Single mom with 2 children moved from New York to Portugal; Do not come back

I made the choice to leave everything that is familiar.

I was born and I grew up in New York, and for most of my life, I could not imagine living elsewhere.

But about two years ago, I withdrew my children from the public school after several security incidents, choosing to make them at home instead.

I am a single mother, and my concern for the safety of my children, combined with the increase in the costs of rent and grocery store, made me begin to imagine what I could not before: moving away from New York.

It was not only New York, however; I had the impression that the United States, in general, moved in one direction that I did not want to follow, so I plunged into research on moving in another country.

My main priorities were safety, quality of life and the cost of living. After months of research, I landed on Portugal, which is regularly classified one of the safest countries in the world.

My two sons and I have lived here for a month, and even if I doubted myself at the beginning, I know it was the right choice.

I was surprised by the opening of my children to move to another country

When I decided for the first time in Portugal, I expected the most difficult part to my children, who were then 11 and 16 years old. I knew it would be difficult for them to leave the only house they have ever known.

We sat with the family and had an honest conference. Indeed, they hesitated to leave friends and family behind, but after weighing the advantages and disadvantages, I was surprised by their opening to explore the idea.

So, to test the waters about a year ago, we made two screening trips: the first was a two -week trip to Porto, a beautiful city in northern Portugal, and the second was a one -month stay in the Algarve, the southern region known for its beaches and its sunny time.

We have treated the trips seriously, as if we lived there, not like the holidays. My children educated at home continued their school work during our stay, and we explored the districts, rolled out of public transport and bought in local stores.

After the second trip, we were sure that Portugal was the right blow – we were ready for a slower pace of life.

It took us more half year to move

Back in New York, we spent the next six months preparing. I hired an immigration lawyer and a real estate agent. I sold my car, I said to my family and friends and I started to pack and give what we didn’t need.

The visa process, with all the forms and the financial statements that I had to produce, was more difficult than what I expected, but in March, we were on a plane with six suitcases, we are directed to our new house.

The morning of our flight, I wondered: I did the right thing? After living here for a month, I know I was.

Everything about our lives is different now

Instead of sirens and snow, we wake up to the sound of waves.

We got closer with the family. We regularly walk along the beach, cook and eat fresh meals together instead of getting rid of the touts in front of the TV, and make trips to other countries.

My boys have also made new friends and spend more time outside than on video games.

Until now, my expenses represent about half of what it was in the United States, in part because the cost of living is lower, but also because I no longer feel the need to overconsom constantly, like wasting money for rapid fashion and bulk purchases.

It’s been only about a month old, but we feel here here

The inhabitants of Portugal were kind and welcoming.

Most people where we live speak English, but my children and I take Portuguese lessons because we have found that the inhabitants appreciate it when people make an effort to learn the language and integrate into culture.

We are shopping locally, and I have become a friend with nearby merchants who now greet me by name.

We feel at home here. I can live in front of the ocean, something I once dreamed of. And I finally have space, time and peace to enjoy life. My stress got up. I can expire.

My children always speak to their friends at home and we stay in touch with the family. I don’t see myself returning to the United States to live, only to visit. We plan to stay in Portugal in the predictable future.