Spain is widely considered one of the safest countries in Europe for Americans to live in. Violent crime is extremely rare compared to the United States, and Spain consistently ranks highly on the Global Peace Index (currently 29th). American expats often highlight the "walkability" of cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, noting that they feel safe walking alone late at night. The most common safety concern is petty theft, specifically pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas or on public transport. While the national terrorism alert level remains at "4 out of 5" (high), this is consistent with most Western European nations and is monitored by robust security services. From a lifestyle perspective, Americans benefit from a high-quality healthcare system and a lower cost of living, though they should be mindful of "inheritance scams" and property fraud, which are the most common non-violent crimes targeting foreign residents in 2026.