Retiring Abroad at 70: Why Beverly Daniel Tatum Chose to Build a New Life in Lisbon

For many people, retirement is seen as a moment to slow down, stay close to what is familiar, and settle into long established routines. For Beverly Daniel Tatum, retirement represented something very different. It was an opportunity to explore, to learn, and to intentionally design a new chapter of life.

A psychologist by training, an academic by profession, and the former president of Spelman College in Atlanta, Beverly spent decades shaping institutions, mentoring students, and contributing to higher education in the United States. As she entered her seventies, she and her husband began asking themselves a question that would quietly change everything.

If not now, when?

That question led them across the Atlantic and eventually to Portugal, where they are now building a life in Lisbon that reflects their values, lifestyle needs, and sense of curiosity about the world.

A Life Dedicated to Education, Leadership, and Community

Beverly Daniel Tatum’s career spans decades of academic leadership. Trained as a psychologist, she spent most of her professional life in higher education, first as a college professor, then as an administrator, and ultimately as president of Spelman College in Atlanta, one of the most respected historically Black colleges in the United States.

Her work required deep engagement with people, ideas, and institutions. It was intellectually demanding and profoundly human. Throughout her career, Beverly navigated complex environments, diverse communities, and evolving social contexts, experiences that later influenced how she approached the idea of retirement.

Rather than seeing retirement as a retreat, she saw it as an invitation to redirect her energy and curiosity toward new cultural experiences.

The Spark That Turned Travel Into a Life Decision

The idea of living outside the United States had always intrigued Beverly. Like many Americans, she had traveled internationally over the years, but the thought of actually living abroad, learning a new language, and becoming part of another society felt both exciting and slightly daunting.

The turning point came on her 70th birthday.

To celebrate the milestone, Beverly and her husband decided to travel to Portugal. The trip began in Lisbon and continued south to Lagos and the Algarve. What they discovered surprised them. Lisbon felt vibrant yet manageable, historic yet forward looking. The Algarve offered beauty, light, and a relaxed coastal rhythm.

Portugal quickly revealed itself as a country that balances tradition with openness, and sophistication with warmth.

What Truly Matters When You Retire Abroad

While Portugal’s weather, food, and landscapes were undeniably appealing, Beverly’s decision was grounded in deeper considerations. At this stage of life, lifestyle fit matters more than novelty.

Several factors were essential.

She wanted to live in a welcoming and multicultural community, one where diversity felt natural and where newcomers could integrate without losing their sense of self. Language was also important. Beverly was eager to learn Portuguese, but she also wanted to live in a place where navigating daily life in English was realistic while learning.

Safety was non negotiable. Feeling secure while walking, exploring, and living independently mattered deeply. Accessibility to the United States was also key, allowing for easy travel to visit family and welcome loved ones to Portugal.

Portugal met all of these criteria, and Lisbon in particular felt like a city that could support this new chapter of life.

Choosing Lisbon, Then Choosing the Right Neighbourhood

Once Lisbon emerged as the clear choice, the next question became where exactly to live within the city.

Lisbon is famously hilly, charming, and full of narrow cobblestone streets. While that character is part of its appeal, it also presents challenges, especially when accessibility becomes a priority.

Beverly is an active walker who enjoys moving through the city on foot. Her husband uses a cane. Steep hills, uneven pavements, and winding streets would not be practical for everyday life.

They needed a neighbourhood that was flat, walkable, well connected, and comfortable, without sacrificing beauty or cultural life.

That search led them to Parque das Nações, one of Lisbon’s most modern and thoughtfully planned areas.

Parque das Nações, Lisbon’s Modern Riverside Neighbourhood

Parque das Nações is a striking contrast to Lisbon’s historic quarters. The area was developed after Lisbon hosted Expo 1998, an international exhibition that transformed a former industrial zone into a contemporary riverside district.

Today, Parque das Nações is known for its wide avenues, modern architecture, and strong sense of community. It is one of the flattest areas in Lisbon, making it ideal for walking and mobility. For Beverly and her husband, this was a crucial factor.

The neighbourhood sits directly on the Tagus River, offering open views over the water and across to the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which connects Lisbon to the south bank. Daily walks along the riverfront are part of the rhythm of life there, with green spaces, cafés, and pedestrian paths woven throughout the area.

Parque das Nações is also one of Lisbon’s major cultural and events hubs. It hosts large concerts, exhibitions, and international events. The area is home to venues such as the Altice Arena, museums, and cultural spaces, as well as the Lisbon Casino, which adds to the neighbourhood’s dynamic yet polished atmosphere.

Despite its scale, Parque das Nações retains a strong neighbourhood feel. There are schools, local shops, restaurants, services, and everyday commerce within walking distance. It is a place where people live, not just visit.

Transport connectivity is another major advantage. The neighbourhood is home to Gare do Oriente, Lisbon’s main transport hub, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. From Oriente, residents have access to national and international trains, metro lines, buses, and direct connections to Lisbon Airport.

For retirees seeking comfort, accessibility, and urban life without the physical challenges of Lisbon’s hills, Parque das Nações offers a rare balance.

Finding the Right Home With the Right Support

Relocating internationally requires trust, especially when much of the process happens remotely. Before committing, Beverly interviewed several companies that offered real estate assistance in Portugal. These conversations took place over Zoom, from her home in Atlanta.

One stood out immediately.

From her first conversation with Miguel Tabuado, Real Estate and Investments Manager at moviinn®, Beverly felt comfortable and understood.

It wasn’t just professionalism, it was understanding.

Miguel listened carefully to how they lived, not just what they wanted to rent. He understood that this move wasn’t about replicating life in Atlanta, but about creating something new that genuinely worked for this stage of life.

Miguel focused not only on property specifications but on lifestyle. He asked how they lived, how they moved through a city, what mattered most to them at this stage of life. The approach felt personal, thoughtful, and transparent. The fee structure also felt fair and reasonable, which was an important consideration.

Together, they defined what the ideal home needed to offer.

Defining the Ideal Apartment for This Stage of Life

Beverly’s requirements were precise and practical.

They needed a modern building with a reliable elevator. Air conditioning was essential, especially during Lisbon’s warmer months. The apartment needed to be spacious enough to host visiting family and friends, with room to live comfortably rather than simply stay.

Working closely together, Miguel sourced and shortlisted properties, scheduled visits, managed negotiations, and handled due diligence and documentation. The result was an apartment in Parque das Nações that met every requirement and felt immediately like home.

Embracing Difference Instead of Replicating the Past

One of the most insightful aspects of Beverly’s story is her mindset. She was not trying to recreate life in Atlanta.

Lisbon is not Atlanta, and it was never meant to be.

What Beverly wanted was the opportunity to explore a new culture, learn a new language, and build connections in a different social context. Portugal offered that opportunity generously.

Living abroad requires flexibility, openness, and curiosity. It also requires accepting that things work differently, and that difference is often where growth happens.

Why Portugal Continues to Attract Retirees

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for retirees, and Beverly understands why. Beyond lifestyle and culture, the country offers practical advantages that matter deeply later in life.

Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Its healthcare system is strong and accessible. The population is welcoming to foreigners, and English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas.

For retirees with stable income, the D7 Visa offers a clear legal pathway to residency. 

While waiting for approval, they spent the month of July in Lisbon on a tourist visa, giving them the opportunity to experience everyday life fully.

The Value of Staying Longer Before You Decide

Spending a full month in Lisbon made a difference. A short visit shows highlights, but a longer stay reveals reality.

You learn the pace of the neighbourhood, the rhythm of daily life, the small routines that make a place feel like home. For Beverly, the extended stay confirmed that Lisbon, and Parque das Nações in particular, was the right choice.

Her advice to others considering a move abroad is simple and grounded. Visit, explore, and if possible, stay longer than a week or two. That time brings clarity.

How moviinn® Supports Clients Beyond Property Search

At the end of Beverly’s full video, Miguel Tabuado explains moviinn®’s client centred approach.

Every journey begins with understanding the client’s goals, lifestyle, and expectations. From there, moviinn® supports clients across the entire relocation process, from neighbourhood selection and property sourcing to negotiations, due diligence, contracts, and key handover.

The focus is always on experience, clarity, and reducing stress. Clients know what to expect, and they know they are supported at every stage.

A New Chapter, On Her Own Terms

At 70, Beverly Daniel Tatum chose not comfort through familiarity, but growth through experience.

Her story is not just about retiring abroad. It is about agency, intention, and redefining what is possible at any age. Portugal offered the setting. moviinn® provided the structure and support. The courage to begin again was already hers.

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

Whether you are considering retiring, relocating, or investing in Portugal, the right guidance makes all the difference.

Book a call with moviinn® and start your journey with a team that supports you every step of the way. 

Follow along as we continue sharing Beverly’s journey through short reels on Instagram and watch the full video interview on our YouTube channel.