From Beach Towns to a New Beginning: Why This American Family Chose Cascais Over California

When Steve and Leigha made the decision to leave the U.S., they didn’t just swap coasts, they chose a whole new continent. What started as a curiosity sparked by surfing videos and scenic coastlines turned into a life-changing move that would redefine their family’s pace, priorities, and sense of belonging. Their new home? Cascais, Portugal.

Originally from Seattle and Chicago, Steve and Leigha had always lived near water. They raised their son in South Carolina and Florida, soaking in the sun and sand. But something about Portugal kept pulling at them. "Portugal just looked beautiful. You could see all the people surfing, and it seemed like the right place to raise our son in a more relaxed lifestyle," Leigha says. And so, without much fanfare, they traded in their fast-paced American routines for a European chapter filled with discovery.

A Different Kind of Daily Life

It didn’t take long for them to notice the difference. "The Portuguese have such a strong connection with community and family," Steve shares. "And they’re so great with kids." In the U.S., the rhythm of life often revolved around rushing, between work, errands, and responsibilities. But in Portugal, the slower, more intentional pace has allowed them to reconnect not just with each other, but with the world around them.

Now, everyday errands become language lessons at the library with their son, Jax. They stumble through Portuguese children’s books together, learning one phrase at a time. They frequent kid-friendly beaches in Cascais where locals welcome them with smiles and conversations.

"Jax makes friends on the beach or at the park, and through him, we talk to other parents. We basically use him to make friends," Leigha jokes. It’s these little moments, sharing a sandbox, chatting in cafés, walking to the local market, that have made them feel part of something bigger.

From Downtown Dreams to Beachside Reality

When they first moved, the couple had imagined city life: museums, playgrounds, culture at their doorstep. They chose to live in downtown Lisbon. But after a short while, they realized that the fast city beat wasn’t quite right for their family. "We’re not downtown people," Steve admits. "We really wanted to be by the beach."

Cascais, just 30 minutes from Lisbon, quickly became their dream spot. It's a seaside town that feels like a summer postcard brought to life - calm waters, golden sands, and a gentle energy that’s perfect for families. "Cascais has beautiful, kid-friendly beaches," Leigha says. "It’s just easy here."

In Cascais, they found the lifestyle they were truly searching for: community-driven, child-friendly, and deeply connected to nature.

Yes, It’s Cheaper - But Not Always

Like many expats, Steve and Leigha initially focused on the cost of living when deciding to relocate. "You go to the grocery store and you’re like, wow, I saved so much money here," Leigha says. From fresh produce to everyday essentials, the prices are noticeably lower than in the U.S.

But there are exceptions. Housing, particularly in expat-heavy areas like Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto, can be more expensive than newcomers expect. "If you look at house prices in areas that everybody really wants to live in, it’s probably a bit more pricey than you’d think," Steve notes. It's a common reality: as Portugal gains international attention, certain neighborhoods are rising in cost.

Still, they’ve found the overall balance to be in their favor. What they gain in lifestyle and well-being far outweighs the higher housing costs.

Getting Help - and Why It Mattered

One of the biggest stress points in international relocation is bureaucracy. Visas, tax numbers, health systems, banking, it’s a lot. Fortunately, Steve and Leigha had moviinn® in their corner.

"moviinn helped us a ton with everything," Leigha explains. "From setting up bank accounts to literally going with us to the SEF office for our residency process, they made everything so much easier."

Having someone meet them at the immigration office, walk them through the paperwork, and advocate on their behalf removed a major burden. "They just went right up to the front and said, 'We have an appointment.' That kind of help is critical," Leigha says. "It allowed us to actually enjoy the process and not feel overwhelmed."

For families like theirs, who are juggling work, parenting, and cultural adjustment all at once, that kind of hands-on, human support is invaluable.

A Leap of Faith (That Was Worth It)

Steve and Leigha have a mantra they’ve stuck to through every move: Give it a year.

"And what’s a year of your life in the whole scheme of things?" Leigha asks. "Even if it doesn’t stick and you decide to go back, you’ve given it a go. You can always go back."

That mindset, open, flexible, and curious, has served them well. Whether navigating new school systems, learning a language, or discovering their favorite bakery down the street, they’ve approached each challenge with humor and humility.

And now? They're thriving. Steve works remotely in data privacy, and Leigha has shifted from teaching to focusing on their family’s new adventure. They spend their weekends exploring coastal trails, local cafés, and cultural festivals.

Their parents, both sides, have even joined them in Portugal, turning this into a multi-generational relocation story. What started as a solo family move turned into a new home base for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Why Portugal

Steve and Leigha’s journey is one of courage, community, and choosing something different. They didn’t have all the answers when they left. They still don’t. But what they have is a deeper sense of calm, purpose, and connection than they ever did before.

"You just have to try," Steve says. "If it doesn’t work out, that’s okay. But if it does, it could be the best decision you ever make."

So if you’ve been dreaming of something new, something slower, warmer, more connected, why not consider Portugal?

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Ready to explore what your life in Portugal could look like? Book a call with moviinn® today. We’ll help with everything from exploring your destination to relocating you, your family, or your business, and settling in. Start here.