how does an average american move to barcelona?

Question

I'm in my mid 40's,a fiber artist, and am consumed by Barcelona. I go each year and now want to make it my home.

Let me elaborate some more- I want to move in 5-6 years and want to know how to go about it. Is it difficult to find work (although what I do I can do anywhere), is there a good Ex-Pat community ( to mine for research and guideness)? How much money should I have? What about paperwork? How/ when should I "get the ball rolling"

Answer 1

Find yourself an inexpensive flight to London or Dublin then get yourself a good cheap flight from either city with Easyjet or Ryanair to Barcelona. That way you will start off by saving money.

You already know that Barcelona is wonderful, so I don't have to give you anymore information on the city itself.
As to moving there permanently, if you have been visiting for several years, you probably already know most everything you'll need to.
Once you have arrived go to the american consulate to register
This is advisable for emergency purposes...

The consulates address is:
Consulado General de los Estados Unidos
Pg. reina Elisenda Montcada, 23 25
08034 Barcelona
tel. [phone]

I can't think of any more advice to give you...If you could edit your question and give a few more details...I might know where to start...
I've lived in Spain for nearly 34 years, and the only thing I did on arrival was to register at the consular agency on the Costa del Sol. I've only had to go back for passport renewals, and address changes. But at least you know they are there for an emergency!
I've been to Barcelona many times, as I have close friends there, and my children live in France, so I go up to visit them by car and stopover in Barcelona whenever possible.
(Make an effort to learn some Catalan...the local people appreciate that...)

Answer 2

Barcelona is one nice city....i live 200km away and I'd love to live there...the only thing is that the Spanish aren't too good at English...so you'll HAVE to learn Spanish...and also Catalan...as most people use this language but Spanish is also official....
Barcelona has a lot to offer. i never get tired of walking around Gaudi's Güell park...
shopping is also a good way to spend time....there are a lot of nice shopping centers.
Catalunya has it's own autonomic police force the Mossos d'Esquadra who are known not to overpass anything