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Setubal? General long term lodging

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NearlyThere
  9/29/2017 16:33 EST

Ola from lovely Lisboa! We recently arrived in Portugal and have begun searching for a long term apartment, budget 800€ - 1000€. Lisbon is a top contender, especially since we do not have or want a vehicle, but we've found long term housing difficult to find and spendier than expected - especially in the parishes we prefer such as Príncipe Real.

We're going to check out Cascais based on the rave reviews on the forum but I'm not having luck finding any listings there in our budget. Portugal pros, fat chance? Is Estoril comparative in community feel? I

We loved the Algarve but the winter scene may be too quiet for us. Porto's winter weather may be too cool and wet for us.

Has anyone got any experience with Setubal? If so, what's your take on the liveliness, year-round weather, transportation, grocery options, and general welcoming of "new and head over heels in love with Portugal" transplants?

Lastly, does any one have experience (or see issues with) doing a half and half...say part time in one city/town and the other part of the year in a different place...much like a US snowbird?

Any and all replies and points of view welcome. Obrigada in advance...

MrBife
  9/30/2017 09:21 EST

Algarve too quiet ? It's a few hours drive to any one of these amenities ... A Ski resort (Sierra Nevada), Morocco, Seville, Gibraltar, Lisbon itself. Faro Airport has links to London, Paris, Berlin, Malta, Azores with low cost tickets from about €35. The Algarve has book fairs, jazz festivals, choral and orchestral festivals, dance festivals and food events all the year including during the winter. Back from the cost by 1okms you are away from tourists and the Atlantic weather that you catch a lot more of in Setubal and its a lot more mild in terms of temperature. If you google 'Portugal Property Services' they do an Algarve 'winter sun' winter rentals list.

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NearlyThere
  9/30/2017 12:54 EST

Obrigada MrBife. Such great insight. I didn't realize that winters in the Algarve held so many happenings. Definitely worth bumping towards the top of the list. Really appreciate your sharing your time and experiences.

AnneLise
  10/10/2017 06:00 EST

We have been living in Setubal for only a month, but what a lovely lively place! Good supermarkets, fresh produce market and transport system. Saturdays there is a market in Louisa Todi Ave. There is always something going on. Lovely beaches and parks! Long term rental is not easy. Remax is quite active in the area..try them. We are going to stay here for a year at least;

swayee
  10/11/2017 01:32 EST

My wife and I have been thinking about Setubal quite a bit. When you say Setubal, do you mean the municipality or the city? Also, in terms of long term options - can you provide more information as to what is causing the difficulties here? Thanks for any info you can provide.

NearlyThere
  10/13/2017 07:15 EST

Thank you, AnneLise, great insider info. Perhaps we'll plan a Saturday look-see soon. Like swayee, I'm interested in knowing more about the rental market, preferably in the main city/town of Setubal, especially since we transport on foot. Much appreciated!

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AnneLise
  10/16/2017 05:06 EST

Ola!
I meant Setubal City. We also traverse on foot! We first stayed in the "tourist" area close to the sea in an airbnb studio. Very nice and comfortable. Close to market and grocerie store...10 min by foot. Also 5 min to the sea! Our landlady helped us to find this flat. It was explained to me that many people dont put their property on the rental market through agents as they have to part with some money(2mnths). Thus it is more word by mouth. One thing we have found is the language barrier. Thus I am going for portugese lessons soonest! Remax is very active in this region.
I will ask landlady if I can give her details to you.

swayee
  10/16/2017 16:05 EST

AnneLise - thank you so much for the info. I had a feeling most of the properties were not listed. That gives me at least some info to plan an apartment hunting trip before we move. I'm getting differing information on the cost of rental properties. Would you be willing to share what your experience has been with renting a T2 in terms of monthly prices? Thanks so much for the info!

Mirakamada
  10/18/2017 12:03 EST

Setubal is an excellent choice. I visited American friends spring 2017 who are very happy with their inexpensive rented apartment in the downtown core. They manage very well without a car. The weather is pleasant year-round, cost of living lower than Cascais, Lisboa. Pleasant seaside amenities. And close enough to Lisboa via train! Definitely worth exploring.

MVJohnson
  10/24/2017 07:46 EST

iterator Mr Bief What you wrote about being 10 k from coast makes perfect sense to me Can you suggest any towns to begin visiting and looking for lodging ?

AnneLise
  10/24/2017 09:13 EST

Ola! Well, we pay €450 for big T2 with big outside veranda. Electricity and gas and water extra. It is semi-furnished...that is why it is more expensive. I have seen T2 in Setubal for €350..unfurnished. It is difficult. I surfed for hours. Check: Idealista.pt, Remax in Setubal. The best is..make appointment with these guys an d come for a weekend. You have to see for yourself.

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AnneLise
  10/24/2017 14:56 EST

Contact for long term rental: Theresa 919592220

swayee
  10/25/2017 16:20 EST

That is so helpful AnnieLise, thank you so much!!!

john98103
  10/27/2017 15:15 EST

What town or city in the Algarve are you referring to?

Obrigado

MrBife
  10/28/2017 04:05 EST

10 Kms in from the Algarve coast (approx) you will find (from East to West) San Bras de Alportel, Loule, Boliqueime and Silves + a host of smaller villages in between them. A map will help you ;)

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/1/2018 14:01 EST

Nice to hear about Setubal. Am looking at that area too, for it's marine environment and relatively cheaper apto rentals.
Am Canadian and US citizen married to a Brasilian.
As tourists we can stay for 90 days, is it easy to extend to 6 months ?
Can we just rent for 3 months or month to month like we do in Brasil ?
Not sure if we'd want to become perm residents, don't like being taxed on my retirement income.
Can a foreigner get an ID card CPF (TIF?) and can I buy an apto without a perm residence ? - as I can in Brasil ?
ANY living in PT made easier for my Brasilian wife ? Must be some kind of reciprocal agreement for her to live and work there without a perm visa.

AnneLise
  1/2/2018 10:13 EST

Best to work through immigration lawyer in your case..

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