11 de September, 2024
If you are a global citizen planning to start a new life in Porto, this article is for you. We will present a list of residential areas recommended for foreigners who want to move to Portugal’s second most important city. In other words, we’ve gathered the best neighborhoods in Porto to live, especially if you are an expat newly arriving in the country. Additionally, we will list nearby areas of Porto where you can live well for much less while still being close to the city center.
Porto is one of the most sought-after cities by expats due to its UNESCO World Heritage historic center, proximity to the river, and the sea. For many, this is the only well-known part of the city. But believe it or not, Porto is much more than its old town. Moreover, surrounding municipalities stand out for their quality of life and excellent real estate options. If you’re looking to live well while paying less, moving a bit farther from the city center might be a good idea. And that’s exactly what we’ll discuss here!
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Porto is organized into different administrative levels, with the Porto District including the city of Porto and 17 additional municipalities. The district has a total population of approximately 1.83 million people, while the Municipality of Porto — which refers specifically to the city — is home to around 230,000 people, according to the 2022 census. Each municipality has its own local administration, responsible for areas such as urban planning, education, and public services.
It is important to note that not all municipalities are located by the river or the sea. Additionally, some are integrated into the metro system, while others are not. Finally, some areas are already highly sought after for housing, which drives up property prices compared to other regions. All these factors significantly influence the final cost, both in terms of rent and property purchases.
Within the city of Porto, there are also administrative divisions. These are not called neighborhoods but parishes. The municipality of Porto is composed of seven main parishes, three of which were formed from administrative mergers in 2013. They are:
This area of Porto is known for its proximity to the coastline and the Douro River, offering a tranquil and sophisticated lifestyle. Its beautiful beaches, such as Molhe, Homem do Leme, and Ingleses, attract many residents looking for a combination of city and nature.
Bonfim is becoming one of the most attractive parishes for those seeking a blend of modernity and history. Its streets, which once housed industries, are being revitalized, transforming the area into an appealing place to live and invest. It is known for its vibrant cultural life and proximity to emerging areas of the city.
Campanhã is one of the most accessible and developing areas of Porto. Traditionally industrial, it is now transforming with new real estate projects and investments, being quite close to the historic center. Additionally, the presence of the Campanhã train station makes the area well-connected to other cities.
The cultural and commercial heart of the city, this area encompasses Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, where the old blends with the modern. It is one of the most sought-after parishes by expatriates and tourists due to its vibrant cultural life and proximity to major landmarks.
Located along the Douro River, this parish is known for its beautiful landscapes and green areas, such as the Botanical Garden. The Massarelos area is especially valued for its river views, good cultural services, and easy access to various amenities.
Ramalde combines simpler, more popular areas with modern zones near Avenida da Boavista, the longest avenue in Portugal. Once a rural area, it is now one of the most diverse parishes in Porto, featuring a large residential area and good transportation infrastructure.
Paranhos is one of the best neighborhoods in Porto for students and academics, as it houses the University Campus and several educational and research institutions. The area around Hospital de São João is especially popular due to its proximity to major universities like the University of Porto, Fernando Pessoa University, and Portucalense University.
So, which are the best neighborhoods in Porto for expats? Within the city, the most popular areas are Bonfim, Lapa, Ramalde, Paranhos, and Boavista, as they offer a good mix of culture, commerce, and convenience. Areas such as Foz do Douro and Aldoar are more expensive but ideal for those wanting to be well-located in a prestigious area.
Outside the city of Porto, Leça da Palmeira and Matosinhos are popular destinations due to their proximity to the sea and excellent leisure options. These areas are especially attractive to families and retirees, particularly Brazilians, who find the beach lifestyle familiar and appealing. For those with a larger budget, it’s possible to find homes with balconies and sea views. In the more distant areas from the beach, prices are more accessible without losing the convenience of metro access and various leisure options, such as the charming Biblioteca Municipal Florbela Espanca.
In Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River, there are also opportunities to live with sea or river views. The area extending from Marina da Afurada to Salgueiros and Canidelo has experienced rapid growth, with the construction of various modern and luxurious properties. For those seeking more modest options, Gaia also offers many choices, just minutes from Porto.
Further from the center, Maia is a more residential municipality with green spaces, shopping, good international schools, and metro access, making it a quiet and highly recommended option for larger families, especially those with children.
Many retirees look for properties near the historic center, drawn by the culture, convenience, and ease of living without a car. Areas like Bonfim and Cedofeita are popular choices. However, it is worth noting that these areas may be noisier due to tourism. Those with rental income also find coastal and riverside zones appealing. The coastline of Gaia, such as Canidelo, offers many interesting options.
Families with children generally prefer areas further from the center for better cost-effectiveness and the possibility of finding larger homes at better prices, as well as proximity to good schools and shops. Neighborhoods like Boavista, Foz do Douro, and municipalities like Matosinhos, Gaia, Leça, and Maia are attractive for their good international schools, parks, and a more peaceful lifestyle.
Young professionals and international students tend to prefer central areas or university neighborhoods like Paranhos. In the Historic Center, a highly sought-after zone for young people is Cedofeita, known for its bustling and touristy atmosphere, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as good access to public transport.
Before searching for a property in Porto or its surroundings, it’s essential to have clarity on your priorities and budget. Here are some important points to consider:
House or Apartment?
Many expatriates prefer apartments, especially in central areas, due to convenience and proximity to services. Families with children may opt for houses in suburban areas with gardens.
Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms?
This depends on the size of the family and personal needs. In Porto, properties with two to three bedrooms are common, but it’s important to ensure that the number of bathrooms is adequate.
Elevator?
In older buildings, especially in the historic center, elevators can be rare. For older expats who prioritize accessibility, it’s essential to confirm the presence of an elevator.
Garage and Public Transportation:
Do you plan to have a car or use public transportation? If you choose to drive, consider the need for a garage, especially in more central areas where parking can be challenging. If you prefer public transport, make sure the chosen area is well-served by the metro system or other public transport options.
Furnished or Unfurnished?
Many expats, especially those arriving for shorter periods, look for furnished properties. This reduces the need to buy furniture and appliances.
Balcony?
Although Porto is cooler than Lisbon, properties with balconies are highly valued, especially in areas like Foz and Matosinhos, where you can enjoy views of the sea or the river. Check if this is something that is really important to you.
New or Old?
New properties often have modern finishes and are more energy-efficient, but older properties may have more charm and be located in historic areas. Note: very old apartments may have more humidity and noise.
Budget:
Property prices in Porto vary widely. The historic center, Foz do Douro, and Matosinhos are among the most expensive areas. As you move away from the historic center, prices begin to decrease, allowing those who do not need to be in the center to find better cost-effective options in areas like Senhora da Hora, Ramalde, Maia, and Vila Nova de Gaia. Check out our article on how much a house costs in Portugal, as well as our complete guide to buying a home.
In 2024, the Historic Center, Foz do Douro, and Matosinhos remain the most expensive areas in Porto. As you move away from the historic center, prices begin to decrease, allowing those who do not need to be in the center to find properties with better cost-effectiveness in areas such as Senhora da Hora, Ramalde, Maia, and Vila Nova de Gaia. Check out our article that shows how much a house costs in Portugal, as well as our complete guide to buying a home.
The closer you are to the Historic Center, the higher the value. Renting a two-bedroom apartment, about 80m², with an elevator and no garage, costs an average of €2,000 in the heart of the historic center. Moving slightly away from the center, in residential areas like Ramalde, this value can drop to €1,700. In neighboring municipalities, such as Maia, the average for a similar property is €1,200, offering good cost-benefit for those who do not need to be in the center.
On the other hand, in prestigious neighborhoods like Aldoar, Foz, and areas near Matosinhos Beach, prices remain high, comparable to those in the center. In seaside properties, prices exceed these levels, reaching up to €3,500 per month.
Renting a property in Porto can be challenging for expatriates due to the highly competitive real estate market. Apartments are rented quickly, and often interested parties must pay the rent before moving in just to secure the reservation. Although not legally required, this practice is common due to high demand. For expats, the urgency increases because proof of rental is needed for processes such as visa applications and school enrollment.
Moreover, many expatriates face difficulties with required documentation, such as guarantors or credit history in Portugal, which complicates the process. Renting remotely, relying only on photos, is also risky and requires caution against scams. Therefore, it’s essential to work with reliable and experienced real estate agents. We have also published an article with 8 tips for renting property in Portugal, which is worth reading.
At Atlantic Bridge, we offer support in finding trustworthy brokers, reviewing contracts, and ensuring that the rental process is secure and transparent, from reservation to property occupation. Contact us for a personalized quote!
*This article was supported by real estate agent Eduardo Moreira, a partner of Atlantic Bridge, who provided valuable insights for the content. We appreciate his collaboration and knowledge about the real estate market in Portugal.
Author:
Silvia Resende
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Author:
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