Best places to live in Santa Catarina Brazil?

john8670 Contributor

128POSTS

4 years ago

I'm a American man in my late 20s who has been happily married to my Brazilian wife from Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo for 4 years now. I have visited Brazil 2 times so far (Sao Paulo, Recife and Porto De Galinhas) and really enjoyed it. I am looking to move to somewhere nice and safe in Santa Catarina over the next year with my wife.

Notes:

1. I run a software company and have the luxury of working remote so work will not be a problem for me.

2. I've briefly researched Blumenau and Florianopolis they seem like really nice cities that offer different options. (I really like the beaches that Florianopolis has but I also love the German culture in Blumenau along with the holidays, festivals and architecture there)

3. I don't have a spending cap so I'm not limited where I pick to live.

4. Good schools are important to me

5. Organized police force

6. Low crime

The Brazil expat guide

Comprehensive and free

Read it now

john8670 Contributor

128POSTS

4 years ago

@BRBC thank you for the speedy reply. I will definitely be checking this town out and add it to the list!!

1 member reacted to this post

Residency Brazil New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

There are various lists floating in the internet that have put SC cities in the ranking in terms of safety throughout different years. Usually the cities included in the list are all the same just that their place in the ranking changes for different year.

One of the lists for 2022:   https://www.alagoas200.com.br/2022/03/q … morar.html

1. Jaraguá do Sul

2. Brusque

3. Tubarão

4. Lages

5. Balneário Camboriú

6. Blumenau   

Usually Florianopolis finds its place in the list as well, this year it seems not to be the case.

My experience living here for 1.5 years have brought me only pleasant encounters and no feeling of unsafety. In my opinion definitely one of the best places to be in terms of variety in culture, beaches and infrastructure. Full of tech industry, considered to be the silicon island of Brazil. 

To note, It’s really all about the regions and neighborhoods. The more dangerous neighborhoods in Florianopolis (for SC standards not for Brazilian standards) have been dinstinguished for a long time, are considered to be Monte Cristo, Ingleses, Vargem do Bom Jesus, Capoeiras, Rio Vermelho e Vargem Grande.  

Although I have friends living in one of those neighborhoods who have had no negative experiences in this regard, they are quite small and usually a bit away from the important places, once identified it’s easy for one to keep away for them.

  The most secure place on the island got to be the the neighborhood of Jurere at the north there. Also in the high ranks of the most expensive real-estate in whole Brazil. Driving through there reminds more of a passage through Malibu and other wealthy neighborhoods in LA than Brazil. Take a look at yourself: youtube.com/watch?v=I9k35fCn5Lc.

Truth is every city in Santa Catarina doesn’t quite compare to the overall Brazilian standards for crime.

Currently The government of SC has been making the largest investments in Public Security in the history of the State. The culture is greatly influenced by German and nordic immigration, founded on the premise of free wage-paid work. Also, this state has the lowest record of the slavery-based economy and use of enslaved workforce in Brazil’s history, which means there are no deep residing feelings of injustice in the culture.

 The state is also considered to have the lowest poverty rate, especially, the lowest level of income and wealth inequality in the country, and the highest literacy rates.  

So it will greatly depends on what kind of lifestyle are you looking for and what is quality of life for you.  

I am wondering why the list doesn’t include any of the small cities, is it chosen to be like this or truly coming from the statistics. There are many small cities in the countryside which I have always considered quite safe. Where the life as such is more quiet and everybody knows everybody.  

Serra Catarinense recently featured in wall street journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/brazils-be … 1655922616 is a beautiful mountain region with lots of European culture that is full of these types of small cities. The city of Lages that holds 4th place in the list is the biggest city of that region. Not that pleasant place for me (can consider to be biased as I am not into big cities in general) but definitely safe. It is definitely of the most appealing regions that is gaining a lot of traction. Full of waterfalls, vineyards and movie like family summer homes.

  As you know Blumenau you should be familiar with the European Valley and the cities there: aventuradobrasil.com/blog/vale-europeu-a-piece-of-europe-in-brazil-/. It has always been distinct from other places but with recent years it is starting to lose its shine. A friend of mine, Brazilian with German roots said that the place is starting to Brazilianize.

4 members reacted to this post

KenAquarius Serial expat

391POSTS

4 years ago

@Residency Brazil

Thanks for taking the time to post. Great information.

3 members reacted to this post

john8670 Contributor

128POSTS

4 years ago

@Residency Brazil

Thanks for the awesome response. I got some homework to do on those places you mentioned. Could I DM if I have further follow up questions?

1 member reacted to this post

Residency Brazil New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

@john8670

Sure. I'll be happy to help!

2 members reacted to this post

D.A.B1333 Member

14POSTS

3 years ago

I've been searching for a good city in Brazil that is warmer year-round, but I like Floripa, BC, etc. However, it gets a little chilly and grey in July & August. I've been to Cartagena, Medellin, Lima, Buenos Aires, Mar de Plata, etc. I wish I could find a BC or Medellin-type vibe near the ocean in Central or South America. Acapulco is just too much of a risk at this point since I love cycling and will frequently ride 20-30 miles outside the city. I can deal with some heat, but Costa Rica coastline seems hot. Any recommendations? Anyone been to Arica or Iquique?

D.A.B1333 Member

14POSTS

3 years ago

I've been searching for a good city in Brazil (or elsewhere) that is warmer year-round, but I like Floripa, BC, etc. However, it gets a little chilly and grey in July & August. I've been to Cartagena, Medellin, Lima, Buenos Aires, Mar de Plata, etc. I wish I could find a BC or Medellin-type vibe near the ocean in Central or South America. Acapulco is just too much of a risk at this point since I love cycling and will frequently ride 20-30 miles outside the city. I can deal with some heat, but Costa Rica coastline seems hot. Any recommendations? Anyone been to Arica or Iquique?

sprealestatebroker ViP

1288POSTS

3 years ago

#10

I'm a American man in my late 20s who has been happily married to my Brazilian wife from Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo for 4 years now. I have visited Brazil 2 times so far (Sao Paulo, Recife and Porto De Galinhas) and really enjoyed it. I am looking to move to somewhere nice and safe in Santa Catarina over the next year with my wife.
Notes: 1. I run a software company and have the luxury of working remote so work will not be a problem for me.2. I've briefly researched Blumenau and Florianopolis they seem like really nice cities that offer different options. (I really like the beaches that Florianopolis has but I also love the German culture in Blumenau along with the holidays, festivals and architecture there) 3. I don't have a spending cap so I'm not limited where I pick to live. 4. Good schools are important to me5. Organized police force 6. Low crime
-@john8670

Software.

Blumenau, no ifs or buts. The locale has a reputation to be Brazil's Software Factory. So at least they claim to be.

markjimenez Member

18POSTS

2 years ago

#11

@john8670 - Hey John. I have been to Santa Catarina 2 x. My wife and I are planning to retire in Floripa. Wondering if you don't mind letting me know what areas you recommend. mark jimenez. m***

Moderated by Bhavna 2 years ago
Reason : For security reasons, please share contact details through the private messaging system. Thank you
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

drnelsonsantosdc New member

8POSTS

2 years ago

#12

@BRBC , happy new year! so would you say that for someone wanting to open a chiropractic practic, that Balneário Camboriu is better over all than centro in florianopolis?

drnelsonsantosdc New member

8POSTS

2 years ago

#13

@john8670 , happy new year! so would you say that for someone wanting to open a chiropractic practic, that Balneário Camboriu is better over all than centro in florianopolis?

ltoby955 Serial expat

358POSTS

2 years ago

#14

Santa Catarina is quite dull, wet, windy and cold for a good part of the year.

monarchbeach New member

5POSTS

2 years ago

#15

I first visited Santa Catarina 36 years ago. The beaches around Garopaba are my favorite ( Silveira, Rosa, etc.). It's a slower pace for sure down there , but then my motivation would be to semi retire and just surf. The region has protected it's beaches well over time and I think it's one of my favorite parts of Brasil. Though it get's cold by Brazilian standards, for a Californian it feels like home (or maybe California 50 years ago) .

2 members reacted to this post