Why We Left the US: Our Journey to Portugal

Making the decision to leave the United States and embark on a new adventure in Portugal wasn’t an easy one, but it was the right one for our family. We’ve heard the questions: Why leave everything behind? Why Portugal? The answer to that is multifaceted and deeply personal, but we’re excited to share the story with you. Here’s a look into the why behind our decision to move abroad and begin this next chapter of our lives.

1. School Safety & a Better Education for Our Kids

As parents, one of our greatest concerns has always been the safety and well-being of our children, Annelie and Soren. We watched as incidents of violence and safety issues became an ongoing source of anxiety for families in the U.S. Schools are supposed to be a place where kids feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow, but we felt that, increasingly, that wasn’t the case. Our desire to give Annelie and Soren a secure, nurturing environment where they could thrive academically and socially led us to explore other options.

In Portugal, we found schools with a strong emphasis on academics and language learning, offering opportunities for Annelie and Soren to be challenged and grow in ways that suited their unique abilities. The education system here is rigorous, and there is a deep respect for children’s development, both academically and socially. We also appreciated that Portugal places a strong emphasis on multilingual education, giving our kids a chance to learn not just Portuguese, but other languages as well. In our minds, this wasn’t just a move for us—it was a move for their future.

2. Exposure to Different Cultures

Living in Portugal means being surrounded by new cultures, new languages, and new ways of life. We wanted to expose our family to the richness of global experiences. We wanted our children to see the world, to understand and appreciate diversity, and to be open to new perspectives. In Portugal, not only do we have the chance to explore the incredible beauty of the country itself, but also the opportunity to travel to other parts of Europe. The ability to visit other countries, to learn about different histories, traditions, and lifestyles, has been an invaluable gift to our family.

The Algarve offers such a unique blend of Portuguese and international cultures, creating a perfect environment to immerse ourselves in a world of diverse experiences while remaining connected to the heart of Portugal. Our family can continue to grow, learn, and appreciate the vast differences that make each culture special.

3. The Love of Restoration and History

Both my husband and I have always been passionate about restoration projects—from historic homes to antique furniture, we love breathing new life into things that have stories to tell. For years, we poured our hearts and souls into restoring beautiful historic homes in the U.S., and it became a large part of our identity as a family.

But as we began to look beyond our borders, we realized that Portugal, with its rich history, ancient architecture, and timeless craftsmanship, offered the perfect backdrop for continuing this passion. The opportunity to live in a country with such deep-rooted culture and historical significance was not one we could overlook. The Algarve is home to so many charming properties that need care and attention—some of which we hope to restore and make our own.

4. Financial Stability & the Cost of Living

Let’s face it, the cost of living in certain areas of the U.S. has skyrocketed in recent years. As a family of four, we found ourselves struggling with the high cost of housing, education, healthcare, and just daily expenses. We wanted to live a more sustainable life without feeling like we were constantly fighting against rising costs.

Portugal, in contrast, offers a more affordable lifestyle, especially in comparison to the cities we were used to in the U.S. From housing to food to healthcare, we’ve found that Portugal provides an excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost. This allows us the freedom to enjoy life without constantly worrying about our finances, which is an essential piece of the puzzle as we focus on our family’s well-being and future.

5. The Football Culture and the Importance of Play

Football (or soccer, as we called it in the U.S.) has always been a big part of our family’s life. We love the sport—not only for the excitement of the game, but for the values it teaches: teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and the joy of playing for the love of the sport.

Portugal has a rich football culture that is woven into the very fabric of the country. Whether it's the local teams or the national pride, football here is a way of life. This was a major draw for our family, especially for Soren, who has been playing the sport since he could walk. The opportunity to immerse him in such a vibrant football culture has been a dream come true. We knew that moving to Portugal would allow Soren to experience the game in ways that would shape his future, both as a player and as a fan.

6. A New Adventure for Our Family

Lastly, we wanted something new. Life in the U.S. had started to feel comfortable but a bit predictable. We felt like it was time for a fresh start—a chance to create new memories, explore new places, and challenge ourselves in ways we hadn’t before. Moving to Portugal, while daunting, felt like the perfect next step.

As I turn 38, I’ve come to realize that life is about taking risks, about embracing adventure, and about doing things that truly make you happy. The Algarve offers us everything we were looking for: a balance of natural beauty, historical significance, cultural richness, and an affordable lifestyle. This isn’t just about finding a new home—this is about finding a new life.

Closing Thoughts

We may have left the U.S., but we didn’t leave behind what matters most: our values, our love for our family, and our passion for creating a life filled with joy, learning, and adventure. We hope that by sharing our journey, we can inspire others to think about what makes them truly happy and what kind of life they want to build for themselves and their families.

Stay tuned for more about our adventures in Portugal, our restoration projects, and the incredible life we’re building together as an expat family. We can’t wait to bring you along on this exciting journey!

Do you have questions about living abroad or moving to Portugal? Feel free to ask in the comments or reach out! We’d love to hear your thoughts and share more about our journey.