Victoria K. Says:
My husband and I have decided to move to Portugal but are not sure what area is the best for us. We are on the older side in age, he is 84 and I am 76. We are not sure whether we would like to get a car in Portugal. Since our preferred language is English, it would be best to live in an area with fellow retired individuals. We would like to keep the rent near the $900 to $1,100 range.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
IL Portugal Contributor Terry Coles Says:
Hi Vicky,
Thanks so much for contacting International Living and for your interest in Portugal.
I assume that you have already visited Portugal since you have decided to move here, but if you have not that would be my first suggestion. There are many wonderful areas in Portugal, and something for most every taste.
If you like warm to hot, dry summers with mild winters, like we do, the Algarve may be the perfect place.
My husband and I live in Tavira, a city of about 25,000, close to the Spanish border. It has a large expat community of English speakers, which may suit you.
The beaches of Tavira are accessed by a short ferry ride to an island, and for this reason it keeps most of the tourists away from the town itself.
Tavira is easily walkable and many expats who live here don’t have a car. There is plenty of shopping, restaurants, medical and dental clinics and other necessities close at hand. But I should point out many sidewalks in Portugal are cobblestoned, which can pose a trip hazard.
The closest hospitals, both private and public, are in Faro or Loulé, both of which are a 30-minute drive from the city center. Unlike the U.S., in Portugal many doctors’ offices are connected to a hospital, and it is for this reason my husband and I prefer to own a car.
We have been extremely pleased with the medical care we have received in the private healthcare system and have paid just a fraction of U.S. prices.
As part of your resident visa, you will need to carry private health insurance that works in Portugal. Since you are both over 70, the insurance company you should use is MGEN.
Faro is also home to one of three international airports in the country for ease of travel back to the U.S. and the rest of the world.
Your budget of $900 to $1,100 for a long-term rental is doable. We used Julie Chen at Tavira Long Lets to find our place. It’s a modern, furnished two-bedroom and we pay €1,100 ($1,200) per month, but less expensive apartments are available.
Keep in mind not all homes in Portugal have heating systems, so be sure to ask about that.
I do hope this helps.
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