How to Pick a Small Town in Portugal - Advice From Americans Living in Portugal

[@OurRichJourney]

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[@joaquimtato6953]

Hello. I'm Portuguese and I follow your channel. A small town that I love is São Martinho do Porto. It is very close to Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho and Peniche (don't forget to visit the Berlengas Islands here in summer). Congratulations on the channel and the information you share about this small but charming Portugal. Keep going.

[@homyce]

I didn't know about São Martinho do Porto before you comment and I checked it out on Google maps and I loved it! Such a pretty little town with a great beach and strategic location.

[@billobrian2249]

We bought a place just over a year ago in Salir do Porto, right next to Sao Martinho. Both are great places, close to the beach and lots of amenities. Ten minutes to Nazare, Caldas, Alcobaca and Foz. They border a beautiful scallop shell shaped bay that is protected from the strong waves that attract surfers from all over the world to Nazare.

[@helenareid5084]

Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto are one of my favorite places in Portugal! You have sand dunes, nature preserve with a long boardwalk, a sheltered bay, a lovely beach, the ocean! Its definitely worth exploring!

I highly recommend checking the north coast from Porto to Viana do Castelo. Lots of smaller cities but also medium ones (Povoa de Varzim, Vila do Conde, Esposende). All served either by good train/metro system or by bus to Porto and Braga. Lot's of hidden gems there.

[@antoniocruz8083]

There are quite a few other considerations: 1. weather. The coastal weather is mild year round but more humid and windy while inland it's not windy but very hot in the summer and in the winter the days are mild but close to freezing at night. 2. How many other towns you have nearby, because often services are spread out among towns, such as different gyms, public pool, tennis courts, biking clubs, squash or paddel courts, medical clinics or even Chinese restaurants. Often the next town is across the border in Spain which is a pleasant change of culture and food and companies will provide services across the border. 3. If it's near a highway. Highways are excellent and get you to the next town in as little as 15 minutes or to the city in 1 hour. 4. If it's close to a large damn, to mountains or the sea. There are many huge damns great for kayaking, sailing, fishing and spending the day completely by yourself while mountains are good for hiking and biking and the sea, of course, for surfing. Inland is also good for hunting, there are lots of wild boar, and for birdwatching. Finally, as you move further inland there is a lot more space with no buildings at all, as far as the eye can see, while in the towns themselves you still have all the public services and main supermarkets. I guess you need to tour around to see what you like best.

[@7777BALLERS]

Ola! My wife and I relocated to Portugal a few weeks ago, on Dec. 31 '22. We are in Alvalade right now. We will settle here for 6 months to a year to determine a more permanent location. We prefer being outside Lisbon's city center but are open to exploring other options. I started following your channel, back in June '22. I studied your videos and podcast, before visiting Portugal in Sept. Our scouting trip was short, but purposeful, we left with NIF, a Bank account, and a new place to call home. Our relocation process took 3 months from start to finish, partly due to your course on moving to Portugal, a few other resources, and tons of research. Thank you for sharing!

[@jaimeconceicao]

You can take a look at villages around Sintra, like : Lisandro, Praia das Maçãs, Azenhas do Mar, Magoito, Mafra, Colares, Vimeiro. All of these have a similar vibe of those on silver cost they talk about and are on a 40/50km perimeter of Lisbon. Hope you feel happy in Portugal.

[@bradfogg5812]

You guys are great! You are both exceptionally good communicators. You explain complex concepts in a very precise and clear way. Keep up the good work.

[@DionTalkFinancialFreedom]

I’m headed to Portugal in April. Thanks for making the content. 😀

[@Nissan-hz8zh]

yall are the GOAT's!!! keep up the great work. I love seeing both of your smiling faces on every upload!!!!

[@MoraimatheTraveler]

Thanks for that great info. We are more towards Spain however we live to explore pprrugal Christina your Portugeues pronunciation is really good.

[@jessicamagenheimer4095]

Cheers from Alcobaça and our zero stoplights ❤️

[@carlosleal5765]

Hello from Niagara falls, Canada. Caldas da Rainha has great bus service to Lisbon . We will be visiting Caldas in Feb. I was born there.

[@got2go4word]

Wow, I am so glad I found your channel, it is very refreshing!

[@lisaw8863]

I forgot to say in my previous comment that we’re from a suburban in Illinois. We’re trying to come down this year I hope we haven’t missed the best time to visit

[@OurRichJourney]

I almost feel like any time is the best time! 😂

[@lashawn369]

Checking in from the DMV.

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you LaShawn!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@tchallasqueen4861]

Thk you so much for this! Coming from the states and having so many ppl, a town of 50k or less is relief. I can’t wait until I’m able to make this move

[@OurRichJourney]

Small towns are great here in Portugal!!!

[@wldrr]

I want to leave this comment here because we just relocated to Lisbon from South Africa, currently staying in Campo de Ourique.. We only had a few months to pick a European city and thinking I know what I am getting us into, we picked Lisbon. I am Austrian and have been to Lisbon before for business and leisure. Unfortunately reality bit very quickly and I feel I subconsciously already made the decision I don't want to be here. After a few shopping rounds at a few supermarkets, passionate cooking turns into a nightmare, supermarkets are stocked very poorly and not even basic spices are available. Rental prices are astronomical and going out is just as expensive as e.g. Vienna. However, pizza in Vienna is about a hundred times better. Maybe I am/we are missing something but for me this relocation is very disappointing and would like to leave rather sooner than later.

[@anitainlisbon8836]

Look at the fresh Produce Markets there is one in every suburb, also El Corte ingles supermarket as everything you need. You wan’t find Woolworth. You should focus on Portuguese food and not Italian . It’s a lot to adapt to , it takes time and a lot of trial and error but in the end it can be the right fit if you find your spot. Good luck

[@wldrr]

@@anitainlisbon8836 Thanks Anita, I will check that out. I am flexible to adjust my cooking style and you are right, it takes time to adjust.

[@alan30189]

From what I’m reading from multiple comments, Lisbon doesn’t seem to be the place to be. There are many other smaller towns that are much nicer. Maybe you should try one of those.

[@jsilvamaintenance]

Lol you don't have to do any comments , just pack up and go !

[@nancywhiteman9770]

Absolutely agree with your assessment. We landed in Cascais but moved to Vila Real de Santo António (Algarve)…we love the sense of community! Though we have friends that moved because of distance to hospitals and the need to learn at least some Portuguese. One final point, perhaps because we are in Algarve real estate (both rentals and homes to purchase) are not cheap.

[@angelakaiser3110]

HI Nancy - Do the shops stay open in the winter in VRDS? It is on my short list to explore for retirement. Obrigada!

[@saragomes6242]

Póvoa de Varzim, Vila do Conde, 30 minutes from Porto

[@brandonestelle6318]

Thanks for the great advice its very helpful!Thanks for sharing!

[@JoseSilva-yr7fo]

Try Espinho, small with all you need in a 20 minutes ride to Porto and international airport

[@OurRichJourney]

😀

[@jihyunpark5355]

Hello. Congrats for your succesul journey! Currently I am living in Japan(I am Korean) and just came across your channel a few days ago. It is SUPER HELPFUL! thank you so much for sharing all those very helpful tips from your journey. Looks like you have lived in Japan as well in the past. It has been a few days to search some infos about Portugal cuz that is the place that I want to live in near future. Can you please tell me some different things between Japan living and Portural? Not many people to ask around here about that. Thank you so so so much and have a good day!

[@realreviews7049]

Thank y’all so much for sharing y’all life journey. It is amazing. My wife has been looking at you guys for a couple of years and I am definitely sick of the United States. Tired of the fake food tired of the preservative is the cost of living. You guys are really fueling the fire for me to move to Portugal, thank you

[@hrhsophiathefirst4060]

All great points I am considering, great video!

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you!!!!

[@cann9155]

Great topic! Thanks guys.

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you C Ann!!! ❤️

[@MrTriple3]

Very well done! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on small towns there.

[@pedromata9352]

You should try Palmela. It's near Setúbal and Lisbon. Has a Castle and country side hills perfect for hikking and mountain bike (my hobby) and the land (suroundings...) of great wines and spirites, chesses and fish restaurants. Sesimbra its algo amazing. (Im sorry for any bad spelling...

[@hwinny2]

The buses are far faster and cheaper to get around. The train can take 3 x’s longer and more.

[@victorfaumaitre]

Love watching your videos guys! Thanks for your tips!

[@OurRichJourney]

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[@newbie9266]

I agree with everything you said. Portugal is a great country, no doubt. In fact my family wanted to move to one of the idyllic small villages at the feet of the Serra da Estrela Mountains. But since 2022 the news are out: The Portuguese government has approved to lithium exploration (from north to south) in some areas. The town where we wanted to buy a property belongs to those that will be affected. So sad. What will Portugal look like after all the digging for „white gold“? Even if you live in a town like Porto? It’s just a 2 hrs. drive from there to our favourite village. Your target for excursions may be limited through the „scars“ lithium mining will cause.

[@Ben-xx1er]

Oh my! What was that steak you were eating at 5.50?

[@robinhoodmalwaki1819]

Good to see you guys

[@OurRichJourney]

You, too!😀

[@Lissa1988]

Great information as always. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you so much Lissa!!!

[@mashanti_worldwide]

Enjoyed this.

[@OurContinuingAdventure]

As always - excellent. Obrigado!

[@czarinasolomon936]

Thank you so much for the useful video!

[@MySilentCrossing]

Yes, the Silver Coast has so many great small towns indeed.

[@OurRichJourney]

Yes it does!!!! 😀

[@williamswafford4836]

Do you have any insights into Penela and other towns in the Coimbra area?

[@instantrelocationportugal]

Informative video!

[@andrewbrann6231]

Language in smaller towns pretty much everywhere in the world is like that. I mean I live in Tennessee and there's people that come down here from up north in the United States it can't understand what we are saying 😂

[@mattwaugh100]

My family, and two others, are coming to Portugal for the first time in July and our focus is Caldas da Rainha and the surrounding area as an area to retire in a few years.

[@joaquimbaltazar5203]

It's my city.

[@OurRichJourney]

We really LOVE Caldas de Rainha!!!

[@OurRichJourney]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mattwaugh100]

@@OurRichJourney We both love what we have seen about Caldas and have been inspired by your home and land. My wife loves to grow food. If we choose to move to Portugal looking to find a situation similar to yours near a place like Caldas. Thank you for all the videos and inspiration!

[@willmallory9085]

Excellent video Team.

[@dionneking8]

just awesome....

[@PatriciaRoland-gr6he]

I was wondering if there any small towns near rivers or lakes? I planning on selling m6 house, renting in Portugal and then buying a house in Portugal.. Patricia

[@marlonpdavids]

Good timing I’ve been checking out Fanhões and Lousa outside Lisbon. Thanks for this. 🙌🏽

[@OurRichJourney]

Yes! There are so many great places right outside Lisbon!!!

[@captainsaylor]

I loved visiting the city of Averie, the Venice of Portugal. Lovely infrastructure, train to Lisbon, English, and friendly people. Close to ocean at costa nova.

[@jsilvamaintenance]

Aveiro .

[@chipheldman5063]

Hi guys! Great video; super useful. Have you spent any time in the small towns north or Porto, like Ponte de Lima or Viana Castello?

[@helenareid5084]

We fell in love with Ponte de Lima and our friends visited because we raved about it and now they are looking for a home in the area.

[@tiagobatista9210]

Welcome to Portugal 😎

[@AlphaMaleLifestyleHD]

Great video. Great information as always.

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you so much!!!

[@valinski_]

Can you make a video about the changes that the government is about to make? Golden Visa, renting, buying, apartments, prices... Because Golden Visa is gonna be gone soon

[@MR.B1004.]

Once again another great video!

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you so much!!!

[@jeffh7285]

Can you elaborate more on schools there? Is there a big difference in quality of education between large and small cities? Is there a big difference in private and public schools?

Regarding public school the standards are good, but with an added benifit, they are less crowded so the classes tend to be smaller. Private schools are not common in smaller towns, so you would need to checker places like Braga, Guimaraes (in the north for example) that have very good private schools also.

[@reneedevaughn3542]

Ola! I am looking to relocate to Portugal for an extended stay (for a couple of years, or possibly permanent) from the USA. My question is unrelated. For months, I have been researching many of the considerations on your list. However, do you happen to know what type of VISA I should apply for in order to get started and how long the process takes? I have tried contacting the Consulate via email and phone but have been unsuccessful in my attempts. Thank you very much.

[@therealashleycrouch]

Hello! I was wondering if you have any recommendations on realtors or team estate KZbin channels for Portugal land? Not gringo tourist prices 4X more than local prices haha 😅

[@jadexplores2100]

Was hoping to see Setubal on the list but I’m guessing it might not be considered all that small :) I plan on checking it out next time I’m there and love that you’ve given me some other places to consider. Hoping to see people chime in in the comments with other small places to consider :)

[@afaria6173]

Setubal isn't considered small Portuguese town by any metrics. Its definitely more working class than Lisbon.

[@OurRichJourney]

We really like Setúbal, but it’s bigger than the towns we wanted to focus on! 😀

[@scottshafer6309]

Hi Amon and Christina. I was wondering if you guys have any knowledge of the quality of education at CLIC?

[@frederickkrewson638]

Do any of those small towns have a University or Polytechnic School?

[@opredeleno]

hey guys, no video today (22.01) are you ok? I hope you're just partying hard!!!

[@lolitabonita08]

I have lots of questions...the decision is already made, I am doing my SS paperwork, but need some help figuring out some things. I was watching ur video a 3 am, and the info u gave is very interesting, still have more questions...Female, 67 years old (kid still), moving by myself and my two dogs...so many questions and few half way answers. In this video u talk about moving with just almost nothing, however I can not do that, since my life style is different and going there and buying everything (mostly my tools and garden tools) is a bit risky....can I contact you via email and ask my 10K questions... I want to buy a medium size "farm", give some down payment and finance the rest so that is the plan..

[@rkarmen1000]

It's Fátima

[@adriankliros694]

Hi. How do you find good schools in a small towns for your kids?

[@dominikgerow5828]

I have the same question

[@fredericorocha2004]

What about Leiria and CLIC?

[@danelledautrievesanford]

Hi There 😊

[@OurRichJourney]

Danelle!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@andrewcameron4172]

We relocated from Texas in the USA to Espadanal near Tábua. I have one question. Can you apply for a (EHIC) European Health card if you do not have a Portugese Social Security number and only have a SNS number?

[@Xiribidi]

Yes you can.

[@RonkeAlao]

Where is a good vacation spot outside Lisbon ?

[@esg9758]

I was wondering, as parents also (for us, of two kids under 7) how did you research and choose a location with schools that met your requirements? Did you choose a location with an international school nearby, or did you elect for local schools? I find this such a confusing and difficult part to navigate! Thank you for sharing your experience and all the great info your channel provides!!

[@OurRichJourney]

We focused on international schools and then visited the schools and met with administrators and teachers at the schools. Then we focused on the surrounding areas after that because getting the right school was a priority for us!!! 😀

[@esg9758]

@@OurRichJourney thank you for the insight!

[@EMarie85]

@@OurRichJourney I would agree with this, as a parent who lived abroad for many years and a former teacher at an international IB school. In the US it depends on school zone so your house/apartment search starts there, unless it's a magnet program. But abroad it depends on tuition and waitlists (for the most in demand international schools.) The bigger the city, the bigger the tuition and the longer the potential waitlist, but smaller towns will have less to offer in terms of teacher quality and cohort of students. Case in point: my kid is GT, and at the magnet program we're hoping she gets into here in the US, thats a good thing, it helps her candidacy. But at the best American school in the Mexican resort town where we bought a house last year, being GT is considered "needing special accommodations". The place to select GT on the application was alongside disabilities.

[@dominikgerow5828]

How do you find schooling in a small town?

[@johnstacy2982]

We are struggling trying to find private schools in the silver coast. Any suggestions on the best way to find a good school?

[@Z3sty_St4r]

Check the channel "josie in portugal", she lives nearby and made an interview with the head of one such school

[@OurRichJourney]

I would recommend joking some expat FB groups. Lots of good information there!!!

[@dreazyyy]

Nazaré is a small town???

[@shilpagawande2607]

Hi, can you please give me reference of your real estate attorney or solicitor please 🙏

[@AshleyOliviaDaCosta]

Try “deep L” instead of google translate because google only has Brazilian Portuguese.

[@phyllishenderson2704]

What about a small town proximity to an international Airport? How is the climate in these small towns that you are referring to? I am not looking for cold snow! Do you guys offer any type of relocation pool consulting services?

[@OurRichJourney]

Beautiful weather!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lisaw8863]

Thank you both for the great info my husband and I have been reading up on Portugal sounds like a great place. I notice you guys moved down and adjusted quickly. You all are younger than myself and husband but we would love to visit what would be the best time and location for first time visitors? Thx

[@OurRichJourney]

Ok, so any time is good (in our opinion). But maybe focus on May to October. We really love the summertime with the beaches and the lakes!!!

[@lisaw8863]

@@OurRichJourney I love summer as well thanks so much. Where would you suggest 1st time visitors go?

[@sean-hu2fo]

@@lisaw8863 Cascais, Estoril, Sintra!

[@refilweferreira8333]

Did you say including more than one stop light😂😂😂

[@OurRichJourney]

😂 😂 😂

[@egolessarts]

we got a cousin named fatima... lol..

[@bacchumia9177]

hi my Kuwait

[@lazybeastz182]

my rich portugal instead of my rich joourney

[@XLPROTLR]

👍

[@OurRichJourney]

😀

[@raquelneto2032]

Figueira da Foz!!!

[@cecilsee]

the American East Coast is your land.... black people are Native Americans Black people are Native Americans Black people are Native Americans! *

[@egolessarts]

they neighbors love 2 see some black excellence....

[@Cat-es9rq]

Anywhere except English speaking countries, natives appreciate you try to speak their language and be patient. But the former demographic is so entitled and superior and think everyone should speak English fluently in their native ‘accent’…they can’t even tolerate British accent, Aus accent and American accent each other…jeez so rude.