Imagine living in safety and peace.

Imagine living in safety and peace. We did just that and landed here in Portugal!

Although most people have responded to our move with congratulations, envy, or curiosity, a few are dumbfounded. “Why would you do that?!!?” Our response in short: excellent climate, culture, and activities; safety; reasonable costs and high quality of medicine; quality of life; location; and fabulous landscapes.

We are not alone in this view.

Portugal ranked #4 on the Global Peace Index

Portugal was recently ranked the fourth most peaceful country in the world, right behind Denmark, New Zealand and Iceland, by the Institute for Economics and Peace, which includes assessments of domestic and international conflict, crime rate, stability, peacekeeping missions, access to weapons and overall quality of life for citizens. Portugal has a low rate of violent crime and an equally plummeting unemployment rate. Portugal's economy is stable, and it ranks high for freedom of the press.

Lisbon rated Happiest City in the World

Although we do not plan to settle in Lisbon, the region reflects the same qualities. Life expectancy, sunshine, working hours, cost of living and the friendliness of locals are the most important factors that bring us joy – that’s according to a new study by iVisa. It turns out Lisbon ranked the highest with 2,801 hours of sunshine a year and a work week averaging around 31 hours. Plus, it was named the second friendliest city.

photo: Alex Paganelli

Portugal rated third safest city in the western world

Immigrant women, LGTBQ persons, and trans women report a deep sense of safety in Portugal, including walking in cities late at night.

Gentle people

Bruno, our Airbnb landlord for the next two months we are in Lisbon, explained Portuguese attitudes this way: “I grew up here. This is my neighborhood. We are not black or white or brown. We are not Jewish, Catholic or Muslim. We are not men, women or whatever. We are just people, and we are neighbors.”

These are a few of the reasons that we chose Portugal for our home, and here we can imagine all the people living live in peace.

Next: Some aspects of Portugal that catch our eyes and capture our hearts.

Note: We have Portugues phone numbers. Email us if you want our numbers.