Why My Family Moved to Caldas da Rainha Portugal// Why We Moved to Portugal Part 2// Silver Coast

[@josieinportugal6454]

Hi! I hope this video was helpful to you. Are you planning on moving to Portugal? If so- where? Comment below :)

[@luisramos1609]

Yes. After 23 years away I am hoping to return. Probably Lisbon, but will shop around.

[@SaraStoner1977]

We are moving from Calgary Canada. Brrrrrrr!!!! We love spending time outside but don't love skiiing. We hibernate for 7 months of the year. I'm looking forward to making lifelong friendships in Portugal. I'm hoping to find like minded people that are sick of the rat race, and 5 days a week kids organized sport. Go play outside! Is it like that there? We are narrowing down where to live, and I can't tell you how helpful your videos have been. We want a lively town, happy friendly welcoming people. We want activities, festivities, and love to work out (outside maybe we can do in Portugal). I am nervous about the winters, believe it or not. We have lots of blue skies, very uplifting but ass cold. I am hoping Caldas is not too cloudy and rainy, I find that depressing. How was your first Winter in Caldas?

[@josieinportugal6454]

@@SaraStoner1977 winter? What is winter cause here in Portugal, I was enjoying the sun and 60+ degree days 😂. I think I only wore a jacket in the morning and then quickly took it off come lunchtime. Currently, it’s raining (thankfully cause we were entering a drought). Even though it’s raining, it’s more of a sprinkle and still in the 60s. *Disclaimer* apparently this winter was warmer than usual. I believe a typical winter is in the 50s and raining but only lasts a month or two. Then back to sunny warm days.

[@mattwaugh100]

I am probably 5-6 years away from moving but looking at Caldas and coming to visit next summer. Thanks for your videos.

[@ninarosaphotography2039]

I agree. Not too cold and not too hot.

[@pauljoper]

Glad you and your family are enjoying living in my hometown.

[@teresareis1817]

I grew up in Caldas da Rainha and moved to the US when I was 22 years old. I’m now 30, so not too long ago. Caldas is a really good good size city, lifestyle is definitely above than living in a major city like Lisbon. It’s easier to get around and is safer (but Portugal is safe overall). I wouldn’t live there again (probably for the same reasons you also wanted a new breeze), but I have a lot of childhood friends who stayed and love it. The food in Portugal (and how healthier it is), weather and the easy access to the beach is absolutely non comparable with anything I could ever find in the US and that I will miss forever!

[@helenaoliveirakatunaric9627]

Our lists are similar and Caldas is on my list. This was very very helpful! Thank you!

[@Hello_Pri]

I been watching many videos about living in Portugal, especially as an American and with kids. Thanks so much for this information. Your top 10 covered so much of what would be on my top 10!

[@SaraStoner1977]

I totally agree, us too. We are from Calgary Canada and will be relocating this year.... Selling our house this month! Caldas sounds amazing, I'm just nervous of the winters, hoping they aren't depressing.

[@redgree1645]

Thanks Josie, you’re actually describing a place I’m looking for, for a long term second home.😁 I’ve been following you for a while I’m just now reaching out to you, love, love you videos. I’m actually here now, I’ve been here a month and have 2 more months to get things done. I truly appreciate the way in which you described things; I have been watching your videos again since arriving Portugal and have a better appreciation for all things you speak of. Thanks again for you excellent work 😁❤️

[@thepeacefulpack]

Excellent reasons and Caldas da Rainha is an amazing location for quality of life. We're in Obidos, only go to Caldas all the time. For the movies, for shopping and our vet is there too. Have you tried Funky Sushi, Sabres d'Italia or Naco Na Pedra? Great date night places to eat for dinner or lunch.

[@josieinportugal6454]

Very true! We've tried Funky Sushi, but haven't tried the rest. Will have to check them out :) Also- can't wait for Christmas in Obidos!

[@paulettenguyen5688]

Great informative video thank you for making this!

[@afonsecadotorg]

We are from NY and we want to FIRE in Portugal within 3 years. In a few months we are going to explore several cities and we put Caldas in our visit list thanks to you!

[@lokishadowcat]

P. S. Public transportation is free for kids under the age of 12 in the whole country

[@josieinportugal6454]

Oh really? Last I checked on rede de espressao, they charged children at a 50% rate. Do you know if it’s supposed to be free?

[@lokishadowcat]

@@josieinportugal6454 I am from Lisbon and here it is like that, ii know when the law came out it was supposed to cover all the pt territory but I cannot be sure if something has changed or if some municipalities have their own transportation sistem in 0lace that may fall out of the Nacional public transportation sistem 🤔

[@lokishadowcat]

@@josieinportugal6454 the 50% off is for student over 12 years old 9ld

[@luisramos1609]

We are hoping to visit Caldas for the first time this summer.

[@rominabarata9047]

Just discovered your videos and so glad I did! I am in the early phases of exploring the idea of relocating to Portugal in the next 3 years from Australia with my Portuguese husband and 3 little kids. I am, however, concerned about how our eldest boys will adapt leaving family behind and adapting to a new way of life... Can you share a bit about your experience with what is was like helping your kids adjust to the move? Our eldest is 6 yo and youngest is 21 months.

[@josieinportugal6454]

Thank you for watching my videos 😊. I’m actually in the process of addressing your question in an upcoming video. Be on a look out for that :)

[@roberturbon9928]

I am very much enjoying your videos... my family of four will be spending a month in Portugal in the coming summer to see if it might be a suitable place to relocate. I have been a little overwhelmed trying to figure out the what when and where of it all and appreciate your family perspective :)

[@SaraStoner1977]

Ditto! Her videos are one of the first that have been helpful from a family and life outlook perspective. We are going to check out Caldas in July. I'm just nervous of the winters being rainy, wet and cold. Being from Canada, I think we will be fine, but we are used to blue skies.

[@mashanti_worldwide]

Hi Josie: I enjoyed your list of reasons. I’m originally from the US but have been living in Europe for nearly 15 years. I’m based in Barcelona now. I’ll be near Caldas for a month as part of a scouting trip. The one question I wanted to ask was on the subject of dog care. I also have a dog (black Labrador) who will be with me during my scouting trip. What options for pet care have you discovered? Mostly everything (9/10 - I don’t have children) on your list ticked some fundamentals for me as well. If given another choice, would you have chosen somewhere else such as Aveiro, Coimbra, or Leiria?

[@mrgopherguy]

Hi... Recently discovered your postings/Videos. Are you familiar with the F.I.R.E movement (Financial Independence Retire Early)? Reason being is because a lot of what you share is common to what I hear people in the FIRE movement discuss. Specifically trying to have a good life balance and doing so affordably. I've read about several people who have retired early or are in process of gaining financial independence while living in Portugal. I thought your video about the school you found for your kids was very informative, along with your experiences with the super market, farmers market, etc... Thanks so much for sharing! We hope to take a trip to Portugal sometime (Have no idea yet exactly when) next year.

[@josieinportugal6454]

Hi! Yes, I am familiar with FIRE and the movement helped escalate our move to Portugal. I’m glad the videos are useful to you and appreciate you watching them ❤️

[@HBBatista]

I hope you enjoy Caldas for years and years. Did you take the kids to Christmas Lights event? Going to be a video?

[@josieinportugal6454]

Ah no! I forgot about it, but from what I heard, the tree lighting didn’t happen til after midnight. I don’t think my children or myself would have survived til then. Hopefully next year!

[@ruisilva3099]

Hi. You have to say which ceramic handicraft product makes Caldas da Rainha famous 😉

[@josieinportugal6454]

Haha 🤫 I like to keep it as a surprise

[@ruisilva3099]

@@josieinportugal6454 😂

[@Lat41]

I am torn between Caldas, an area near Serra Da Estralla, and Tavira.

[@josieinportugal6454]

Oh quite a difference in places! Been to Tavira, but haven't been to Serra Da Estrela. Tavira is a really lovely town

[@Lat41]

@@josieinportugal6454 It is really difficult to decide. I really like Northern Portugal and Central Portugal, but the language barrier concerns me. That is my problem, of course. I need to learn Portuguese and it is coming along very slowly.

[@josieinportugal6454]

@@Lat41 I can relate. We almost moved to Lagos so I know how you feel. If it helps, my husband doesn't speak Portuguese and he's able to survive so far haha. When in doubt, flip a coin and if that doesn't work, just know that loads of people will change cities within their first year or two :)

[@trave7644]

Thanks, and I missed it before. Can you please tell us if you have had problems with mold in your apartments? I hear it is bad in some places. Also, how is the internet connection there, for using zoom, etc.?

[@SenorAspie]

I was in your neck of the woods and Uber is available.

[@josieinportugal6454]

Yes. Over the past 3 years, Uber has become more available

[@johnspaun3237]

Where did you move from?

[@hunadamerabet4258]

Hi, do you know Leiria? Is it as nice a place to live in as Caldas? Thank you (I do also need access to a good international school for my 10 year old and was wondering if the the one in leiria is a good school)

[@josieinportugal6454]

Leiria is a great city. It’s larger than Caldas and a bit more spread out. There is CLIC there which is an international school, but I don’t know much about it

[@portugalhereicome5747]

good day! we are planning on moving sometime in the future with kids. what are the average tuition fees for a private school? For ages 7-5 right now.

[@christyprice6942]

What is the cost like for friends and family to travel to Portugal for visits? Thanks for the information! We are looking at places to retire. Is there an area where there are more people over 55?

[@josieinportugal6454]

The price will depend on the flights and Airbnbs (or rental). It’s probably best for them to arrive during non peak seasons like fall/winter/early spring. As far as over 55, I do find the silver coast has an assortment of young family and retirees. It’s a healthy blend of both which is why I love it here. However, I do know the Algarves and more than likely, most of Portugal will have a huge community of 55+.

[@kimberleestroud9554]

Hello, My husband and I are planning on visiting Portugal this summer. We will be in Caldas for roughly 2 weeks. We have an 8 year old daughter and a 4 year old son. This may be a big ask but would it be possible to meet up with you for a coffee? We are planned on relocating to Portugal next summer and we are trying to get as much information as possible this summer. if you have an Instagram I can DM you? Even if it’s just for information. :)

[@josieinportugal6454]

Hi! Of course. Feel free to DM me on IG. It’s @the_philippes

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Uber is stupid