A small village in rural Spain is taking unconventional measures to tackle a problem affecting much of the country: rural depopulation. Located in the province of Soria, in the region of Castile and León, Arenillas is seeking to attract new residents by offering free housing and job opportunities.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to repopulate areas known as “Empty Spain,” a term used to describe regions in inland Spain that have lost a large portion of their population in recent decades.
The project’s main goal is to attract families interested in settling permanently, rather than just occasional visitors. In recent years, the local government, in partnership with the Arenillas Cultural Association, has invested in the restoration of abandoned properties.
In total, seven homes have been restored. One of them is being made available free of charge to families with children who decide to live in the town, as a way to encourage new residents to settle there.
According to the Europa Press website, the initiative also includes job opportunities. The town is looking for professionals for essential roles, such as a mason, as well as someone to manage the community bar, considered one of the main local gathering places.
The goal is to ensure not only housing, but also the conditions necessary for new residents to build a stable and sustainable life in the region.
Guaranteed Education
Despite these efforts, some challenges remain. The local school, for example, closed about 30 years ago due to a decline in the population. To overcome this limitation, the municipality provides free school transportation to the neighboring town of Berlanga de Duero, located approximately 20 kilometers away.
Combating Depopulation
According to the Versa website, the town faces a structural problem related to the exodus of younger generations to large cities, driven by the pursuit of higher education and better professional opportunities. The effects are already visible: there are an increasing number of empty homes, closed businesses, and an aging population.
Faced with this scenario, the local government decided to create incentives to attract new residents and revitalize the community, focusing primarily on families with children, as well as remote workers, farmers, artisans, and independent professionals. However, there are certain selection criteria, including a commitment to a minimum five-year residency, basic knowledge of Spanish, and professional skills useful to the local economy.
In addition to a fully renovated and furnished home with no rent to pay, the selected families will have access to a range of support services designed to ensure a sustainable and successful transition. Key benefits include job opportunities tailored to the candidates’ professional profiles, support from a social worker during the first few months, free enrollment for children in the local rural school, and access to healthcare through the medical clinic and mobile services.
Although it seems like an ideal opportunity, there are still some challenges for those who decide to move to the village of Arenillas. Supermarkets and other services are several kilometers away, internet access can be unstable under certain conditions, and the isolation, combined with the limited cultural offerings, can pose an initial obstacle for those accustomed to a different lifestyle.
In addition, winters in the region are harsh, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Still, there is a “romantic” side to the idea of living in Arenillas: mornings begin early to the sounds of nature, community life replaces urban stress, neighbors know each other by name, and much of social life takes place in communal spaces, such as the village square.
How to apply?
The application process is managed by the Arenillas City Council. Initial contact should be made by phone (+34 975 18 51) or by email (ayuntamiento@arenillas.es).
As for the written application, it must include:
- Composition of the household and current housing situation;
- Reasons for moving to Arenillas and expectations regarding rural life;
- Professional experience in the field of construction or building maintenance;
- Any experience in managing bars, cafes, or community spaces.
