While Lisbon and Porto regularly come up as the cities to move to in Portugal, there are many medium-sized towns that are well worth a visit. Braga is a Portuguese city in the north of the country, in the Minho region. If you're tempted by the idea of settling there, you should know that the city has many advantages, starting with a more affordable cost of living. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and here are my 9 good reasons for moving to Braga in Portugal.
Proximity to nature
Braga is surrounded by greenery and picturesque landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor sports. The city is also close to the coast (just 30 minutes by car), making it an ideal location for those who love the beach and water sports.
Quality of life
Braga is a peaceful, pleasant city where life is good. The people are warm and welcoming, and the city has all the amenities you need for a comfortable life. What's more, Braga attracts fewer international tourists than Lisbon or Porto, so you'll feel more at ease if the crowds make you uncomfortable.
Cultural and historical heritage
Braga is a city rich in history and culture, with many monuments and historic sites to visit. There's Braga Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro and, of course, the Sanctuary of the Good Jesus of the Mount. The city is also renowned for its festivals, which provide an opportunity to discover the local culture.
Gastronomy
Portugal is famous for its cuisine, and Braga is no exception. The city is renowned for its wines, cheeses and traditional dishes, which are a real treat for the taste buds. The city takes full advantage of its geographical position in Minho, and its proximity to the sea, to offer a rich and varied gastronomy.
Employment
Braga is a growing city, offering numerous job opportunities in different sectors. The city is also close to Porto, which is a major economic destination in Portugal. Some call centres have opened in Braga and are proposing some positions for English-speaking people.
StudieS
Braga is a renowned university city, with many renowned higher education institutions, including the Universidade do Minho. According to Wikipedia, it is the third best university in Portugal and is ranked among the 401-500 best universities in the world. The city is therefore an ideal choice for those wishing to pursue higher education in Portugal.
Braga is a great place to live!
Transport
Although a medium-sized city, Braga is well served by public transport, making it an easy place to live without a car. The city is also close to Porto airport, which can be reached by motorway in less than 40 minutes, making it an ideal location for international travel.
Climate
Braga enjoys a pleasant climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The city is also located in an area where there is little rain in summer, making it an ideal place for those looking to escape the elements. In winter, however, the northern region of Portugal can be subject to a great deal of inclement weather and humidity.
Cost of living
This is one of Braga's strong points, especially when compared with the capital or Porto. In general, the cost of living in Braga is lower, whether in terms of rents, transport or services. It's still possible to find decent accommodation at reasonable prices, even though rent inflation is affecting all the country's cities.
So there you have it, my 9 good reasons for moving to Braga in Portugal. Of course there are others, but it would be impossible to cover them all in a single article. What's your good reason for moving to Braga?
