For a few years now, the influx of Californians moving out of the U.S. has been a constant. The reasons, as imagined, will vary from person to person. Some are simply seeking for a change of scene. Others want to feel safer or are looking into getting a better work-life balance. Many will tell you it is also a financial decision. And some put all that in the scale. The constant is their destination, and in this article, we will explore the trend of Californians moving to Portugal.
Why Are Californians Moving to Portugal?
California has a mystic of its own. It has sun, warmth, and an outdoorsy and more relaxed lifestyle. However, it is still located in the U.S. and cannot escape some of the issues the country has been facing lately: the long working hours, the increase in insecurity, and the political instability that comes along with every new election.
With that, many Americans are deciding to adventure outside of the U.S. and among them many Californians are taking the opportunity to start a new future. Their preferred destination is also sunny, enjoyable and with great weather, but safer and more stable. Portugal seems to join all the good things that keep Californians happy with all they might be missing back home.
The country offers the Californian appeal with its laid-back attitude, sandy beaches, hidden grottos, and coves. It is also a sought-after destination for its sunny disposition, friendly locals, safety and peace of mind. Best of all, a fellow Californian will not feel homesick, as so much of Portugal can resemble some of California’s most memorable landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Point Reyes National Seashore, La Jolla Cove, Santa Monica Beach, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Monterey County.
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The southern region of the Algarve, elected the World's Leading Beach Destination in 2024, is especially adored by Californians, featuring breathtaking coastlines, towering rocky cliffs, and surrounding rich woodland encompassing golden sand beaches with crystalline ocean waters. Incredibly reminiscent of Big Sur California's central coast, and its mountainous oceanside scenery. The region features over 133 beaches along the coast offering plenty of leisure time by the shore and surf spots by the Atlantic Sea.
Talking about beaches, California and Portugal share a deep-rooted passion for surfing, each offering iconic waves and a vibrant surfing culture. California boasts legendary spots like Malibu and Mavericks, where surfing evolved into a global phenomenon. Meanwhile, Portugal, with world-class locations like Nazaré and Peniche, has gained fame for its colossal waves and international competitions. Both regions attract surfers from around the globe, uniting their cultures through a shared love for the ocean and the adrenaline of the sport.
Other than that, once you get to do a bit of research you will find out that living in Portugal as an American is easier than one might initially think. For once, there is a great English proficiency in the country, which makes it very easy for you to explore your new home from the get-got. Then, there are the many flight connections from Portugal to the U.S., making visits from (and to) family and friends quite easy and frequent.
However, maybe what makes Portugal the perfect destination for Californians is not just the similarities between the two places but, rather, their differences. While the U.S. is facing yet another moment of uncertainty, coming from the big waves every election seems to raise, this little Mediterranean country is known for its historical stability. For instance, Portugal has managed to be out of all previous European wars, as well as of many modern problems such as terrorism and international conflicts.
Also, there is the fact that Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, offering peace of mind for citizens, visitors and residents.
Another point that attacks many expats, especially those coming from the U.S. is Portugal’s Healthcare System, which ensures great services that will never break the bank, either on public or private, yet affordable, facilities. The quality of the education system is also very high, with government-funded schools that are free for residents and with private international institutions that teach classes in English, offering a smooth transition for Americans. And even if with all that Californians get homesick, a quick stroll can bring back some familiar sights that might just do the trick.
Similar Sceneries and Landmarks Between California and Portugal
One of the things that Californians will not miss when moving to Portugal is the rich offer of seafood and fish, that can be found in shore destinations such as the Algarve, but also in big cities like Lisbon and Porto. This is one of the perks of being in a small country - when the whole territory can be travelled by car in around 6 hours, produce is always fresh.
Also, you can venture onto cities like Portimão, and Lagos, along the coast which offers a feeling of being in Torrey Pines State Reserve, surrounding rock formations in the same ochre tones. Portugal is equally architecturally intriguing, filled with an endless rich history in its cobblestone streets, museums, castles, palaces, and churches. Do not forget the Californian doppelgänger of the Golden Gate Bridge: the Ponte 25 de Abril that connects Lisbon city to Lisbon South Bay.
Cost of Living in Portugal vs California
When moving from California to Portugal it is understandable to take into account the dramatic increase in cost of living the region has overgone in the past years, especially in comparison to other American locations. In fact, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Education Center, California is currently the 4th most expensive state in the whole country. As life in California has become more costly, the prospects of moving and living in Portugal are optimum, since the cost of living in the country is still very affordable when compared to the Golden State.
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Portugal has also become an upcoming technology-driven city, host of the Web Summit since 2016, the largest annual technology conference in the world. Since then, the country’s capital has kept on receiving a high traffic of entrepreneurs, tech talent, and savvy investors, turning Lisbon into a great startup hub.
However, many Californians living in Portugal prefer to work remotely, which usually means making the income of higher paying countries, while still being able to enjoy the quality of life and affordability Portugal has to offer. Thankfully, the city has many co-working spaces where digital nomads can find high-speed internet and comfortable settings with the plus of being able to create a community of fellow remote workers.
Up North, the city of Porto has become a hotspot for designers, and artists; being a cool and hip city with the juxtaposition of traditional and modern. Historically beautiful for its architecture and exuding the natural charm of the river Douro, Porto is set to fill the creative mind with possibilities. This is why the city is not only recognized for its port wine, but also for its affinity for the arts and crafts movements, featuring a strong manufacturing, textile and fashion industry - Portuguese linens are known to be of premium craftsmanship, and quality.
Is Portugal the New California?
If you were asking yourself “why are Californians moving to Portugal?”, now you know that it is not about one particular reason. Rather, it is an interesting mix between everything both places have in common and all the things that they differ in. Is about being able to still maintain a relaxed lifestyle, but taking it even further, in a place that offers amazing quality of life, great weather, safety and stability. It helps even more that you can count on quality public systems and affordable private ones. A place where the cost of living is still good, especially if you can work remotely.
The differences are precisely why we cannot state that Portugal is the new California. Instead, it is more accurate to say that it is a unique place that will offer many things Californians love with the plus of having things they will maybe not be able to achieve in the United States.
Of course, moving from California to Portugal is still a big change, that requires careful planning. Also, it is essential to remain open-minded, and willing to immerse yourself in a new country, language, and culture that may be similar to your own, but will still have particularities that you will only be able to experience after you spend some time around them. Still, we are sure you can definitely live that “California Dreaming” under the Portuguese sun.
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