Living in Guimarães
A small town with multiple levels of depth! See what it’s like living in Guimarães – lifestyle, property prices, and more!
Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.
Read the full article here
20 06 2023
Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and historical sites is the birthplace of Portugal. Guimarães offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Whether wandering through the city centre’s cobblestone streets or enjoying delicious local cuisines, living in Guimarães will captivate and enchant you.
The city’s closeness to Porto and the stunning Douro Valley opens up day trips and weekend getaway opportunities. So, if you’re seeking an immersive and fulfilling experience, living in Guimarães is an excellent choice that will leave you longing for more.
In this article, we’ll discuss what life is like here, the best neighbourhoods to reside in, property prices, and a lot more! Keep reading to get a holistic perspective of the birthplace of Portugal!
What is living in Guimarães like?
Guimarães, located in Braga, is a charming city in northern Portugal. The northern region is very famous for its stunning landscapes, historic cities, delicious cuisine, and warm-hearted people.
It’s a fantastic place for expats to explore and experience authentic Portuguese culture. This is why Guimarães is perfect for ex-pats seeking just that, as it captures the entire essence of the northern region.
The city is known as the “Cradle of Portugal” because it’s where the country was born. With its rich history and stunning architecture, living in Guimarães makes exploring the cobblestone streets and stumbling upon hidden cafés an everyday adventure.
You’ll find that making meaningful connections and adjusting to the community is easy because of the amiable locals. Also, Guimarães offers a vibrant cultural scene, with regular festivals and events celebrating its heritage.
As an expat, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the mouthwatering Portuguese cuisine and savour the local wines. And if you’re a nature lover, you’re in for a treat! Breathtaking landscapes surround Guimarães, so you can embark on scenic hikes or enjoy peaceful picnics as you wish.
Who lives in Guimarães?
Guimarães is home to a diverse community, so you’ll settle in pretty well. The population includes locals who have been rooted in the city for generations and a growing number of ex-pats who have chosen Guimarães as their new home.
For example, from a population of 156,656, 12.7% are children, 67.3% are working-age individuals, and 20.1% are elderly. Of these, 2,686 comprise the ex-pat community, which is nearly 1.7%. Not bad for a small town in northern Portugal!
Expats from different countries have found a welcoming and inclusive environment in Guimarães. If what you’re looking for is a change of scenery, Guimarães offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that caters to residents.
Why are ex-pats moving to Guimarães?
So, why exactly are ex-pats moving here? There is so much more than the city’s quality lifestyle at an affordable cost. Guimarães is not just beauty and landscapes, but also has a sound transport system and other facilities which attract expats.
Let’s talk about the top reasons ex-pats find this to be a decent option among many other popular cities.
Guimarães is well-connected and has facilities
The city is known for more than its aesthetics and views. You’ll find all the necessities for a complete lifestyle. To name one, Guimarães’s efficient public transportation makes navigating and exploring the surrounding areas easy. Its bus network covers various routes, ensuring easy access to different neighbourhoods and attractions.
For example, Guimarães’s transport provides access to neighbourhoods such as Azurém, where the University of Minho is located. Public transport links also allow ex-pats to reach nearby cities like Braga easily.
To add on, the healthcare system is outstanding in Guimarães, with modern facilities and highly skilled professionals. And if you’re a student or the guardian of one, you will find enough reputable schools for education. The city has international and local schools, providing quality education for children and young adults.
Northern Portugal is affordable and peaceful
This charming area offers a lower cost of living compared to major cities and a high quality of life.
If you compare it with Porto, rent prices are 77.7% lower, and grocery prices are 14.6% lower in Guimarães.
Surrounded by serene landscapes and in a region renowned for its tranquillity, Guimarães allows you to enjoy a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. Since there aren’t many people living here, unlike Lisbon and the Algarve, roads are empty, and traffic is minimal.
You can enjoy your cup of coffee in peace and take a deep breath of fresh air to cleanse your soul. It’s also not a major business centre, so there’s considerably less amount of hustle and bustle here.
Another reason why it’s more affordable is because of the low number of expats here. Cities with a higher number of ex-pats and tourist inflow tend to be very pricey. Keep reading to get a cost breakdown for a single person and a family of four!
It’s an excellent place for retirees and digital nomads
If you’re seeking a tranquil retirement or an inspiring workspace, living in Guimarães is the right choice.
Expat retirees can enjoy a peaceful and affordable lifestyle in parishes like Nossa Senhora da Oliveira or São Sebastião, with their charming streets and historical landmarks.
At the same time, digital nomads may find Guimarães to be an ideal base with its reliable internet connectivity, coworking spaces, and supportive community. Also, digital nomads can take advantage of coworking spaces such as Guimarães Cowork or explore cosy cafés like Café Milenar.
As mentioned earlier, the city really is a hub for all age groups and professions. And the slow pace of lifestyle is great for people who’re here with the D7 Visa. If your post-retirement budget is low and you still wish to live a life of comfort, this is the place for you.
The same goes for freelancers who want the New Visa For Digital Nomads and wish to spend time in Portugal. It’s easy to get both of these Visas if you choose to live in Guimarães. The amenities and cost of living are ideal if you don’t look for a luxurious lifestyle in a busy city.
Buying a property in Guimarães
If you’re considering buying a property in Guimarães, you’ll be pleased to find various options to suit your preferences and budget.
For example, in the charming neighbourhood of Azurém, you can find apartments ranging from €80,000 to €180,000. These offer a mix of affordability and convenience due to their proximity to the University of Minho.
But if you’re seeking a more central location, the city centre offers apartments from €100,000 to €250,000. Other neighbourhoods like Creixomil and Urgezes also provide a variety of properties, priced from €60,000 to €300,000.
Knowing that these prices vary depending on the property size and amenities is essential. But with such diverse options, finding your dream property in Guimarães is within reach.
To read more about Guimarães read the full article here