Villegas residents relocate from Cádiz to combat rural depopulation

A young couple, Daniela and José Antonio, have relocated from the coastal city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cádiz to the small village of Villegas in Burgos to escape urban stress and high living costs.

Through the 'Proyecto Arraigo' initiative, which connects urban dwellers with rural areas facing depopulation, the couple secured a significant lifestyle change. They now manage the village's municipal bar with zero operating costs for rent, water, or electricity, allowing them to retain all business profits. Additionally, the local town hall provided them with a furnished 100-square-meter duplex for a social rent of 110 euros per month.

The transition required minimal prerequisites, including a clean criminal record and a 700-euro deposit for the business. The couple reports that their monthly fixed expenses for housing and electricity remain between 270 and 280 euros, facilitating a more balanced work-life rhythm compared to their previous roles in the hospitality sector.