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Every evening, Steve Aronberg settles onto the balcony of his condo in Benalmádena Pueblo, a charming village on Spain’s Costa del Sol. With a glass of local wine in hand, he listens to his favorite music and watches the Mediterranean sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. For the past eight years, this ritual has been a cornerstone of his retirement, except when he’s off exploring Europe’s cultural gems or embarking on a safari in South Africa. Often, his husband, Sven Christiansen, joins him, sharing in the tranquility of their idyllic life.
In 2017, Steve and Sven purchased their three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in Benalmádena Pueblo for just under $219,000. Nestled between the vibrant seaside city of Fuengirola and the renowned LGBTQ+-friendly resort of Torremolinos, this picturesque village west of Málaga offered the perfect blend of authentic Spanish charm and modern convenience. Their story reflects how investing in international property can open doors to a new lifestyle abroad. Thanks to Sven’s Danish citizenship and EU passport, Steve secured Spanish residency immediately through their marriage, streamlining their transition to life in Spain.
“When we were buying our condo, the authorities asked about our relationship,” Steve recalls. “We told them we were married, and it was a non-issue. Spain is incredibly welcoming, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Sexual orientation simply isn’t a barrier here. It’s one of the many reasons we love living on the Costa del Sol.
Today, Steve estimates their condo’s value has nearly doubled, driven by a surge in expat interest. “New developments are popping up everywhere, mostly bought by foreigners,” he notes. “More Americans are discovering the Costa del Sol, especially with direct flights from Newark to Málaga. While I love sharing this paradise, I worry about preserving the authentic Spanish culture. Rising rents and a tighter rental market are making it harder for newcomers to settle here.”
Benalmádena Pueblo, with its whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets, has grown modestly since Steve and Sven arrived. The population has increased from 3,000 in 2017 to about 3,500 today. Recent infrastructure improvements, including new water and sewer pipes and retiled sidewalks, have enhanced the village’s appeal, though construction since November has tested residents’ patience. “It’ll be beautiful when it’s done,” Steve says optimistically.
Life on the Costa del Sol remains remarkably affordable compared to the United States. Steve, who grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and spent much of his career with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, DC, and San Diego, was shocked by U.S. prices during a recent visit. “A glass of wine in the U.S. can cost $15,” he says. “Here, you can get an entire bottle of excellent wine at a restaurant for €20 [$22.60]. Groceries and services have gone up since the pandemic, but the increases are far less dramatic than in the U.S.”
The influx of expats, particularly Americans, has enriched Steve’s social life. “I’ve built a huge network of friends, men and women, gay and straight, all retired and like-minded,” he says. He connected with others through mutual friends, Democrats Abroad meetings, Facebook groups like American Expats in Spain and LGBTQ Expats in Spain, and a weekly dog-walking group with his beloved pet, Calvin.
Steve’s visibility grew after a 2022 interview with the podcast Where Do Gays Retire, which focused on the Málaga area’s appeal for LGBTQ+ retirees. “That interview sparked a wave of inquiries,” he says. “I’ve met so many wonderful people, like Steve and David from North Carolina, who recently visited Benalmádena for three weeks to explore permanent relocation.” Sven, a flight attendant, has also seen colleagues buy homes nearby, further expanding their social circle.
While Steve isn’t deeply involved in the “gay scene,” he appreciates the inclusivity of nearby Torremolinos, a longtime LGBTQ+ haven where rainbow flags adorn beachfront bars. “Spain is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world,” he says. “In eight years, I’ve never experienced discrimination here. The acceptance is genuine and refreshing.”
Steve has embraced opportunities to engage with Spanish culture. He volunteers with Estación Inglesa, an English immersion program that pairs native English speakers with Spanish professionals for a week at a five-star resort. Volunteers and students engage in one-on-one conversations, share meals, and participate in group activities, all in English. In return, volunteers enjoy a private room and gourmet meals with wine. “It’s a fantastic way to help Spaniards improve their English while learning about their culture,” Steve says. “I’ve met incredible people through this program.”
To improve his Spanish, Steve attended language classes in Torremolinos twice a week for two years. “My Spanish is decent but not fluent,” he admits with a laugh. “I like to say I speak excellent Spanish.” On the Costa del Sol, fluency isn’t essential, as many locals and British expats prefer speaking English, making daily life accessible for newcomers.
Spain’s immigration process can be challenging, as Steve learned firsthand. In 2022, he lost his visa and residency in Spain after spending more than 183 days outside the country due to part-time work in the U.S. and caring for his ailing father. His renewal application was denied, and despite an appeal, he had to reapply under ‘family reunification’ status, leveraging his marriage to Sven. The process took 13 stressful months, during which he couldn’t leave Spain. ‘It was a tough lesson,’ he says. ‘Expats need to understand residency rules and track their time abroad carefully.’
Freed from immigration constraints, Steve and Sven have embraced travel, including a memorable two-and-a-half-week trip to South Africa for safaris, wine tastings, and stunning landscapes. Steve has also explored Croatia, Copenhagen, Rome, Geneva, Lanzarote, and Sicily, often with friends or Sven. They maintain a home in Alexandria, Virginia, which they visit occasionally, but Spain remains their true home.
As Steve approaches his 68th birthday in July 2025, he reflects on his retirement with gratitude. ‘I’m living a charmed life,’ he says. ‘I never imagined I could afford this quality of life—sunsets on the Mediterranean, a vibrant community, and the freedom to travel. Spain has given me more than I could have dreamed. If you’re considering making a similar move, feel free to contact us to explore your options.
Benalmádena Pueblo offered an affordable, authentic Spanish lifestyle with proximity to vibrant cities like Málaga, Fuengirola, and Torremolinos. Its gay-friendly atmosphere and Mediterranean charm made it an ideal choice.
Steve and Sven bought their three-bedroom, two-bath condo in 2017 for under $219,000. Its value has likely doubled due to increased expat demand and new developments.
Yes, the Costa del Sol, particularly areas like Torremolinos, is highly inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Spain is known for its progressive attitudes, and discrimination is rare.
Spain’s residency rules can be strict. Non-EU citizens must monitor their time abroad to maintain residency status (typically no more than 183 days outside Spain per year). Reapplying after a denial can be time-consuming and stressful.
Compared to the U.S., living costs are lower. For example, a bottle of wine at a restaurant costs around €20 ($22.60), and groceries and services remain relatively affordable despite post-pandemic price increases.
Joining local groups like Democrats Abroad, Facebook communities (American Expats in Spain, LGBTQ Expats in Spain), or activities like dog-walking groups and volunteering with programs like Estación Inglesa are great ways to build connections.
Research residency requirements thoroughly, track time spent abroad, and immerse yourself in the local culture through language classes or volunteering. Be prepared for rising property costs due to expat demand.
Visit the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.exteriores.gob.es) or consult a local consulate for residency and visa information. Expat forums and podcasts like Where Do Gays Retire also offer valuable insights.
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