Potential Move to Portugal from the U.S.

[Neal Rosenblatt]

Hi IL Friends,

I am an IL Alliance lifetime member. I have read several of the IL materials including the 2025 Retirement Index. I am doing some homework and developing travel plans for a potential move as soon as early- to mid-2027. I am planning to work for the next 7 years, and I am considered a digital nomad; i.e., all I need to work is a laptop and Wifi connection. I would like to speak to someone about developing a top 3 countries list and a list of potential criteria to consider.

So far, I am very interested in Portugal, especially the Algarve region – most likely western. Lagos and Albufeira are of particular interest. I live in Northern California, and the weather in the Algarve looks similar. That said, some of the smaller medieval towns in the north look intriguing, as well, especially Obidos and Caminha; however, I’m concerned that the weather there is more like the pacific northwest – rainy and overcast more often than not.

My criteria are as follows: Cost of living, safety, healthcare quality and access + english-speaking doctors, climate (like northern california), infrastructure, visa + residency requirements, friendly to digital nomad professionals, expat community presence, and economic stability.

I would like to plan a visit to Portugal in May 2026. The thought is to take a Rick Steves’ 12-day tour and then spend another two to three weeks in a VRBO based from the Algarve region, plug into the expat community there, and get a sense of what it might be like to live there.

Please let me know if there is someone I can speak to about this who can provide guidance, etc.

Many thanks and much appreciated!

All the best,
Neal R

[Wayne A thomas]

Hi Neal,

My name is Wayne and I too have an interest in mmoving permenently to either Portugal or Spain. I’m from the city of Pacific Grove, CA, but currently living in the Richmond, VA area where I retired from civil service some five years ago. Tired of the craziness in my own Country, I’m ready to move back to Europe where I have so many special memories.
I’m not in this group as of yet but come here time to time to see the comments of those experiencing and living life in Europe. Feel free to drop me a line so that we may exchange some Cali stories. Blessings.

[Cepee Tabibian]

Hi Neal,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing your plans. And apologies for the delayed response.

It sounds like you have an exciting journey ahead of you. And you’re taking an important first step – a scouting trip!

One tip I always suggest: if possible, try to visit during your least favorite season. For Portugal, that’s typically January–February or November–December when it’s coldest and wettest. This will give you a more realistic picture of what life could be like year-round, especially if you’re considering the north (on average about 12 days of rain per month up there), which tend to be cooler and damper than the Algarve.

That’s great already that you already have an itinerary and know which platform you’ll use for accommodation. To best assist you, could you let me know what kind of guidance you’re looking for? Are you hoping for help narrowing down your top 3 countries, getting more detail on specific places in Portugal, connect with expats, understanding visa options, or something else?

Once I know more, I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!

Best

Cepee Tabibian, IL Spain Correspondent

[Author]

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