I moved to Spain from California and bought 2 properties for less than $370,000. The process was shockingly easy compared to owning a home in Oakland.

• May Leong and her husband moved to Valencia, Spain, after she semi-retired and he fully retired.
• They purchased an apartment and condo within one year and said the process  was surprisingly quick.
• Leong said they love living in Valencia and plan to sell her family's home in Oakland.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with May Leong, a 62-year-old semi-retired career coach, business consultant, and nonprofit fundraiser who moved from Oakland to Valencia, Spain. It's been edited for length and clarity.