Why Sue and Chad Traded Texas for Braga: A Life-Changing Move to Portugal

When Sue and Chad, a couple from Austin, Texas, began envisioning their retirement, they had a clear idea of what they wanted: a peaceful lifestyle, opportunities to connect with nature, a welcoming community, and a chance to explore the world beyond their familiar surroundings. Their search for a new home led them on an incredible journey through Central America and Europe before they settled in the charming village of Soutelo, near Braga, Portugal.

This is their inspiring story of courage, resilience, and rediscovery - an experience that might just inspire you to take the leap and create your own dream life abroad.

The Search for the Perfect Place

Sue and Chad began their search by looking at various retirement-friendly destinations. Starting with Puerto Rico and Costa Rica in Central America, they explored picturesque beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant cultures. However, something was missing.

“We realized we wanted more than just tropical scenery,” Chad explains. “We wanted a place that offered cultural richness, safety, and a sense of belonging.”

Their search expanded to Europe, where Portugal, Spain, and Italy emerged as strong contenders. Portugal, in particular, intrigued them with its reputation for being affordable, safe, and welcoming to expats.

“We started by visiting Lisbon and the Algarve,” Sue shares. “Lisbon was vibrant and full of life, but it was a bit too bustling for what we envisioned. The Algarve was beautiful, but we were looking for something greener and quieter.”

As they moved northward, they discovered Porto and its surrounding areas. While Porto offered a mix of history and modernity, it wasn’t until they reached Braga and its countryside that they felt an undeniable connection.

“We ended up enjoying the north a lot better,” Chad says. “The natural beauty, the slower pace of life, and the proximity to outdoor activities were exactly what we were looking for.”

What They Were Looking For

Sue and Chad had a clear list of priorities for their new home:

- Outdoor Activities: They wanted access to nature for hiking, walking, and exploring.
- Pet-Friendly Spaces: Their two beloved dogs were an essential part of their life, so they sought a location with safe walking paths and plenty of green spaces.
- Community Feel: They dreamed of a place that was quiet but not isolated, where they could connect with both locals and fellow expats.
- Proximity to Amenities: While they wanted tranquility, they didn’t want to sacrifice access to restaurants, events, and essential services.

After visiting several locations in northern Portugal, the village of Soutelo, just outside Braga, checked all the boxes.

Settling in Soutelo

Nestled in the verdant Minho region, Soutelo provided everything Sue and Chad were searching for. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush landscapes, the village offers a tranquil retreat while being just a short drive from Braga and Vila Verde.

“We wanted it to feel comfortable, not too busy,” Sue explains. “We love that we can take safe, peaceful walks with our dogs and still be close enough to Braga for bigger events or dining out.”

Soutelo’s charm lies in its perfect balance of serenity and accessibility. The couple now spends their days enjoying nature walks, exploring nearby trails, and soaking in the quiet beauty of the countryside.

The Vibrant City of Braga

Braga, their go-to city for shopping, dining, and events, has quickly become one of their favorite places.

Known as Portugal’s religious capital, Braga is a city rich in history and tradition. Its landmarks, such as the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and the Sé de Braga (Braga Cathedral), are testaments to its ancient roots. At the same time, Braga is a modern, dynamic city with a vibrant cultural scene.

“Braga is the perfect blend of old and new,” Sue says. “You can spend your morning exploring historic sites and your evening enjoying world-class cuisine or attending a cultural festival.”

The city’s bustling markets, family-friendly parks, and thriving university add to its charm, making it an excellent base for anyone looking to experience authentic Portuguese life.

Balancing Work and Leisure

While Sue has embraced a relaxed lifestyle in Portugal, Chad continues to work remotely as a project manager for a U.S.-based company. This arrangement has allowed them to maintain financial stability while enjoying the benefits of living abroad.

“Working from Portugal has been a great experience,” Chad shares. “The time difference takes some getting used to, but the slower pace of life here helps me balance work and personal time better than I ever could back in Texas.”

Their home in Soutelo offers the peace and quiet Chad needs to focus on his work, while their proximity to Braga ensures they can unwind with a night out whenever they choose.

Building a Community

One of Sue and Chad’s biggest concerns before moving was whether they’d be able to make friends in a new country. Their fears quickly dissipated once they arrived.

“There are local people who have been incredibly welcoming,” Sue says. “And we’ve also met many expats who share our interests and values.”

The couple has formed a growing circle of friends, attending community events, joining social groups, and connecting with neighbors. These relationships have enriched their experience and made Portugal feel like home.

Overcoming Challenges

No international move is without its challenges, and Sue and Chad’s transition to Portugal was no exception.

“The bureaucracy was a learning curve,” Chad admits. “The paperwork wasn’t as overwhelming as we expected, but it still required patience and organization.”

Moving their dogs was another hurdle. “That was the hardest part for me,” Sue says. “Seeing them in a crate for 10 hours during the flight was tough, but it was worth it to have them with us here.”

Chad, with his background as a project manager, took a methodical approach to navigating these challenges. “I had to set aside my expectations about how things should work and adapt to the Portuguese way of doing things,” he reflects. “It taught me to be more flexible and open-minded.”

Tips for Aspiring Expats

For anyone considering a move to Portugal, Sue and Chad offer the following advice:

1. Research Thoroughly: Spend time learning about different regions of Portugal. Each area offers something unique, so find the one that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.

2. Visit Before Deciding: “We couldn’t have made our choice without visiting first,” Sue says. “Seeing the country in person helped us understand what felt right.”

3. Stay Flexible: Embrace the differences and be prepared for things to move at a slower pace. Patience is your best friend when navigating bureaucracy.

4. Build Connections: Join expat groups, attend local events, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The community here is welcoming and eager to share their experiences.

5. Take the Leap: “It’s hard to imagine making such a big change, but it’s so worth it,” Chad emphasizes. “Life is short. Don’t let fear hold you back.”

Why Northern Portugal?

Sue and Chad’s story highlights the unique appeal of northern Portugal. Unlike the bustling cities of Lisbon and Porto or the tourist-heavy Algarve, this region offers a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

From the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, northern Portugal is a haven for nature lovers. It’s also an affordable place to live, with lower housing costs compared to southern Portugal and many other parts of Europe.

“It’s the perfect place for anyone looking to retire or work remotely,” Sue says. “The beauty, the safety, and the sense of community are unmatched.”

Inspiration for the Future

Sue and Chad’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone. Their move to Portugal has given them a renewed sense of purpose, stronger connections, and a lifestyle they truly love.

“There’s a whole world out there waiting for you,” Sue says. “Don’t be afraid to explore it. You might just find the life you’ve always dreamed of.”

Join the Journey

Feeling inspired by Sue and Chad’s story? Stay tuned as we share more about their experiences through a series of Instagram photos, reels, and a full video. Discover what makes Portugal such a magical place to call home and learn how you can take the first steps toward your own relocation journey.

Whether you’re drawn to the historic streets of Braga, the tranquility of Soutelo, or the adventure of northern Portugal’s natural wonders, this country offers endless opportunities to create your dream life.

Will you be next to take the leap? Book a complimentary consultation call with moviinn today.