Gregorita and Mike's Move to Northern Portugal
After retiring in the United States, Gregorita and Mike moved to Northern Portugal in search of a better quality of life and new experiences. Having purchased their home before relocating, they share why they chose Portugal, how they’ve settled into the local community and what retirement looks like for them.
Colorado, USA
Fafe, Portugal
MOVED FROM
MOVED TO
RELOCATION TYPE
VISA
A note from Lewis – founder of Relocation Simplified
Gregorita and Mike decided to buy a home in Portugal before relocating, Having trusted me with their D7 visa preparations, they felt comfortable working with the buyer’s agents I introduced them to. Together, we managed their relocation, from finding and purchasing their dream home to preparing their visa applications. Their experience is a perfect example of why having the right people involved, and someone overseeing the entire move, can make such a difference.
Meet Gregorita and Mike
Meet Gregorita and Mike, a retired American couple who decided to begin a new chapter in Northern Portugal, looking for a different quality of life.
- Their decision to retire overseas
- What prompted them to leave the US
- Why Portugal became their destination
01:02
Why They Left the US for Portugal
Gregorita and Mike explain why they left behind a comfortable life in the United States and what they hoped to find in Portugal.
- A more relaxed, fulfilling lifestyle
- The personal reasons behind their decision
- Portugal's strong sense of community
07:23
Rethinking Retirement
Gregorita and Mike had little interest in a retirement spent sitting still. Moving to Portugal has given them the freedom to explore, experience new things and rethink what retirement should look like.
- Why retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down
- A whole new world to explore on their doorstep
- A more cost-effective retirement
07:43
Why Northern Portugal
Gregorita and Mike explain why Northern Portugal felt right for them, from the mountains and slower pace to the chance to become part of a Portuguese community.
- Mountains, climate and Porto's proximity
- Experiencing authentic Portuguese life
- Integrating beyond expat communities
10:03
“
We didn’t move to Portugal just to retire and sit still. We wanted to experience new things, meet new people and make the most of this chapter of our lives. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Gregorita and Mike – Fafe, Northern Portugal
The Reality of Moving Abroad
From unfamiliar shopping routines to adjusting their mealtimes, Gregorita and Mike share the small surprises of settling in, including the things they’ve come to appreciate.
- Adjusting to Portuguese routines
- What they miss from America
- Navigating unfamiliar processes
08:40
Cost of Living
Gregorita and Mike compare what everyday life costs them in Portugal and the US, from groceries and eating out to healthcare, insurance and owning a home
- Groceries, restaurants and daily spending
- Healthcare and private insurance
- The cost of home ownership
04:15
Finding a Community
Getting to know their neighbours has been one of the most rewarding parts of the move. Gregorita and Mike describe the generosity they’ve encountered in everyday life.
- Meeting people and socialising
- Warm, generous neighbours
- How Portuguese people make time for one another
03:59
Buying a Home Before Moving
Buying a home in Portugal before relocating is a huge decision. Gregorita and Mike explain what gave them the confidence to do so and the importance of having people they trusted on the ground.
- The decision to buy rather than rent first
- Purchasing without viewing personally
- Experience working with our trusted buyers' agents
02:28
Thinking about moving to Portugal?
If you’re exploring a similar move, I’d be happy to discuss your circumstances, the visa options available to you, and what the process would involve.
Their Relocation Experience
From their first conversation with me to the support they’ve received since moving, Gregorita and Mike explain what mattered most when choosing someone to guide their relocation.
- Personal support over corporate
- One person overseeing their entire relocation
- A lasting relationship beyond the visa process
02:11
Their Advice for Others
Gregorita and Mike share what they’d tell Americans considering a similar move, why it’s worth taking the leap and how their decision could influence future generations.
- Why they encourage others to take the leap
- Being open to a different way of life
- Opening up opportunities for future generations
01:33
Finish the Sentence
With a series of unfinished sentences, Gregorita and Mike reflect on their experiences, share a few surprises and reveal what they really think about life in Portugal.
- Their favourite things about Portuguese life
- What they miss about the US
- Portugal's most underrated qualities
03:09
Would You Rather?
We finish with some quick choices between different aspects of Portuguese life, revealing Gregorita and Mike’s preferences and just how much they’ve embraced their new surroundings.
- Expat community or local Portuguese community?
- Northern Portugal or the Algarve?
- Portuguese markets or American supermarkets?
02:09
Thinking about moving to Portugal?
If you’re exploring a similar move, I’d be happy to discuss your circumstances, the visa options available to you, and what the process would involve.
More client stories
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Susan's move to Viana do Castelo
Retiring alone in Portugal, without having visited before, and building a new life in the north.
Grant and Priyanka's move to rural Portugal
Leaving California to work remotely from the Portuguese countryside, with more space and a quieter lifestyle.