Starting Again by the Sea: Dana & Steve’s New Chapter in Cascais

For many Americans, the idea of moving to Portugal begins as a dream: warmer weather, beautiful architecture, a slower pace of life, friendly people, and the opportunity to experience something completely different. For Dana and Steve, that dream became reality.

After decades of building careers and a life in the United States, the couple decided it was time for a new adventure. Their search eventually led them to Portugal, and specifically to Cascais, a beautiful coastal town near Lisbon.

After decades of building careers and a life in the United States, the couple decided it was time for a new adventure. Their search eventually led them to Portugal, and specifically to Cascais, a beautiful coastal town near Lisbon.

Their story provides an insightful look at what it can really be like to move to Portugal as an American, from finding a home and navigating bureaucracy to learning Portuguese, building a social circle, and creating a new sense of community.

From New York City to Portugal.

Dana and Steve first met in New York City more than four decades ago.
At the time, both were disco dancers, although neither knew that about the other when they were introduced by friends. Their friends thought they might become the next Fred and Ginger.

They never quite reached that level, but they did dance together, built a life together, and eventually developed careers that took them in different professional directions.
Steve became a lawyer and founded two law firms. Dana initially worked in advertising before eventually becoming the chief administrator of the firms Steve had founded.

After many years of professional life in the United States, however, the couple began thinking about what might come next.

Portugal wasn't originally at the top of their list.

In fact, they had envisioned living somewhere in the southern Mediterranean. But a friend suggested that they give Portugal a closer look.

That suggestion changed everything.

Discovering Cascais

The couple spent time in Lisbon before exploring the surrounding area. When they reached Cascais, Steve immediately noticed something different.
The coastal setting, historic fortifications, castles, marina, architecture, and natural beauty made an immediate impression.

He remembers essentially turning to Dana and saying, “This is it. This is where I would like to live.”

For a couple considering moving to Portugal from the USA, that kind of emotional connection with a place can be just as important as practical considerations.

Cascais offered many of the things they had been searching for: proximity to Lisbon, access to the ocean, beautiful surroundings, and an environment that felt comfortable without feeling ordinary.

The couple also fell in love with the quality of the light, the architecture, and the character of Portuguese society.

One of the things that particularly stood out to them was the politeness and friendliness of the Portuguese people.

Rather than feeling like outsiders, they found that their attempts to participate in Portuguese life were often met with encouragement and patience.

Why Portugal Felt Like a “Soft Landing”

Moving to another country can be intimidating, especially later in life.

There are practical questions to answer: Where will you live? How do you navigate government services? How do you establish yourself socially? How do you handle language barriers? And how do you deal with everyday tasks that were previously effortless?

For Dana and Steve, Portugal provided what they describe as a “soft landing.”

They had initially imagined living somewhere else in the Mediterranean, but Portugal quickly began to feel like the right fit.

The appeal wasn't simply the weather or scenery.
It was the overall lifestyle.
They appreciated the architecture, the coastal environment, the social atmosphere, and the opportunity to approach life differently.

For people considering retirement in Portugal, this distinction is important. Relocating isn't simply about choosing a country with attractive statistics or a favorable climate. It is about imagining what daily life will actually feel like.

For Dana and Steve, everyday life in Portugal felt welcoming.

Building a Community Through Expat Groups

One of the most important lessons from their experience is that moving abroad doesn't have to mean starting completely alone.

Before relocating, Steve researched online communities and social media groups focused on Portugal. He came across groups dedicated to Americans and other expats living in Cascais.

After moving into their building, they discovered that several of their neighbors were also American. Those connections helped them become familiar with the local expat community.

The couple became involved with an expat group in Cascais, and many of their closest friendships have developed through that community.

There was also a common thread connecting many of the people they met. They had all come to Portugal for an adventure. That shared motivation created an immediate sense of connection.

For Americans considering expat life in Portugal, building a social network can be one of the most valuable parts of the relocation process. Joining local groups, meeting neighbors, attending events, and simply being willing to introduce yourself can transform an unfamiliar place into a community.

Dana and Steve took that idea one step further. When they met new people, they often invited them to their home.

Dinner Parties and the Joy of Hosting

Dana is a passionate cook, and their home reflects that enthusiasm. The couple chose a large dining table capable of seating around twelve people, and it has become the center of many dinners and lunches with friends.

As they met people through the expat community, they began inviting them into their home. That simple habit helped turn acquaintances into friendships.

It also reflects something broader about their approach to relocating abroad: they weren't simply trying to recreate their old life in a different country. They were actively creating a new one.

Their home became a place where people could gather, share meals, exchange stories, and build relationships. For anyone considering moving abroad after retirement, this can be an important mindset shift. The success of a relocation isn't determined solely by the house you buy or the visa you obtain. Your experience is also shaped by the relationships you build once you arrive.

Finding the Right Home in Portugal

Finding suitable housing is one of the biggest challenges for anyone relocating internationally. For Dana and Steve, the process ultimately proved relatively straightforward.

They found their apartment online and immediately felt that it offered what they were looking for. They viewed the property, loved it, and developed a good relationship with the landlord. The decision was made.

Their new home gave them a physical base from which they could begin building their life in Portugal. This is an important part of the relocation journey because finding a property is only one piece of the puzzle.

A successful international move often involves understanding local procedures, documentation, government agencies, transportation, utilities, and countless other details. That was where professional relocation support became especially valuable for the couple.

The Importance of Professional Relocation Support

Dana and Steve worked with moviinn® during their relocation to Portugal. Initially, they had considered several different companies and weren't immediately certain which one they should choose. A friend living in Lisbon introduced them to James, and their relationship with moviinn® developed from there.

What ultimately convinced them was that the company offered more than assistance with a single part of the relocation process. They felt that moviinn® acted as a partner throughout their transition.

For Steve, that distinction was particularly important. He didn't want to recommend a company to friends unless he genuinely believed in its services and the people behind it. As he worked with members of the moviinn® team, including Sonia, Marta, and Miguel, he developed a strong personal connection with the company and its approach.

The couple came to see moviinn® as more than a company helping with paperwork. They viewed the team as people who were willing to stand beside them throughout the process.

Navigating Portuguese Bureaucracy

One of the biggest challenges of relocating to another country is dealing with bureaucracy. Processes that seem straightforward in your home country can become confusing when you're unfamiliar with the language, procedures, and government institutions.

Dana and Steve specifically mention receiving assistance with government-related tasks and navigating agencies in Portugal. In one example, someone from moviinn® accompanied them to the motor vehicle department and helped explain what was happening.

For the couple, having someone who understood the system and could help them navigate unfamiliar processes made a significant difference. They also appreciated the team's ability to find answers when they didn't immediately know something.

That responsiveness gave them confidence that they didn't have to solve every problem independently. For Americans considering a move to Portugal, this kind of local knowledge can be invaluable.

International relocation involves much more than packing boxes and getting on a plane. Understanding how local systems work can make the transition considerably less stressful.

Learning Portuguese

Although many Americans find that they can navigate parts of Portugal using English, Dana and Steve made a deliberate effort to learn Portuguese. They attended language school and had accumulated around 100 hours of study.

Their goal wasn't necessarily to become fluent overnight. Instead, they were trying to participate more fully in their new environment.

Interestingly, Steve found that even his imperfect attempts to speak Portuguese were met with encouragement. The Portuguese people he encountered were often complimentary and helpful when he tried to communicate in their language.

This experience highlights an important principle for anyone planning to live in Portugal as an American: making an effort to learn the local language can be valuable even when you aren't yet proficient.

Language learning isn't only about communication. It can also be a way of demonstrating respect for the culture and becoming more connected to the place you now call home.

Moving to Portugal for an Adventure

Perhaps the most powerful message from Dana and Steve's story is their perspective on why someone should, or shouldn't, move abroad.

Their advice is straightforward. Don't move away simply because you're unhappy with your current life. If you're running away from something, relocating may not automatically make you happier.

Instead, they suggest moving toward something. Move because you want an adventure. Move because you want to explore another country. Move because you want to experience a different culture and discover what life can look like somewhere else.

That distinction can fundamentally change the relocation experience. Portugal wasn't an escape for Dana and Steve. It was an opportunity. They approached the move with curiosity and enthusiasm, and that attitude helped them embrace the challenges that came with starting over.

Why Cascais?

Cascais proved to be the ideal setting for their new chapter. Located near Lisbon on Portugal's Atlantic coast, Cascais combines coastal scenery, historic architecture, restaurants, cultural attractions, and easy access to the capital.

For people researching the best places to live in Portugal, Cascais is often attractive to international residents because it offers a balance between a relaxed coastal lifestyle and access to the services and opportunities of the Lisbon area.

For Dana and Steve, the attraction was immediate. The marina, fort, castles, architecture, and light all contributed to the feeling that they had found somewhere special.

But the physical beauty was only part of the equation. The community they developed, the friendships they formed, and the lifestyle they created ultimately made Cascais feel like home.

Life Is Short - Make It an Adventure

Steve's reflections on getting older provide perhaps the most memorable conclusion to their story. As people enter their 60s and 70s, it can become easier to postpone major changes. There is always another reason to wait. Another year. Another project. Another obligation.

But Dana and Steve decided that life should remain an adventure.

They've brought friends from California into their new life. They've built a community in Portugal. They've learned a new language. They've explored their surroundings. They've hosted dinners. They've developed relationships with local people and other expats.

And most importantly, they've created a life they genuinely enjoy.

Is Moving to Portugal Right for You?

Dana and Steve's story isn't a guarantee that Portugal will be right for everyone. Moving internationally requires planning, patience, flexibility, and realistic expectations.

There will be bureaucracy. There may be language barriers. There will inevitably be moments when everyday tasks feel more complicated than they did back home. But their experience demonstrates what can happen when those challenges are approached as part of the adventure rather than reasons to give up.

For Americans considering retiring in Portugal, relocating to Cascais, or simply spending a new chapter of life abroad, their story offers an encouraging perspective.

A successful move isn't only about obtaining a visa or finding an apartment. It's about building a life. It's about finding your people. It's about learning the language. It's about exploring your new surroundings. And it's about being willing to say yes to experiences that wouldn't have happened if you had stayed exactly where you were.

A New Chapter in Portugal

More than four decades after meeting in New York City, Dana and Steve have found themselves beginning another chapter together, this time on the coast of Portugal.

Portugal wasn’t initially on their list. They weren’t certain where they would eventually settle, or even what their next chapter would look like. But after exploring Lisbon and discovering Cascais, something clicked. They found a place that felt like home.

Over time, they built friendships, learned Portuguese, embraced the local culture, and began creating a life that felt truly their own. With the support of a relocation team they trusted, they were also able to navigate many of the practical challenges that come with establishing yourself in a new country, from the logistics of moving to adapting to a different way of life.

But their story is ultimately about more than moving from the United States to Portugal. It’s about choosing adventure and being open to what comes next.

For anyone dreaming about moving to Portugal, Dana and Steve’s experience offers a simple message: don’t just run away from the life you have, think about the life you’re running toward. And if that life involves discovering a new country, meeting new people, learning a new language, and experiencing the world from a different perspective, it may just be worth taking the leap.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If Dana and Steven's story has inspired you to explore life in Portugal, moviinn® is here to help. Whether you’re dreaming of starting fresh in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal, we specialize in making your relocation seamless. From handling the paperwork to helping you find your ideal home and community, we’re with you every step of the way.

Book a complimentary call with our specialists today.