I am looking forward to learning a lot from everyone on here. I am currently living in Arizona and moving to Portugal at the end of 2022. Has anyone on here moved from Arizona?
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Nov 20, 2021 7:44 pm
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Nov 21, 2021 3:05 am
Hi, I live in New Mexico with the same timeframe for moving to Portugal.
I can share what I learn as I go with you. I think we will have to work with the same consulate.
Nov 22, 2021 12:07 am
oops, I forgot that you wrote 2022. I am concerned because there is so much to do and have to start working with someone over there to help me with the process.
Nov 22, 2021 12:44 am
I'll be happy to share anything I learn.
Nov 28, 2021 5:14 pm
I am planning to fly to Portugal either in April or September and stay for a couple of weeks to determine where I would like to live. I'm thinking Cascais/Estoril but it may be boring in the off season. I am thinking also about outside of Lisbon where I can get everywhere with metro/train. Where is it that your thinking about living? Have you visited yet? Lori
@maggie I fell in love with Madeira Island. I like city and outdoor living so this seems like a good choice. Also the climate is even better there. But, if it gets too limiting, I’ll probably move closer to Lisbon. I visited Setubal, which has better prices on rental and 50 minutes outside of Lisbon by train. It wasn’t for me but you might like it. s for Cascais/Estoril, you’d be so close to Lisbon by train, I honesty can’t imagine you could be bored.
Yes, I visited last month and just loved it. So, I’m all in on moving. I will start the Visa process in a few months. I plan to move JanuRy 2023.
When did you go to Madeira and how long did you stay? I'm planning on going there in early May and staying about 5 months. I'm hoping to fall in love with the Island and maybe relocate there for good.
Did you you ever get "Island Fever" or did you feel there were enough activities to keep you busy? I've made a list of all the activities between May and October and there seem to be tons of things to do.
Last question - how do you think the cruise ships affect the quality of life on the island? Were the tourists a pain?
Thank yhou.
hi,
I was only there about 3 days. I lived in Hawaii for 5 years soI understand island life. I am comfortable living in a tourist area as I have done this over the years. Madeira has fewer tourists than the Algarve and Lisbon so that’s good. Also, I think it all depends on what you need. My plan is to start there because it clicks all the boxes for me. I’m going to be retired so I can do what I like. It’s also less than a 2 hour flight to Lisbon if I need a big city fix or to shop for hard to find items.
I loved the vibe. Since you were there longer, you may have a different perspective.
Oops, you will be there for 5 months. That should really answer the Alan’s fever question and if you will be bored. It is also what you see for yourself. I’m hoping for daily coffee and walks, the gym, yoga, outdoor outings, creative projects, a small group of friends, and some type of side work online. I also plan to travel so I see it as a home base. Only time will tell. I fell in love with it but it might take you more time.
@lowellmk hi, I have been to Madeira a few times. You have a busy, touristy and built up area around Funchal and then a few little clusters of hotels in other areas, then the wonderful inland section and nice coastal areas.
I have to say, I would never think of living there because in mainland Portugal each region is different so wherever you live you have other different places to visit easily. Some people do fall in love with Madeira indeed but I think I would be one of those people who felt a bit stifled by it and having to always fly in and out all the time rather than be able to drive into other countries or catch a train.
So just a very personal opinion, it’s horses for courses. Have you spent much time in mainland Portugal already?
Thank you so much! You just pinpointed two of my concerns.... an onslaught of tourists and the need to hop a plane to explore new areas.
I'm hoping that having a few months on the island will give me enough information to know for sure.
That said, if you are not living in Portugal at the moment, where would you put down roots?
Thanks.
@lowellmk that’s easy to answer. I hope to put some roots down in Portugal mainland.
One thing that struck me in Madeira,in the Funchal hotel/apartment area in the winter, is the huge demographic of foreign retirees. I’m one myself but its nice to live with a mix of ages, I think.
@aspidistra Have to agree here. We stayed for two weeks last fall to try it out. Loved the southwestern portions of the island. Peaceful, stunning beauty, felt a little isolated. Then we were in the Sao Martinho are for a week and felt like we were in Disneyland. This was the first week in November. Getting the balance right can be achieved probably. The Levada hikes were stunning but we got up early to do them before the big tour buses showed up. I’m sure you can find the out of the way hikes also. It’s a pretty and very vertical island.
@aspidistra Same. We thought we would choose Madeira but after visiting the island and mainland Portugal, we adjusted our thinking.
@maggie hi! We stayed in Cascais for a week during our scouting trip. Definitely not boring as a ton of people live there year around. There is a tourist center perhaps but there is a regular market which is stunning and plenty to do year round I gathered. Many people (and many wealthy ones) live there and commute into Lisboa. The train is direct and the freeways are also pretty easy. We liked it but liked other places more. I think a lot of ex pats live there as there are lots of advertisements for international schools around there as well.
That was my impression, too! It was lovely and the vibrant, the transportation system was great. There does seem to be a lot of expats and that's ok if that is what you are looking for. Also, some of the newer areas felt too much like anyplace USA for my taste. But that is just me and it may be perfect for others.
That said, it was definitely very livable and walkable. Not only was it within easy reach of Lisboa (and the airport) but it was also convenient to Sintra and all that has to offer (including a great golf course if that's of interest).
My 2 cents.
My wife and I spent a time in Cascais last September. It was really nice and had a lovely waterfront and fort.
One word of caution, though. If you are driving, beware of the alleys! They are very narrow. I had to make a left turn and it was harrowing! It took many back-and-forths and there was wat seemed only inches on either side of the car to spare!!! And I was driving a tiny car.
🙂
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