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In the fall of 2020, Tim and Irene Thomas, a couple from Los Angeles, stood at a crossroads. Ready to trade the hustle of California for a new life abroad, they considered Europe’s usual draws, France, Italy, Spain but Portugal’s accessibility and welcoming vibe caught their attention. “We read about Portugal’s straightforward residency options in 2020,” Tim shared when I met them in Braga, a charming city in northern Portugal. “It felt like the easiest entry point to Europe.” Their journey, sparked by a desire for change and research into international property, led them to an unexpected gem: Braga, a city that blends historic charm, affordability, and a vibrant community, making it a perfect home for retirees and expats like them. Here’s their story, plus a guide to why Braga is a rising star for low-cost, high-quality living.
Tim, an architect, and Irene, a former corporate controller in real estate, were no strangers to bold moves. In early 2020, with the pandemic reshaping the world, they sold most of their belongings, stored a few items, and rented out their L.A. home. By fall, they were ready to explore Portugal, using their 90-day Schengen visa to test the waters. “Other countries like France or Spain were tough to visit due to COVID restrictions,” Irene explained. “Portugal was open, so we spent the full 90 days here, hopping between Lisbon, the Algarve, Coimbra, and Porto.”
While Lisbon’s buzz and the Algarve’s beaches were tempting, Porto’s vibrant yet manageable energy resonated most. But it was a spontaneous day trip to nearby Braga that sealed the deal. “It was cold and rainy,” Irene recalled, “but as we sipped coffee in a cozy café and wandered the cobblestone streets of the old town, I turned to Tim and said, ‘I could live here.’” The couple scrapped plans to explore Costa Rica, hired a lawyer to start their D7 visa process, opened a Portuguese bank account, and returned to L.A. to finalize their move.
Braga, known as Portugal’s “Rome” for its ancient churches and Roman ruins, offered the perfect blend of history, affordability, and space. Unlike Porto’s compact urban feel, Braga’s open landscapes and lower costs were a draw. The couple purchased a three-bedroom, three-year-old condo on the top floor of a modern development, just a 10-minute drive from the city center. “The terrace is massive, acres of views,” Tim said, describing their sweeping vista of rolling hills. “It’s freedom we couldn’t find in Porto’s tighter spaces.”
Irene’s real estate expertise guided their purchase. “Braga’s prices are about 40% lower than Lisbon’s and 25% less than Porto’s,” she noted. Their condo, complete with a parking space for their newly bought car, cost €180,000, far less than their L.A. property. Monthly maintenance fees are just €30, compared to $600 (plus a $1,000 assessment) in California. “We got so much more for our money here,” Tim added, highlighting the included parking and modern amenities.
Braga, with 193,000 residents, balances small-city charm with modern conveniences. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, boasts Romanesque cathedrals, baroque fountains, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Yet, it’s a functional city with high-speed internet, reliable healthcare (public and private hospitals nearby), and a growing expat community. The couple’s cost of living is around €2,000/month, including €800 rent equivalent, €300 groceries, and €200 dining out, making it ideal for retirees on fixed incomes.
Language was a minor hurdle. “Northern Portugal is agricultural, with small farms, family wineries,” Tim observed. “Outside Braga, English is less common, but locals are patient.” Both are taking Portuguese lessons, reaching a point where they start conversations in Portuguese and switch to English if needed. “We’ve never been stuck unable to communicate,” Irene said. Their social circle reflects Braga’s diversity: a Christmas party at their condo drew 23 guests from seven countries, met through casual encounters at cafés, markets, or the monthly expat coffee meetup (advertised on Facebook).
The region’s lifestyle sealed their choice. Braga’s proximity to Porto (40 minutes by train) offers urban access, while its rural surroundings, vineyards, hiking trails, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park, provide tranquility. “It’s the best of both worlds,” Irene said. “You get culture, history, and nature, all at a fraction of U.S. or even Lisbon costs.”
Braga’s affordability, mild climate (15°C–28°C), and Portugal’s D7 visa (€820/month income for a single applicant) make it a retiree’s dream. The city’s healthcare system, with public clinics and private hospitals in Porto, is accessible and affordable (€50–€100/month for private insurance). Real estate remains a bargain, two-bedroom condos start at €120,000, and countryside homes are even cheaper. The expat community, though smaller than in Lisbon, is tight-knit, with regular meetups fostering connections. Plus, Portugal’s safety (7th on the 2024 Global Peace Index) ensures peace of mind. Learn more about the weather in Portugal to see why the country’s climate adds to its appeal for retirees and expats.
Tim and Irene’s move to Braga wasn’t just a relocation, it was a reinvention. “We found a home where we feel free, connected, and alive,” Irene said. Their story proves that Portugal’s northern gem offers expats an affordable, fulfilling life with deep cultural roots and modern comforts.
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Braga offered affordability (40% cheaper than Lisbon), spacious living, and a welcoming community, unlike the pricier, busier hubs like Lisbon or Porto.
A couple can live comfortably on €1,800-€2,500/month, including rent (€500-€800 for a two-bedroom), groceries (€300), and dining (€10-€20/meal).
Yes, Portugal ranks 7th on the 2024 Global Peace Index. Braga’s low crime and friendly locals create a secure environment, with petty theft rare outside tourist areas.
They used the D7 visa, requiring €820/month income per person (pensions, investments) and a Portuguese bank account. Processing takes 3-6 months with legal help.
Yes, public healthcare is free for residents, and private insurance costs €50-€100/month. Local clinics handle routine care, with hospitals in Porto (40 minutes away).
English is limited outside the city center, but locals are patient. Basic Portuguese helps; lessons are available locally or online for €5-€20/hour.
Yes, foreigners can buy homes (condos from €120,000, houses from €150,000). Tim and Irene’s €180,000 condo included parking, a bargain compared to Lisbon.
Join the monthly expat coffee meetup via Facebook or meet locals at markets, cafés, or cultural events like the Semana Santa festival. Braga’s diverse community fosters easy friendships.
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