RETIRE IN THE AZORES - PORTUGAL- TOP 5 REASONS WORTH CONSIDERING - Live on an island - Ep 71
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- Hi Guys,
On this video we discuss why Azores, Portugal would be a great place to retire or semi-retire. We give you the top 5 reasons why we feel these special Atlantic islands are worth considering.
We also share some stories of some of our followers that made or are considering making the move to the Azores. This is video will also be useful for those that want to learn about these beautiful nature islands.
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We hope you find this video enjoyable and useful.
Thank you fore spending the time, glad to have you with us on the journey.
Carlos and Laura
xoxo
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I lived in the Azores, Teceira Island to be exact from 1986 to 1988 and it was so cheap to live there. Our apartment was 120 US dollars a month and water was about 5 US dollars ever 3 months. Our landlord was having a house built for his daughter and it was going to cost him 13000 dollars, with marble sent in from Italy etc. It was a wonderful place to live and I loved how "chill" it was there.
Thnaks for sharing, amazing story. Azores are the perfect chill!!!
Interestingly enough I lived in Southern Spain during almost the same time period 1987-1990. And I flew into Lajes Field from time to time from Spain.
In fact my wife and I will be visiting São Jorge in a couple of months for a month.
That’s the one thing I remember as well was how much things were affordable in all the places I visited.
I’d really love to see a vid of the people who have come to live in the Azores! Very interesting to hear other people’s experiences and reasons for moving there. Thank you for suggesting it. I’ll be waiting to see it. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Thanks Carlos for your prospective about Azores.
Always nice to hear your perspective on the Azores. For us it's been the best move! Looking forward to seeing you when you and Laura return. 😊
We can't wait to visit you would love to share your wonderful story at some point. Take care Christine.
I have been to New Zealand and Iceland and when I look at the Azores (in film) all I think is New Zealand. I need to go see for my self! Looks fantastic to me. I have always thought about going back to NZ but it’s too far away to live permanently but Azores looks like a great place to retire, easy access to Europe and the Americas.
New Zealand, Hawaii, Iceland and Azores; all amazing places. The Azores is the perfect location, perfectly nestled between North America and Europe. Take care.
I would give anything to retire there for many different reasons. You guys are awesome. Love from NC in the states.
There are many reasons, indeed
Glad you are enjoying, appreciate you taking the time. Cheers.
Thank you Carlos - great information! I plan to visit, explore and scout the islands.
That is awesome Yvonne. See you on the islands! Cheers!
Hi guys! Love 💘 your video's! A lot information 💁♀️ thank you Carlos, I love the acores, soo peaceful 💕 and safe ❤ thank for sharing, Alice
Glad you enjoy our videos, makes us happy. Thank you!! Take care Alice!
Back .......after a 5 month hiatus (off-grid) living in Colorado. Great info. We are coming to the Azores in Feb. Our Feb. 2020 trip was cancelled while we were in the Lisbon airport enroute to San Miguel.
We are looking to buy and will start in San Miguel then to Santa Maria then Flores. Sure missed your videos. Catching up on the missed ones. Take care Steve and Tracey from Texas.
Welcome back Steve and Tracey. Sorry to hear about the cancelled trip, Azores are waiting. It will be a fun adventure! Cheers!
Thank you for this video! I am from Hawaii and the cost of living is making me look at alternatives around the world! I am only 31 years old but still planning ahead of time. The Azores seems like a very nice place but cheaper than Hawaii!
I also love Hawaii, but agree with Azores being quite a bit less cheaper to live. You should visit at some point. Glad you enjoyed the video. Mahalo!
well done Carlos. I look forward to meeting you in February. I didn't hear about medical care (perhaps I missed it), something that will compliment the Canadian coverage. Like you I value my Canadian roots and family.
Thank you so much Julian, glad you enjoyed it. Health care would of been good to mention, for sure in future video. We will meet in February! Cheers!
Greetings from Hoodsport, Washington USA. Thank you for your great information. It truly sounds like the place for us! We will look at your videos and do some research as we were looking at Koh Phangan Thailand to retire until we accidentally found your channel. To be continued:)
We love it here. Take your time analyzing the islands, then visit. Take good care!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 Will do.Thank you for your response.
We went through the D7 visa process (DIY for the most part) for retirement and are now in Lisbon. Once we get past our SEF appointment, we will start looking for where we want to drop anchor. We felt it was easier for us to do it in this way. Q-do you have folks asking about the challenges of living on an island vs mainland? We adore Portugal/wine/people/wine/food/history…did I mention the wine!!!! Thanks for your vlogs- best of luck with the new home renovation! Keep us updated. 🇵🇹
We are very happy for you Sherill, that is amazing. I haven't heard of any challenges between the mainland and Lisbon. I think 20 + years ago, there would be obstacles, challenges etc. Now Azores has pretty much everything Mainland has, the only really difference is you get the island lifestyle experience. It's only a skip and a jump to Lisbon, the rest of Portugal and Europe. Take care!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 thanks…might catch you guys someday on Pico!
@@sherillfranke1846 That would very nice, we love spending time with amazing like minded people. Have an amazing week! Enjoy Lisboa!
Thank you for honest view of Azores. Having family in Pico, planning to move there...what is your take on transportation? I've gotten used to not having a car (partly, tired of expenses while sparing mother nature!) - do you think buses, ride-sharing car services, or even car rentals are options if you need to get around Island?
Thank you for being part of our channel, appreciate it. There is local transportation, a bus goes a round the island daily. Car rentals are available throughout the year, harder to get in summer. Friends & neighbors will offer you rides as well. I hope this helps! Take care!
I can feel your love for the islands.
The islands never leave us, over the years it even pulls us closer. Saude!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 Eu nasci nos Açores (São Miguel). Meus pais imigraram para o Canadá quando eu tinha 11 anos e atualmente estou com 62. Concordo totalmente com você, por algum motivo preciso visitar as ilhas o máximo que puder.
Já estive no Pico, simplesmente lindíssima.
@@MD-4mee Obrigado pelo a sua mensagem, goatei muito. As nossas ilhas sempre no coracao!Saude!
Ola Carlo and Laura, my name is Maggie I know you guys moved to Pico a while back, me and my husband are thinking of retiring back home since Canada doesn’t feel like it used to be, so for that I was hoping if you could tell me what exactly we need to do or get. We are both Canadian citizens. Hope to hear from you.
Hi Carlo and Laura! You have been an inspiration to my wife and I. We are learning much about the Azores with each of your exceptional videos. We are looking at Sao Miguel but will be open to Pico as well. Do you provide any recommendations with regards to Realtors in these two islands, by any chance?
We are so happy that you and your wife enjoy our videos, it means a lot. I can give you a Real estate contact on Pico, they might be able to give you one on Sao Miguel. Send me an email and I will send the info to you.
soarescarlos64@gmail.com
Take good care Augustino.
Hi Carlos I just saw your video I really liked it I mention about the sand beaches because I am from Terçeira but I live in Canada for 35 years but never forget my island my husband is going to retire in a year and I think we are going to do six months there and six months here in Canada like you said enjoy the best of both worlds
I really believe that its the best lifestyle plan in the world. I always enjoy my visits to Terceira. Take good care Lidia. Saude
Hi Carlos and Laura thank you for this video very helpful information about the islands. I hope to retire back there in the near future 🙏
One great historical fact to use as placement evidence in the world.
Columbus last left the known world, and sailed "away" from everything from the Azores. It was their last stop for water and food, and off they went from the Azores, discovering America a few weeks later.
It's about 2/3rds of the way from NY to Lisbon.
Also called the middle of nowhere.
Another thing, Terceira has had a UK military, and then a US military presence for 90 years. IF you can do business with Americans, you can make it in the Azores.
Amazing history, Azores has played important roles over of the years. Thank you for sharing. Cheers
Thank you. 😊
Thank you Doron!
Hello 👋 my son and I are planning a trip to Portugal in the Spring. Would appreciate any tips and suggestions. We would like to spend time in Lisbon and Porto and if possible Terceira. Thank you for your time and consideration.
That sounds like a great trip. You can always send me an email, let me know how much time you can take. I can give you a few scenarios. Cheers. soarescarlos64@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing all of this info. We have been to Sao Miguel 3x and we love it. In April we are going to Terceira for a week. We are thinking about buying a small apartment in Ponta Delgada
That is awesome John, good luck! Cheers!
Thank you for sharing your love of Azores! I was tuned into every word you said. We are recent early retirees from the US, and we are considering Madeira as a place to retire. I heard Madeira is similar to Azores but Azores is more nature-like and it rains more than Madeira? I would love to visit Azores, but for a place to retire, would the amount of rain be the potential deal breaker for some people? What are your thoughts on Madeira? I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed the video. I would have to say that most likely it rains more in the Azores than in Madeira. The season are also more unpredictable, in the Azores. The island of Madeira is closer to Africa, it has a better climate all year round. I do believe that Azores has more variety of nature, better logistically between North America & Europe, it has 9 islands, quite a bit more affordable, maybe even more multicultural, etc etc. I have been to Madeira and enjoyed the island, you would probably have a great lifestyle on either one. I will also add that the islands of the Azores allow more access to the wide open spaces, another words...Madeira has a lot of high mountains, cliffs, forests; lot of them perfect for hiking, but not easily accessible for us average people. Either way you should take some time to look around the Azores, and Madeira if you haven't yet. The only way to know is to feel which area is best suited. I hope this was helpful! Take good care!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 Thank you so much, Carlos for such quick and thoughtful reply. It really helps! Yes, we will check out both places this year! We are so excited! I've subscribed your channel and look forward to finding more about Azores in your video. By the way, my name is Yukari and I'm originally from Japan :) My husband is Alex and from the US.
@@OrganicFreedom Glad you enjoyed it. We will be showing more of Pico and the rest of the islands. Take care Yukari!
Great Channel. Me and the future Mrs are thinking about retiring in the Azores or Madeira. I'm leaning towards Sao Miguel as my parents are from there and I still have family there. We're actually getting married there in 2024 as I'll be a citizen soon.
Glad you enjoy the channel, it means a lot. That should be a great wedding in such a beautiful place. All the best!
Which carrier do you use going back and forth to Toronto, Carlos? Also, do you travel to Asia from your location (Hong Kong), and if so, how do you go about that?
We use Azores Airlines, various weekly flights during high season. Flying to Asia from Azores, most likely you would connect in Lisbon. Cheers
And your roads look well cared for considering you’re on an island.
The main roads are of top quality, and very clean. Cheers!
Really enjoying your videos as we are preparing to visit the Azores and Madeira in late October. We have focused on New Zealand as a desired spot for retirement but their retirement visitor visa requires substantial investment and income. With the extended visa availability for an additional 90 days in Portugal past the first 90 days and the D7 resident visa the Azores is certainly attractive as an alternative. What attracts us to New Zealand is their robust volunteer opportunities and societal ethics in conservation. How would you describe the level of opportunities and number of community groups that have volunteer projects in conservation and environmental in the Azores? Are there expat efforts going on? Thank you
Glad you're enjoying the videos John. Based on what we have noticed and learned from some of the conversations we have had with expats now living on the island, it is definitely worth taking a look at the Azores. Portugal in general is a country that is welcoming and inviting. There is a lot being done in natural energy. permaculture and protection of marine life. I believe that all islands have groups of locals and expats working side by side. I think visiting in October a very good idea. Take care!
Hi John, my name is Yukari. My husband and I plan to visit Azores and Madeira this year as we are considering them as a place to retire too! It's so cool to see like-minded people like this! Our paths could cross some day!
Hi, I 've been watching most of your videos which I find very interesting. My husband and I are Europeans, can you please tell us how to calculate the amount of tax to pay each year when buying a house and does it make a difference in tax on what kind of property you buy? Thank you
We're glad you are enjoying our videos Josephine, appreciate it. I believe property tax is based on market value and location(type of area; urban, rural etc.) The range is between 0.3% to 0.45%. To get more in depth information, an accountant would be the best source. I hope this helps. Take care!
Thinking about opening a business over there. This is very encouraging. Thank you for the information. A little scary to think about leaving my country. It seems so much more peaceful there.
Great video Carlos but I noticed you have lost your island glow hahaha
Glad you enjoyed the video, appreciate it. I see what you see as well. I call it the island lava color. The important thing is that I always have the inner island glow. lol. Take good care!
How is the health care?
Portugal's overall health care is one of the best in Europe, from what we have learned. Having said that, there is definitely a lot of room for improvement, especially in the front lines, and in the less populated islands of the Azores. In our opinion! Take care!
Silly question but does Amazon deliver to the island 🏝
Yes, they do! Cheers!
I was just about to ask the same question lol Good to know they do.
Hi from Ontario! Is there a local company on Pico which we could contact about finding a 2 or 3 month rental on Pico? Many thanks, Marie
Hi Marie! I have some contacts the I work with, including my cousins modern cottages. Send me an email, with some info of when you want to go and how many people. Take care Marie-Louise! soarescarlos64@gmail.com
Hi, Carlos, do you know what the price is to build a house in Pico , do you know what the price is by the square meter
The price per square meter varies from 500 to 1200, depending on materials, location etc. Take care Carlos.
You mention renting. Where would you go to find rentals -- like longterm rentals?
Most of the vacation properties do long stay rentals, the costs will vary. The less expensive long stay rentals are sometimes done with private residents or at a regular vacation rental in the off season. I booked a 3 month long stay on Pico for a client, the total cost was $1800($600 per month) February to April. I have seen private homes go as low as 300 euros a month to as high as 750 euros. I will be doing a video just on short stay and long stay rentals sometime in the future. Take Care David!
Carlos: Could you rate which island would check most boxes for bang for the buck. Planning our retirement from California and hope to spend near the 200 k range for a home or build. We don"t want to be totally isolated but have convinces nearby.
Hello Carlos
I am looking at a home in Pico and would like to know what are the extra costs?
Hi Sandra! Not sure what exactly you mean by extra costs. We had to pay notary/lawyer costs, tax on the purchase of the house etc. We did not have Real estate costs because we bought it directly from the seller. We also had to pay banking fees because we have a mortgage with a local bank. To get exact costs based on your situation, you might want to ask the Real state agent or a notary/lawyer - they will give a list. I hope this helps. Take care!
When will you be returning to Pico, I miss the beautiful sceneries.
We are missing Pico, planning on being back mid January! Cheers!
Hi , There are problems whit drug in sao Miguel?
I have been hearing that, hopefully they can control. Drugs are always a problem in most places, its something we really can't get away from....sad but true! Saude!
A late reply, but more and more I keep hearing that locals are complaining that foreigners are moving to Portugal (including Azores) and “forcing prices up”. There seems to be more tension around this topic lately. Any thoughts?
Hi Tatiana. There is always going to be some unhappy people around this subject. There is various reasons the housing prices have been going up, Expats deciding to live and spend more time is just one of them. The money that is coming in from the outside is doing way more good than bad, just my 2 cents. Take care.
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552I am realizing that there will always be a group who loves to complain . I am getting tired of the wrong finger pointing .... thanks for your response.
@@tatianaschoenfield9819 We have gotten some not so nice comments ab out this, as if we're controlling the market. Most of these individuals have a very narrow view, some of them really believe and prefer on keeping outsiders away, including immigrants like me. Most that I talk too, both locals, expats and immigrants are more open minded and do not think this way! Have a great week Tatiana!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 I had some discussion encounters with some commenters myself . There are some that still refer to the financial crisis in Portugal as a problem why they can’t buy real estate themselves, because they couldn’t get a loan and yet this is a decade ago. Lots of negative thinking, limited understanding of the current economics leading to the real estate situation and just superficial, generic arguments. I often don’t understand what their real issue is. Anyway, I appreciate your comment and keep us posted on Pico Island developments.
@@tatianaschoenfield9819 I appreciate your sharing this with me, we are experiencing the same narrow minded views as you are. The positive thing is that its a small number, most understand how economies, upward progress and way of life works. Take care Tatiana!
Hey Carlos we found a home in pico sao rouge we are ready to buy it would be great if you guys can help us with banking financing etc really appreciate thank you
Hi Manuel. That is great that you found a property. I had sent you a message on another comment, maybe you didn't see it. Here is my email, so I can send the contacts. Cheers!
soarescarlos64@gmail.com
How are the politics in the Azores? Is it pretty stable? Is it as divided as some other places in the world? Is it more liberal or conservative?
Azores like mainland Portugal are democratic and very stable. Always rated high!!! Cheers!
May i have some of your local help. I am plan ong a trip in march and need to rent an automatic car, do you by chance know what company i csn use. Thank you lots.
Hi! Here is a couple of websites for local car rental companies. I hope this helps. Cheers!
www.whalerentacar.com/pt/
www.ilhaverde.com/
Hiya Carlo, excuse me for asking, but do you guys run any kind of business helping people relocate to the Azores? It's just that you've put a lot of videos out on this and some of them look a lot like advertising. You seem to be really keen to get people to move there and I haven't seen you mention any downsides to living there like I have with the other 'Azoreans' posting here. Sorry if I've got the wrong end of the stick.
That is a very good question Cathy. The answer to your question is, no we do not have any business on helping people move here. We do refer people to some local professionals, for those considering making Azores there home. We do have a small travel business, specializing on Pico and the other Azores islands. We have a love, connection & passion for these islands. I guess you can say that we are passing forward our experience, and most of our experience here is totally positive. Not to say that there is perfection here, of course there isn't. We have about 108 videos and in some of them we have touched on some of the negatives that we have come across such as: fast drivers, labor shortage, bureaucracy, animal cruelty, health system needs to improve, retail & Gov't quality of service must be higher etc' just to mention a few. We can't speak for posts by other Azoreans, but for us these islands are very special and there aren't many like them in the world. So I would say that we are not only keen on getting people to move here, but more in sharing this amazing place with others. They can then decide if they want to visit or live. We really believe in sharing positive forward and these islands are way more positive then negative. I hope this answers your question. Have a great day!
Is its easier to become a citizen if your family came from Portugal?
That would be the easiest, in my opinion. Cheers!
Pico Pico Pico… ! Soon…
Just a few more sleeps! Saude Maggie!!!
I wish I can retire in the Azores. Unfortunately it's too cold for me in the Winter months. lol
It's not too cold about 14to 18
@@dinabelerique7478 not true., it's much colder than that.
Sorry unless change this year I'm from Terçeira and I spend winters there.
@@dinabelerique7478 I am also from Terceira. I have never been there in the Winter because my family tells me how cold it is. Perhaps I should go and see for myself.
There is only one sure way to find out, visit. The coldest months is January, February and March. The main problem is interior humidity, easily controlled with heat. Take care Ana!
I visited there once in the 80's while in the Air Force. I remember they had good wine and steak for a reasonable price. I am considering retiring there, how is their Medical?
They have basic medical for residents, probably best to upgrade with private...I did. Take care.
Hi Carlos another thing you should tell everyone is there is no racoons or squirrels or mosquitos but the cockroaches are as big as you finger lol
You're not kidding, it used to be worst. Lol. Cheers
Just have to personify them.
Hey Bill I told you to stay out of that trash, scram!
oh no...do they go away if we spray the house? I have a friend who complain about roaches in her rental in Hawaii.. Are roaches part of island living? 😭
Hello! Thank you for your amazing videos. I would love to have a chat with you regarding moving to/retiring in that Azores. We are currently looking at properties on Terceira. Please let me know if you would have any free time to have a chat. My name is Lisa, my husband is Brian. Thank you for your time!
Hi Lisa! Glad you and your husband are enjoying our videos. Here is our email, just give me an idea on some of the things you want to chat about, then we can set a video chat , phone etc. We are talking about buying property in the Azores on our next video. Take care! soarescarlos64@gmail.com.
8:23 where are ur table and chairs from my mom has the same ones
Not sure where the table is from, it is quite old. Cheers!
Great video. Are there homeless in the Azores?
Few, mostly in the big island of Sao Miguel, from what I've been told. Cheers
When buying property, do you get a better deal if you can pay in cash?
If you are living more then 183 days out side of Canada Area the canadiana gov Will cut your old age check a lot because your not living in Canadá.
That is correct. You also lose medical. Thanks for sharing.
Ola Jose if you lived in Canada for 20 years after the age of 18 you will get your full OAS pension even if you retired outside Canada. Also Ontario Health requires you to be in Ontario for 153 days out of every 12 month period to continue receiving Health care in Ontario. From a Canadian snowbird wintering in Portugal.
@@victorlima9373 Great information Victor. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
You mention that there is no sand beaches Maybe not in pico islands but in Terçeira we do have sand beaches
I said there are no white sand beaches like Cuba, those types of beaches. Sao Miguel, Terceira. Santa Maria5. fail Graciosa all have some beaches. All are either gold or black sand! Appreciate the comment. Cheers
I’m not judging anyone but, how do you rationalize living in the azores away from your grandchildren?
Not sure about the question, will try answering. We don't live here the whole, and we have no children. Take care!
what about adding a box ..like " geologically VERY active : CHECK !!!
Good idea. That box could fall under nature, volcanism, geo thermal, etc
Places like Hawaii New Zealand, Iceland, St Lucia, and other similar places have the same check box. Appreciate the suggestion. Take care..
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 . Hi Carlos ..well...I was referring to potentially " harmful" volcanic activities ....the list is long ( in the last 80 yrs or less) ..just google Azores volcanic activities march 2022...just to get a taste of the "latest" ...that is ALSO a reality to keep in consideration if one chooses to move there
Understood, it's always been part of life in these types of islands. Personally, I would be more worried about living in the California coastal area. Cheers
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 ......well. One never knows where and when mother nature will decide to act....i surely don't know or pretend to know ....but I do take in consideration probabilities .....and by looking at the CV of the Azores ....I would define them a bit concerning ... ( see : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_disasters_in_the_Azores ) .....having said that nothing might happen in the next 30 yrs ( and by then maybe most of us will be dead ) and then we might think that the Azores are a safe place to live ....human horizons often distort reality .
Pico is the best
Carlos you have lost your tan from the island 🏝
Time for a new Pico tan! lol Take care Roy!
Related to this subject....theres literally no young people here.
27 year old speaking and I've been on the island for the last month and it hits so many targets as an amazing place to live BUT theres literally no young people, theres no innovation or young blood pumping around the place, its simply dead as far as that goes.
Kind of disappointing as I would love to live here buts its just lonely as a young person.
Sorry about that, maybe it will change in the future. I do know quite a few in their 20's, but the overall numbers are low. Take good care!