A Spanish village of 40 inhabitants offers a free house and a job to anyone who wants to move there
A small village in Spain is enticing new residents by offering free housing and employment opportunities.
Arenillas, a small village in Soria, Spain, with only 40 inhabitants, has launched an initiative aimed at combating depopulation by offering a free house and job to families willing to move there. This initiative has already attracted over a hundred inquiries within just a week. The village seeks to establish a stable population instead of relying on seasonal visitors, as part of efforts to thrive in what is known as 'Spain Vaciada', or Empty Spain, which refers to areas facing severe depopulation issues.
For the past 40 years, Arenillas has implemented various strategies to retain its population, making it one of the few areas in Soria that has not lost inhabitants. The local government, along with the cultural association, has successfully renovated seven houses in the village, with one being offered at no cost to the new residents. This approach is part of a broader effort to revitalize the community and ensure its sustainability for the future.
Alongside housing, the village is also offering job opportunities, specifically for a construction worker and the management of the social bar in the community. These initiatives underscore the urgency to address the challenges of depopulation while also fostering a sense of community and upkeep in the village. Such creative solutions might serve as a model for other regions facing similar demographic challenges.