Adventure, enrichment and growth were top reasons for wanting to move
Kronos Homes highlights real estate choices in the ‘Hamptons of Portugal’
Expatsi survey of 116k would-be American expats found Portugal to be top destination
A survey of 116,363 Americans who looked into moving away from the US in 2024 has crowned Portugal as the country that most wanted to know about. The survey by Expatsi found that adventure, enrichment and growth were the top reasons that Americans wanted to start a new life overseas. It also found that many are keen to make the move fast, with two-thirds hoping to leave the US by 2026 and 12% keen to leave in the next six months.
Portugal’s sunshine, particularly in the country’s southernmost Algarve region, is a major part of the appeal, supporting a year-round active and sociable outdoor lifestyle. The region is home to everything from mountainous rural areas to over 125 miles of stunning coastline, dotted with quaint fishing villages, charming towns, and bustling cities. The climate means that residents can enjoy golf, water sports, tennis, padel and a huge range of other sports almost year-round.
The Algarve’s climate is also ideal for al fresco dining, with residents making the most of sociable meals in the sunshine, celebrating the region’s fresh, local cuisine and the outstanding range of Portuguese wines. Many Algarve residents and most businesses and services speak excellent English, adding to the sense of welcome and making it easy for expats from the US to settle into life in Portugal. The country’s low cost of living adds to its appeal, with the 19th annual Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money naming the Algarve as the best-value holiday destination for 2025.
Portugal’s range of visa options is another plus point, with visas available to suit retirees, skilled professionals, and digital nomads. According to Expatsi, 30% of those surveyed were considering retiring abroad, 18% were looking for digital nomad visas, and 17% were keen to know about moving with a skilled worker visa.
With direct flights now operating between Newark Liberty International Airport in New York and the Algarve’s Faro Airport, in addition to existing direct flights from the US to Lisbon and Porto, travel between the US and Portugal is easier than ever.
The variety of real estate options available in Portugal is another part of the appeal. Within easy reach of Faro Airport, the internationally renowned Vale do Lobo resort is home to luxury villas nestled within 450 hectares of landscaped grounds, with a wealth of sporting and luxury dining and wellness facilities, along with its own 2 km stretch of stunning Blue Flag beach. A stylish, four-bedroom villa with its own pool and secluded, south-facing garden within walk of that beach is currently on the market for €2,695,000.
A little further along the coast, the beautiful Flamingos Salgados apartments are surrounded by Salgados beach and Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, as well as the fairways of the Salgados Golf Course. The homes come fully equipped, priced from €330,000. Buyers have the use of the on-site pool, bar, lounge area and communal gardens, as well as their spacious, light-filled apartment.
With prices from €279,000, Monte Santo Resort at Carvoeiro delivers a five-star resort experience, with on-site spa and wellness centre, multi-sports court, gym, clubhouse and restaurant. The homes are ideally located for enjoying not just the picturesque beach at Carvoeiro but the famous Benagil caves – one of the highlights of the Algarve’s abundant natural wonders.
Those seeking a more secluded retreat are well-served by Salema Beach Village, where pretty villas hug the hillside that slopes down to Salema Beach, just 500 meters away. The location in the peaceful, quieter western end of the Algarve means these homes are ideal for surfers, walkers and families looking for a relaxing break from everyday life. Prices start from €340,000.
“Portugal holds vast appeal for buyers from the US, both as a holiday home destination and as a country for permanent residence. Welcoming, beautiful and with excellent international schools, healthcare and modern infrastructure, the Algarve is top of many would-be expats’ wish-lists for good reason.”
Alda Filipe, Regional Director and Partner at Kronos Homes