Lisa White, a former New Yorker, has made the decision to permanently relocate to Portugal, embracing a new life far from the hustle and bustle of New York City. With a background deeply rooted in New York, White had always envisioned her life unfolding in the city that never sleeps. However, a series of safety incidents involving her children and the escalating costs of living led her to reconsider her family's future.

Approximately two years ago, White made the pivotal choice to pull her two sons, aged 11 and 16, out of public school due to growing concerns about their safety. Instead, she opted for homeschooling, a decision that provided her children with a personalized learning environment but also sparked a broader contemplation about their living situation. The idea of leaving New York City began to take shape, fueled by her desire for a better quality of life and greater financial stability.

Driven by her prioritiessafety, quality of life, and cost of livingWhite embarked on an extensive research journey to find a country that would meet her family's needs. After much deliberation, she concluded that Portugal was the answer. Renowned for its safety and vibrant culture, Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries globally, making it an attractive option for families seeking a fresh start.

Since moving to Portugal just a month ago, White has experienced a mix of emotions, from initial doubts to profound relief and gratitude. Initially, she was apprehensive about how her children would react to the prospect of relocating to a foreign country, leaving behind the familiarity of their lives in New York.

To ease their transition, White facilitated an open family discussion. Although her sons expressed hesitance about leaving their friends and familiar surroundings, they ultimately showed an unexpected willingness to consider the adventure. To explore the potential of their new life, the family embarked on two scouting trips to Portugal: a two-week exploration of the picturesque city of Porto in the north and a month-long stay in the sun-drenched Algarve region in the south.

These trips were more than mere vacations; they were immersive experiences that allowed the family to engage with local life. White ensured her kids kept up with their studies while they were away and encouraged them to interact with the local culture. They navigated public transportation, visited neighborhood shops, and sampled the local cuisine, all while assessing the potential for their future together in Portugal.

After these enriching experiences, the family felt confident that Portugal was the right choice. The transition from their New York lifestyle to a new life abroad, however, was not instantaneous. It took them over six months to finalize their move. During this time, White took essential steps to prepare for the relocation, including hiring an immigration attorney and real estate agent, selling their car, and sorting through their belongings to pack or donate what they no longer needed.

As they boarded the plane to Portugal with six suitcases in tow, doubts crept in. Was this truly the right decision? However, those feelings faded quickly once they settled into their new home. The differences in their daily lives became apparent almost immediately. Instead of the familiar sounds of city sirens and snow, the soothing sound of ocean waves now greets them each morning.

White notes the impact of this change on their family dynamics. With a more relaxed lifestyle, they now prioritize family time. They enjoy walks along the beach, share meals cooked from fresh local ingredients, and take weekend excursions to explore other countries. Her sons have forged new friendships and now spend significantly more time engaging with the outdoors rather than being glued to their video games.

Financially, White has observed a dramatic shift in her spending habits. Living in Portugal has allowed her to cut her monthly expenses by nearly half compared to what they were in the United States. This reduction can be attributed to lower living costs and a newfound mindset that rejects unnecessary consumption, such as fast fashion and bulk buying.

Despite being in Portugal for only a month, White expresses a sense of belonging. The local community has warmly welcomed them, enhancing their transition. While English is widely spoken in her area, she and her children are diligently taking Portuguese lessons to better integrate into their new culture. Making an effort to learn the language has fostered goodwill with the locals, many of whom have become familiar faces in their neighborhood shops.

White finds herself living her dream, complete with an ocean view right outside her homesomething she previously only imagined. The pressures of daily life in New York have lifted, granting her the space, time, and peace she had longed for. She has found joy in simple pleasures, and her stress has significantly diminished.

While her children stay connected with friends and family back in the U.S., White is resolute in her decision not to return permanently. At this stage, she envisions only visits back to the United States, making it clear that she and her family intend to remain in Portugal for the foreseeable future.