submitting the form does not guarantee housing or employment. The process is designed to gauge interest and match potential residents with available properties.
Application Requirements and Process
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Form fields | Name, age, current residence, employment status |
| Contact email | venteavivirazarra@zarra.org |
| Phone | 678 182 026 (Mon-Fri, 13:00-14:00) |
| Guarantee | No housing or employment guaranteed |
| Program edition | Second (first brought 3 families, 8 students) |
The limited phone hours may seem restrictive, but the email option provides flexibility. Applicants should be prepared to provide accurate information and may be contacted for further details.
Impact of the First Edition
The first edition of the program, in collaboration with Proyecto Arraigo, resulted in three new families moving to Zarra, including eight schoolchildren. This influx increased enrollment at the local rural school from near closure to eleven students currently.
This success demonstrates the potential of such initiatives to revitalize rural areas. The arrival of families not only supports the school but also contributes to the local economy and community life.
The school, a Colegio Rural Agrupado (Rural Grouped School), was on the verge of closing before the repopulation effort. Now, with eleven students, it remains operational, providing education to the village's children. The longer history behind the story is traced in Valencia Village Offers Rent for €300 a Month to Attract New Residents.
About Zarra: The Oldest Village
Zarra's name derives from an Iberian root meaning “the old,” reflecting its ancient origins. Prehistoric remains have been found in the Cueva (cave) in its municipality, indicating a long history of human settlement. The background to this story is set out in Shopping in Cancun: Mercado 28 vs La Isla Village. A related thread runs through Cairngorms Wildfire: Evacuated Village Residents Allowed Home. Earlier coverage in Dubai Offers £600 Rewards to Attract Visitors Amid Tourism Slump shows how the argument developed.
The village is located in the interior of Valencia, offering a rural setting with natural surroundings. Its forest pool and gym are notable amenities for a village of its size, making it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. A closer look at the same subject appears in Pheromone Maxxing: The Science Behind Not Showering to Attract Mates. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Trending: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in Rural Spain Offers Cheap Stone Houses and Tax Breaks for Entrepreneurs, which takes a different angle.
For those considering a move, Zarra represents an opportunity to join a community-focused effort to sustain rural life. The affordable housing and amenities are key draws, but prospective residents should weigh the trade-offs of living in a small village, such as limited services and employment opportunities. Context on how this played out before sits in Spain's Regional Housing Price Gap Has Doubled Since the Pandemic. A companion piece, Spain's Biggest Real Estate Fraudster Arrested in Mother's Home, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
What is the “Vente a vivir a Zarra” program?
It is a municipal initiative in Zarra, Valencia, offering affordable housing and encouraging new residents to move to the village. The program includes municipal rentals for under €300/month and support for renovating private homes.
How can I apply for housing in Zarra?
You can apply by filling out a form with your name, age, current residence, and employment status. Send it to venteavivirazarra@zarra.org or call 678 182 026 on weekdays from 13:00 to 14:00.
Does applying guarantee housing or employment?
No, submitting the form does not guarantee housing or employment. The program aims to match interested individuals with available properties, but availability is limited.
What amenities does Zarra offer?
Zarra has a pool in a forest setting and a gym, along with a rural school and basic services. These amenities are part of the village's appeal to attract new residents.