Sep 23, 2024, 12:00 AM
Sep 23, 2024, 12:00 AM

How this American retiree moved to Portugal

Highlights
  • Luckie sold her home in Phoenix and moved to Setubal, Portugal, after a month-long exploration of the country.
  • She faced emotional challenges and bureaucratic hurdles, taking over six months to obtain her resident card.
  • Despite initial loneliness, she found community and fulfillment, enjoying a lower cost of living and a vibrant local culture.
Story

Luckie, an American retiree, decided to move to Portugal after selling her home in Phoenix in May. She spent a month exploring various towns in Portugal before returning to the U.S. for her visa and then relocating to Setubal. Initially, she faced emotional challenges, feeling lonely after leaving her home, family, and friends. However, she soon found an expat group and began to build a social network, participating in activities and making local friends. The transition was not without its difficulties; Luckie encountered significant bureaucracy, taking over six months to obtain her resident card. She noted that the pace of life and administrative processes in Portugal were much slower than in the U.S., which required her to adapt her expectations and reduce her frustrations. Despite these challenges, she embraced the cultural differences and made an effort to engage with the local community. Financially, the move proved beneficial, as the cost of living in Portugal was lower than in the U.S. Luckie’s monthly rent of $1,200 was her largest expense, but she appreciated the affordability of healthcare and other services. Living close to the beach and various amenities enhanced her quality of life, allowing her to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Ultimately, Luckie’s decision to relocate was driven by a desire for more time to explore the world. By immersing herself in the local culture and forming new connections, she found fulfillment in her new life in Portugal, demonstrating the potential rewards of embracing change in retirement.

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