Wanting a quiet new home in Portugal

Olá @makai32, bem-vinda.

I wouldn't recommend the Algarve in your case, because you need a car there and the public transport leaves something to be desired. What's more, rentals are very seasonal. There are rentals for the whole year, especially in larger cities like Faro and Portimão, but in other cities, landlords favour renting separately from June to September because they earn more. In your case, I'd suggest other cities near the coast, but not so far south. I'd suggest places like Aveiro, Leiria, Braga, Setúbal, ... there are smaller towns around them, very quiet and peaceful (which is not the case of Algarve's cities in summer time) with life all year round and they're not so touristy. They all have public transport, trains to main cities and buses to connect the nearest places, so you can go to the hospital, shopping centres, markets, etc., and there are trains to the main cities with airports, such as Lisbon and Porto.

@JohnnyPT

Ola Johnny and thank you for your quick and thoughtful reply!

Interesting what you say about needing a car in the Algarve.  Perhaps it depends on where?  I heard from a woman in Santa Luzia who does fine without a car.  I think she has a bicycle however.  But I will look into your other suggestions.  I have learned that researching places from afar can be very misleading.  And until one actually spends at least a year somewhere, one cannot know what it's really like to live there.  Things take time.

Thanks again,

Marina

Hi Marina,

Ponte de Lima may be an option you could consider. There are other places in this region near Braga that are very beautiful and tranquil too:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 12#6034821

Eg. Buy/rent options.  You can use selection filters:

https://www.idealista.pt/arrendar-casas/ponte-de-lima/

T0 = no bedrooms,  T1 = 1 bedroom, T2 = 2 bedrooms,...

Regards

Other options: https://portugalportogallo.wordpress.co … e-to-live/

Here there are some links to real estate portals to check rents for a T1 - 1 br or T2 - 2br apt. https://portugalportogallo.wordpress.co … or-buying/

@makai32

Hello Makai.

I'm Toni, 61, from Barcelona, living in Portugal for 5 years.

I think you are very clear with what you look for, and I don't know that place here around, but can tell you that what you need is basically in crowded places, specially if you have not your own vehicle...

but maybe this place exist...

I'm around Aljezur-Lagos, and know a bit around because I do electric and solar installations so I know different people because as clients, also some friends

If you are on the west Algarve we can have a coffe and have some talk.

I managed without a car for the first few months.  It's my house here, and I imagine if I were instead renting an apartment I might still not have one.  It depends on what destinations you'll be needing to get to, and you're on your own figuring that out.  A couple of points:

1. Our little city has a fair transit system, little buses that circulate around the countryside, but they seem rather lightly used, and I don't think their bike "share" program is used at all.  The urban area is pretty compact, and anyone outside that area will have a car.
2. Inter-city, though, is worth researching.  Will you need to go to the airport ever?  Our city has medical services, but it turns out that we have been a little disappointed there and would rather go to neighboring cities;  one accessible on the main north south train route, the other via a commercial bus line.  Some cities will have better connections than others.
3. Assuming you have a valid driver's license, get the stuff ready before you come, to exchange it.  Over 60, you will not be able to use the US license long term, and as much trouble as the exchange process may be, it will be much more trouble if you have to acquire a Portuguese license from scratch.  Mainly this is about the apostilled state driving record.  The ability to rent a car makes it a lot easier to not own one.
4. It goes below 40 here, and I suppose probably most places in Portugal.  But it could be shirt sleeves weather by afternoon.  Or not, I'm not saying it's any tropical paradise, but I have to remind myself sometimes, this can be cold, but it isn't the same kind of cold we lived with back in Seattle.  Where people suffer is more likely indoors, where typical construction can be pretty chilly during the winter.  Doesn't have to be, of course, but I imagine it's worth considering that point when looking for economical rentals.  The Algarve is certainly not exempt from this problem.

@makai32

Hi Marina

this is George and Nat. I think we have what you are looking for.****

G&N

Hello George Farm,

If you wish to sell your property, please post an advert in the housing opportunities in Algarve as advertising is not allowed on the forum.

Thank you,

Cheryl

Expat.com team