The small town of Arenillas has become a symbol in Spain of the depopulation of rural areas in favor of urban centers, much as is happening in Italy with villages, especially those in the mountains.
The answer to containing the phenomenon and preventing entire communities from dying is generous incentives that, as in the case of Arenillas, mean housing and jobs. The small town of Arenilla is located in the province of Soria, in an inland area of northern Spain, within the autonomous community of Castile and León. This rural area is one of the epicenters of the phenomenon that the Spanish call "Espana vaciada," or "Emptied Spain." Rural areas are primarily at the center of this phenomenon, resulting in depopulation fueled by two demographic trends: Young people emigrate, and in the country villages only the elderly remain, along with a series of businesses, from schools to municipal services, which are closing.
To try to stem the hemorrhage, which translates into the possible disappearance of the village, the City Council has launched a call for proposals offering housing and employment, both free of charge, to anyone who decides to move permanently to its territory. The package includes a municipal home, which is provided to the new resident and his or her family on a free loan basis. The home is renovated and in good condition, and the new tenant will only have to pay for heating and cooling, electricity, and any condominium fees.
As for employment, the municipality of Arenillas offers two possible options. The first is a job in construction, from building to maintenance. The second option is managing the village bar, a hub for the local population.
The proposal is open to everyone, including non-Spanish citizens, but certain conditions must be met. The first is that the move must be permanent, as a new resident and not simply a tourist intending to spend their holidays in Arenillas. The second is that families have a higher ranking in the housing and job selection process, so much so that the package even includes free school transportation for any children in the new residents' families.
On the municipal website Arenillas summarizes all the conditions of the proposal and also provides the email address to which you can send a potential application.
Cover image source: Wikipedia
Read also:
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