THE AZORES OF PORTUGAL: EXPAT PARADISE OFF THE BEATEN PATH
December 1, 2012
Perfection does exist in retirement without any lifestyle compromise. This perfection is found in the Azores. My name is Casey Hartnett and I had been searching over the last five years for the perfect island retirement location. My search took me through Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and of course, the United States. My grading criteria were extremely harsh and no place could come close to passing the comprehensive final. There were good characteristics of each country I visited but not enough that could justify a permanent residence.The cost of living could be low but the crime was terrible, or the crime was low but the heat was unbearable, etc. Nothing had it all, that is, until I stumbled upon the Azores.


The Azores is a group of islands in the middle of the Atlantic made up of nine islands situated an hour and a half flight fromLisbon and about a five-hour flight from Boston.The Azores has a subtropical climate that enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round with mild wintersof temperatures in the 60s and warm summers in the 70s.The islands are one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal,which have one of the lowest tax rates in Europe and incredible incentives for foreigners to start businesses. The islands can best be described to Americans or Canadians as the Hawaii of the Atlantic, unspoiled by commercialism, at 1/10 of the price with more beauty, abundance, and quality of life. Each island has its own unique characteristics.Flores is covered in flowers and waterfalls, Sao Miguel & Sao Jorgehavelush jungles and indescribable natural wonders, Pico is a meeting spot for whales all over the world and has one of the tallest mountains in the world measured from base to peak.

The sub-tropical climate offers pleasant temperatures all year round.
Upon researching & critiquing everything I could find on the Azores, it was perfect on paper. Not only did it pass the final but with extra credit. The weather, the culture, cost of living, real estate, nightlife, gastronomy, infrastructure, low cost of health insurance, organic and fresh food, stable economy, ancient architecture, bilingual population, championship surfing, hiking, mountain biking, whale watching, scuba diving, sailing, kite surfing, and paragliding, just to name a few activities and characteristics are all world class. Not to mention it is the center of the developed world between the United States and Europe with many direct flightsthroughout. Needless to say to more, I was on a flight the next week and visited the islands for two months. When I returned to the US, I put my house up for sale, applied for a Visa, took care of my dog’s paperwork and moved here five months later and have not looked back. The entire process with a Visa was less hassle than waiting in line at the DMV, but a Visa is not required as I found out after being here for several months.

The Azores offer much more than just beautiful beaches – ancient architecture can be found throughout the islands.
Since arriving, every day has been as amazing as the day before. The most difficult decision in the morning is to go surfing, hiking, sailing, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, or wind surfing. All activities are either within a thirty second walk to the marina and beach or a fifteen-minute drive to the mountains from the town of Vila Franca Do Campo. Vila Franca Do Campo is the town I eventually fell in love with on the south side of the Island. In Vila Franca, all the local Azoreans I have met have been extremely helpful and accommodating and it has been a very easy transition to feel at home quickly. The point of life in the Azores is to enjoy life without all the unnecessary stresses that seem to be typical in western culture. Here, everyone works only enough to enjoy life. If work interferes with beach or party time, it will not last long.

There is much more to be said about the Azores. However, anyone who is looking for a semi retirement destination with adventure above or below the water, values a rich culture and quality of life, loves food, enjoys a clean environment, and wants to live free with little stress should highly consider the Azores.

Unlike Central and South America, there are no poisonous insects or snakes on the island or mosquitos that dominate the night.

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