Where we currently live in Portugal
Finding our footing along the Cascais coast and growing into a place we didn’t expect.
When Paul and I moved to Portugal in 2021, one of our biggest decisions was where to live at least initially. We created a simple list of priorities, shaped less by perfection and more by practicality. We wanted somewhere walkable, close to public transportation, near good medical facilities, and within easy reach of the everyday services we had already begun to establish. A mild climate, access to the sea, and a balance between local life and an international community also mattered to us.
The Cascais municipality, stretching from Carcavelos to Cascais, quickly rose to the top of our list. Cascais itself is often called the Portuguese Riviera, known for its elegant atmosphere, vibrant restaurants, and proximity to Lisbon. It’s beautiful and lively, though busy in the summer months when tourism peaks. For newcomers, the area offers a mix of housing options and a level of familiarity that can make the early stages of relocation feel more manageable.
Because we were arriving with relatively few possessions, we hoped to find a furnished, turn-key apartment - something comfortable and practical that would allow us to settle in without immediately needing to furnish a home from scratch. Our wish list included modern amenities, outdoor space, reliable internet, and a layout that felt livable rather than temporary. Like many newcomers, we quickly discovered that long-term furnished rentals in this region can be difficult to find and often far more expensive than expected.
In 2021, our ideal budget was modest compared to the local market, and the search proved challenging. The closer we looked at central Cascais, the clearer it became that we would need to expand our search outward. Areas such as Carcavelos, Parede, and Estoril offered a quieter rhythm while still providing easy access to Cascais by train or a short drive. Even so, finding a place that matched most of our criteria - especially remotely - felt daunting at times.
Then, almost at the last minute, we found an apartment that felt right. It wasn’t perfect, but it checked many of the boxes that mattered most and it allowed us to begin our life here with a sense of stability.
Today, we live on the outskirts of Cascais in Parede, close to the Estoril town line. Over time, the apartment has become more than just a starting point; it has grown with us. We added additional space upstairs, built a wonderful relationship with our landlord, and gradually shaped the home into something that truly reflects our lifestyle.
From here, it’s about a ten-minute drive to central Cascais or an easy train ride along the coast. A short walk brings us to São Pedro do Estoril beach, where we often pause at a seaside café to watch the Atlantic shift with the seasons, a small ritual that reminds us why we chose Portugal in the first place.
Rental prices in the greater Lisbon and Cascais area have increased significantly since we first arrived, and the housing landscape continues to evolve. Looking back, what began as a practical decision has slowly turned into a place we genuinely love. Sometimes, you don’t find a “forever home” immediately, you grow into it.
Was the move to Portugal easy? Not really. Even with experience relocating within the United States, moving abroad required patience, research, and more resilience than we expected. But if there is one thing we would change, it would be this:
We would have made the move sooner.
Until next time…
Obrigada!
Carol.
Hi Julie,
I'm not an expert in energy ratings but I can talk about my own personal experience. I, too worried about mold and chill inside Portuguese dwellings before we moved here. That's why we decided to stick to a newer apartment building instead of an older one. We also wanted to rent a place that had heat as a lot of places do not have heat. As far as energy ratings, our apartment didn't have one - we had to pay for an energy rating inspection and certificate (normal here for renters - I think it was 60.00). I believe the energy rating here is a C but I think that's mostly because the appliances are original to the apartment (it's a 20-year old apartment that the owners never rented out before - it was only used for family visits and visiting business associates). So, we don't have a mold issue here. The building is made from concrete blocks so it keeps the apartment cool in the summer but it is chilly in the winter even with the heat. It's not horrible - it reminds me of winter cold spells in Arizona. We just wear socks in the house and heavier sweats when it's cool and we turn on the heat just to take the chill off. As far as noise, double-paned windows will help with that (as well as chills and mold). Our windows here are double-paned so we don't hear much noise (although we're in what would be considered a suburban area and not in the city). I wouldn't worry so much about the energy rating as much as the construction of the dwelling and how upgraded it is. I've been getting some inquiries about housing in Portugal so I'll be writing more about this topic in the next couple of months. I'm working with someone who is an expert and I'm in the process of scheduling some interview time. I hope this helps a little! - Carol.
Hi Carol: what's your opinion re the energy rating of housing in Portugal? I have read quite a bit about the chill inside and mold problem. Is the energy rating a good number to use to determine the interior comfort of a residence? Would a rating of B and above help avoid the damp/mold/noise issues? Please share your experience and insights. Thank you so much!