Expat Community > Portugal

ANameNotTaken
Joined 2020
Posts: 5

Living in rural northern Portugal?

4 years ago

My wife and I are considering retirement to Portugal, and are looking at more rural northern parts. I would like to learn more about conditions there. I was sobered by the "22 Downsides to Living in Portugal," but that applies mostly to more southern and urban areas. What's it like out in the country?
We currently live in a broad mountain valley in rural western Colorado and like the area very much, but are severely disenchanted with the local politics and hardening shifts in attitudes that get thrust in our faces--we would like more civility and respect for each other. I could write lots more on other reasons, if it would help.
We are quite active with biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing (not in PT!). We greatly value quiet and enough land for a big vegetable garden and some buffer (probably more than 1000 m2). We have always lived in rural areas and like that atmosphere. We're not big socialites. We looked in depth at Switzerland, which is wonderful in many ways, but it won't work for housing and living costs, difficulty of getting permanent residence, and lack of houses on plots of land due to zoning. Portugal checks almost all of our boxes. We can manage a golden visa, if need be. I've looked on idealista and there are great houses available.
We like seasons, but damp is not so good. We'd like close access to scenic hiking and nice road biking. The areas that look good are the inland Minho (nearish to the Peneda-Geres park) and around the Serra de Estrela. Looks like damp winters in the Minho and scary fires in the past around the Estrela, but otherwise great. We'd appreciate any input or other ideas.
Any words of experience about living in more rural areas? How are services?--are houses on reliable wells or water systems?--internet availability?--local attitudes toward foreigners who will try to blend?--and so on. We'll try to learn the language. Are we missing something?
Thanks so much for any responses--it's not so easy to find out about the rural northern areas.

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Portugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

Additional Information:

Visit our Portugal Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Portugal

Living in rural northern Portugal?

Login