International Living Community

Hi, Brian and Michele. You can hike all over the country, particularly the stunning cliffs along the western and southern coasts. Given that geography, I might suggest looking for a rental on either the Silver Coast above Lisbon or on the Southern Coast (the Algarve) where I live. Try Idealista.pt to search for a rental for a month. You can scroll along their map of the coastlines. Note that monthly rentals are called Long Lets in Europe. You can also try local long let companies in the areas that you find interesting. For example, there is a company I have used called Lagos Long Lets here. I have also used Air BnB, and simply asked the owner/manager for a break for a month. You should find decent prices in the Spring, good time to explore. Glenda

Hi, Eric. Yes, getting local health insurance is good and cheap. In Portugal, I pay $207 a month. I am 66 years old. Care is excellent. And my doctor speaks perfect English. Glenda

Hi. I live in the Algarve, on the southern coast of Portugal. I have back issues, and chose to move here because there are several places in the Algarve that are less hilly than most of Portugal. Notice I say "less hilly", not flat. Portugal is an old country, with less grading for building sites. In the Algarve, we drive everywhere. In Lisbon, I can struggle with the uphill walks, as I do in most major cities here. Here is a web site listing the most accessible places in Portugal. https://www.portugalist.com/accessible-places-portugal/ As far as finding a place to live, I found a villa that I can drive right up to the main entrance, and with a bedroom on the main floor. Some day, I will no longer be able to use the stairs, so this place has all the major living on one floor. Note that you buy apartments here, and many of them have elevators to take you right to your floor. Check out Idealista.pt for rental options. You mention public transportation. Most of that is available in the big cities, and the big cities are hilly and full of cobblestones. Nothing replaces a scouting trip. If you are coming to the International Living conference in the Algarve next Spring, you could include a visit to some of these accessible towns. Good luck! My dad was in a wheelchair for many years, things are easier now, but honestly, Europe is nowhere near as accessible as the US. I would still try and move here, people are kinder and more helpful and it's a beautiful life!! Glenda

For Portugal, I did it myself on vfsglobal.com. Just be sure to apply while you are in the US.

Hi, Jonathan. In Portugal, you will need to spend four months on a long stay visa that you apply for while still in the USA. Once you are a resident, you must stay in the country for about eight months a year. Of course, I would confirm with a lawyer.

Hi, Wendy. I actually prefer to have my social security payments go into my Charles Schwab international account in the USA. Then I wire transfer what I need to Portugal each month or so.

Pat, no problem being single in Portugal!! At 63, I started spending winters here by myself. It was great fun, I met a ton of charming, welcoming people, and never felt threatened once. I also did a little online dating here and met some lovely men, no safety concerns like I had dating in the US!

Boa Tarde, Nora!

It's a beautiful life here in the Algarve, on the Southern coast of Portugal. Like you, I wanted to be warm all year round! If you get away from the coast here, you can find some much cheaper areas to rent or buy. For fun from home, check out idealista.pt. You can enter rent or buy and scroll over an interactive map. The price in the whole country will pop up. You will see the prices drop drastically when you get even 30 minutes north of the beach! Good luck! Glenda