Susan's Move to
Viana do Costelo
Retiring abroad in her 60s, Susan made the move from the United States to Portugal on her own, without ever having visited. Now settled near Viana do Castelo, she shares her experience of building a new life, finding her community and embracing a different pace of life.
Washington State, USA
Viana do Costelo, Portugal
MOVED FROM
MOVED TO
RELOCATION TYPE
VISA
A note from Lewis – founder of Relocation Simplified
When Susan first contacted me, she was considering something that many people find daunting: retiring overseas and doing it on her own. She wasn’t looking for the usual expat destinations. She wanted a more authentic Portuguese way of life in the north, somewhere she could settle into the local community and enjoy a different pace of life. Her story is a good example of what becomes possible when you’re clear about what you want from the move, and you’re prepared to take that first step.
Meet Susan
Susan retired from the United States and moved to Portugal on her own, looking for a more relaxed and affordable way of life.
- Her decision to retire overseas
- Why she chose Portugal over other countries
- Whether life here has met her expectations
01:31
Why she left the US for Portugal
Susan explains what she was looking for beyond the United States, and why moving to Portugal felt like an opportunity worth taking.
- Quality of life and a slower pace
- Her experience of healthcare in Portugal
- Taking the leap without visiting first
02:47
Rethinking Retirement
For Susan, retirement in Portugal has meant much more than slowing down. We discuss how moving abroad has changed her expectations of this stage of life.
- Finding new interests and experiences
- Less stress and more freedom to travel
- Starting a new chapter in her 60s
07:29
Why Northern Portugal
After initially settling in Coimbra, Susan moved to the coast near Viana do Castelo. We discuss what drew her north and why it suits her.
- Cooler weather and coastal living
- Choosing local life over an expat community
- Experiencing a more authentic Portugal
03:15
“
I feel more like myself here than I have in years.
Life is simpler, calmer and just makes sense.
Susan – Viana do Castelo, Portugal
The Reality of Moving Abroad
Not everything goes to plan when moving to another country. Susan shares the adjustments she’s made and what she’s learnt since arriving.
- Adapting to Portugal’s slower pace
- Why she decided to leave Coimbra
- Everyday inconveniences and the language barrier
08:15
Cost of Living
Susan shares how her everyday expenses in Portugal compare with the United States, including some of the differences that have surprised her most.
- Grocery prices and food quality
- Utilities and household expenses
- Healthcare, insurance and prescription costs
04:33
Finding a community
Moving abroad alone doesn’t have to mean feeling isolated. Susan talks about the friendships she’s made and how she’s become part of her local community.
- Meeting people and making lasting friendships
- Building relationships with Portuguese neighbours
- A more sociable, less hurried way of life
08:59
Her Relocation Experience
Susan reflects on working with Relocation Simplified, from our first conversation through the D7 visa process and the support she’s received since moving
- Why she chose a personal relocation service
- Navigating paperwork, requirements and timelines
- Having one consistent point of contact throughout
06:40
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.
Moving to Portugal Alone
Relocating to another country is a significant decision, particularly when you’re doing it on your own. Susan shares what the experience has taught her.
- Moving without having visited Portugal
- Becoming more confident and adaptable
- The importance of having support when needed
04:11
What She Didn’t Expect
Some of the biggest changes Susan has experienced weren’t necessarily things she was looking for. We discuss what Portugal has given her beyond her original expectations.
- Finding peace of mind and feeling safe
- Discovering her own resilience
- Learning to relax and worry less
02:16
Susan’s Advice for Others
Looking back on her decision to retire in Portugal, Susan shares what she’d say to others considering a similar move, particularly later in life.
- Advice for anyone considering moving alone
- Whether she’d do anything differently
- Why she believes it’s never too late
01:47
A Few Final Questions
We finish with some lighter questions, putting Susan on the spot about her experiences, preferences and overall impressions of life in Portugal.
- Rapid-fire questions about Portuguese life
- Finish the sentence and would you rather
- Susan’s honest rating of Portugal
02:18
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.
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