×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Safety, social atmosphere for retired American single woman?

8 years ago
I am 69, divorced, retired on SS pension and a civil service pension, probably together adequate to live in Portugal. Very well traveled (not afraid to travel alone and have lived and worked in all kinds of developing countries), political liberal and well educated former journalist. I am not the kind to sit around or play cards and shuffleboard....would like to travel, enjoy the food, mingle with the locals, and also find some forward-thinking, fun expat friends. Any suggestions on what part of Portugal might be a good fit for me when I am ready to come there in about a year (winter 2017)? I have read a bit about the non habitual residency visa. I don't want to become a Portuguese citizen, but I want ideally to stay in the country for years and come and go at will to other destinations around the world and periodic returns to the US. Is that even possible without some kind of citizenship comittment and/or big bank deposit such as one needs to make in Ecuador and Thailand to "buy" a resident visa. I don't have the $25,000 to do that. I am clueless on the long term visa situation (what you can get, the hoops to jump through,, the contacts in the US to accomplish the paperwork, etc). I am not planning to import any vehicles or pets or household goods, just want to rent a flat that is cheap, nice and furnished. I love the beach, I love the city, I love the country, I love the mountains! I don't mind the cold but I am not at all happy spending extended time in heat over about 80 degrees F. Ideally someplace in the country that is not more than an hour from the beach by rented car or public transportation. I can google but I would really appreciate having that invaluable advice that only expats living in the country or who have lived there recently can offer. Thanks so much!

Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

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

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

Best Places to Live 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 PortugalHealthcare 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 PortugalCost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to PortugalMoving 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 PortugalReal Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros Cons of Living in PortugalPros & 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 PortugalRetiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Visa and Residency PortugalPortugal 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 Portugal10 Tips for Living in Portugal

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

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

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

Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides