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moving from the usa to portugal

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Read about the real estate market in the Algarve, Lisbon and Portugal. As the leading estate agents on the Algarve and in Portugal we can help you find property for sale in Portugal and find a mortgage.

Why moving from the US to the Algarve is the best decision you´ll make

Why moving from the US to the Algarve is the best decision you´ll make

The Algarve has always been one of the top locations for British citizens to relocate and enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year. The past few years have also seen a steady increase of American citizens looking for a more simple, calm and peaceful life. Whether you are looking for a sunny place to retire, or a great location to raise your family, or even a part time home away from home, the Algarve is the perfect choice.

  1. The language

One of the most appealing aspects of choosing the Algarve over other regions of Portugal is the language. Though it certainly helps to learn Portuguese (and you should), you can learn it at a much slower pace. Being a tourism hotspot, English is widely spoken in the Algarve, so you´ll find the locals are happy to help you while you ease into the Portuguese language at a more leisurely pace. 

 

  1. Affordable cost of living

The cost of living is another reason Americans choose to live in the Algarve. Eating a meal at a restaurant can cost you as little as €8.00 for lunch and €15.00 for dinner. You can cut grocery shopping costs by up to 50%, especially if you dive into the amazing local fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables readily available at local farmers markets and even Portuguese supermarkets. Also, an amazing bottle of wine could cost you as little as €4.00! A great way to know the best places to shop and eat is to ask the locals - they are always happy to help.

 

Healthcare and education are also substantially lower than in the U.S. If you do not qualify for the public health care system, there are many private health insurance options to look into, starting at €450 per year for a basic plan. Schools are also a perk when considering a move to the Algarve. Public schools are free, while a private international school could cost you from €450 a month. Higher education in Portugal is incredibly affordable, with tuition(per year!) ranging from €700 in public universities, to €3500 in private universities! No student debt!

 

 

  1. Setting up home in the Algarve

Portugal is listed as one of the top places to own property world wide. If you plan on moving to the Algarve, even if for part of the year, buying property is a sound investment. Non residents are benefiting from terrific mortgage options at the moment, with up to 80% financing and interest rates ranging from 1% to 1.5%. 



The buying process is also quite straightforward, and in the Algarve you will find no lack of English speaking professionals to help you along the way. Reaching out to a reputable real estate agency is key to ensuring the process is smooth and you are accompanied every step of the way. They can also recommend a trusted lawyer to assist you with the first steps in buying property, like acquiring your Portuguese tax number. 

 

  1. The lifestyle

One of the most popular reasons expats move to the Algarve is for the lifestyle. With long stretches of golden beaches, and 300 days of sun a year, what is not to love about the Algarve? Portugal is also ranked as the third safest country in the world, which makes for a great place to retire and enjoy life. 

 

The surroundings also translate into a leisurely lifestyle. Enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine overlooking the beach is fairly common, and the weather means you can enjoy the great outdoors for most of the year. The Algarve is home to some of the loveliest walking and cycling trails, as well as award winning golf courses. 



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