We Left Arizona for a Safer, More Affordable Life in Portugal

We Left Arizona for a Safer, More Affordable Life in Portugal
Tavira’s historic charm, sunny climate, and relaxed pace of life continue to attract retirees from around the world.|©iStock/Nature, food, landscape, travel

Jack and Janis Williams spent most of their lives in California before retiring to a gated golf community in Arizona. Yet even there, concerns about crime and safety left them wondering whether there might be a better place to enjoy their retirement years.

They purchased one of International Living’s programs that showcased the best retirement destinations around the world, but longed to live in Europe to be closer to their son.

“Our son Eli splits his time working and living between Paris and Germany,” Janis explained. “Germany was too cold for us, and Paris is way too expensive.”

Janis began researching warmer destinations in Europe, like southern Portugal, and connected with Terry Coles, an IL contributor, on a scouting trip.

“Although I was born in D.C. and Janis was originally from St. Louis, we grew to love warm weather in California and wanted to retire to a place with some heat,” Jack said. “For us, north and central Portugal were too cold and rainy, so we set our sights on the Algarve.”

They checked out hot spots like Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos, and others before falling in love with the authenticity of Tavira.

Because Jack has an Irish passport, Janis had an easier route to long-stay status instead of applying for a visa. They rented for seven months before finding an apartment to buy in the community of Pegada, Tavira. Their spacious apartment has three bedrooms, two baths, terraces with ocean views, and a rooftop deck with panoramic views, all for €320,000 ($371,000).

Sitting on the terrace, strumming his guitar, song lyrics seem to come naturally to Jack as he reminisces about his music career.

“Way back in 1970, a buddy of mine wrote the hit song, Take Me Home, Country Roads, that was featured on John Denver’s album Poems, Prayers & Promises in 1971,” Jack touted. “On that same album was the song, Gospel Changes, that I wrote, and John Denver sang. Fortunately for me, the album sold millions of copies, and they just kept sending me checks, so Janis and I were able to travel the world.”

Then in 1976, after the birth of their first son, Eli, Jack wrote Eli’s Song, which was performed by John Denver on his Spirit album. The couple also has another son who lives near Houston, Texas, and comes to visit occasionally.

When asked why they chose Portugal, Janis boasts about its safety. “There is no gun violence here, something that I always had to worry about as a teacher. If we meet up with friends for a late dinner, we always feel safe walking back to our car, surrounded by families with children and other elderly residents like us.”

Jack added, “The people are so friendly and patient, and I need a lot of patience. And besides that, I came here because Janis told me to.”

Jack and Janis Williams found the safe, affordable European lifestyle they were seeking in Tavira, Portugal.
Jack and Janis Williams found the safe, affordable European lifestyle they were seeking in Tavira, Portugal.

Jack recalls a story when they were trying to drive out of Lisbon Airport with a rental car and did not know how to operate the machine to open the gate. A police officer came to their rescue, taking his time to carefully show them how the machine worked while patient drivers lined up behind him. “There was no honking or yelling. Everyone waited patiently.”

“Our lives in Tavira are so different from what they were back in Arizona,” Janis explained. “Back there, we had to drive 20 minutes or more to get anywhere, but here we live in a community with everything close by.”

Even though their son Eli has lived and worked in two European countries for the past 25 years, whenever he comes to visit, he is amazed at the niceness of the Portuguese people, Janis explained.

“It’s really easy to make friends here when we’re not in the car all of the time,” Jack said with a smile. “Really, this place is crawling with expats from around the world. We have friends from all over Europe, the U.K., U.S., Canada, and more.”

Jack and Janis are delighted that their retirement savings go so much further in Portugal. “Everything here costs less,” Janis said. “Utilities, Wi-Fi, water, groceries, dining out, healthcare, car insurance, and health insurance. And Jack is impressed by the speed of the internet, much faster than any we have had in the U.S.”

Gasoline and diesel are the exceptions and cost far more than in the U.S., but on the plus side, cars are much more fuel-efficient in Portugal. Janis boasts about the car they drive here that gets a whopping 45 miles per gallon, the same as the compact hybrid car that she drove back in Arizona. Gasoline prices currently run around €2.20 per liter, which, when multiplied by four and converted to gallons, averages out to just under $10 per gallon.

“We probably fill our car just once a month,” Jack added.

“Years ago, I was using a prescription medication for my prostate, but ran out because I neglected to follow up with my doctor. I went to the pharmacy to see if I could get some without a prescription, and the farmacêutico, or pharmacist, behind the counter said that it would be possible. He sold me a 30-day supply for around €3 ($3.50). Medicine here is so cheap and costs even less with a prescription,” Jack added with a smile.

Both Jack and Janis have undergone major surgeries at a local private hospital, where the care was excellent and affordable.

“We have been extremely pleased with the medical care here, and most doctors and nurses speak fluent English,” Janis said. “But knowing some Portuguese does help because the orderlies, cleaning staff, and cafeteria workers may not.”

“We absolutely love living here and go to the beach often, where we can sip wine at a surfside cafe, grab a bite to eat, or watch the sunset over the Atlantic. Our lives are blessed with good friends, healthy living, and beautiful horizons,” Janis added. “Life in Portugal is good!”

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