Moving to Santa Catarina state

Hey there.

I'm new to this platform, a New Yorker of decades who's been in Santa Caterina six weeks and most likely buying and living here permanently under the retirement visa. The reason I'm looking to settle here was originally the gorgeous culture, beaches and the super-safe environment relative to other parts of the country ... now that I'm experiencing the Brazilian winter here--during which beaches are significantly deserted and businesses closed up (and depressing rain, which can go for days, unbearable) I've decided to buy not at the beaches, but in the Centros of Florianopolis or Sao Francisco do Sul.

For the last couple weeks I have been based in the lesser-traversed island north of Floripa, Sao Francisco do Sul. I'm living in Prainha, a gorgeous little beach, but largely closed up for winter.  And once again, desolate during rain.

So after visiting properties on the beaches in SFS and deciding I couldn't live on them year-round, I have found a historic house I might buy in the centro of SFS. Close to commerce, cafes etc all year round, on a beautiful bay, yet still just fifteen minutes from a good beach. Also, I have noted though the nature is not quite as spectacular as Floripa's, it is still excellent and the real estate prices somewhat below that of Floripa's.

Next I will be spending six weeks in the Centro of Floripa to determine if I want to live there. I will try a pricey high-rise with a pool, facing the ocean. In a city with history but  amenities like a couple nice shopping malls, so a life a tiny bit more like New York.

I understand this Santa Caterina coast gets jam packed with tourists in summer, and I don't think I'll love that, considering the traffic. Another reason not to live in a super popular area. 

By the way, I just heard about Gramoda in Rio Grande do Sul, in the mountains, cooler with lower humidity ... despite my predilection for beaches, my love of seasons may put me there. Another place to look at ...

I'm happy to find this forum online, and I thank all of you for contributing. I have already learned so much.

All the best to my fellow adventurous expats,

Laurel

Dear Laurel:

I enjoyed your introduction and mentioning smaller communities, some I have heard of, some I have not.  I am also a former New Yorker,  as well as South Floridian and Californian, and have been in a little bit of a rut in Sao Paulo and Rio.  However, for the OSESP Sala Sao Paulo orchestra, I would be very sad not to have a $10 black Uber fare from and 1/2 price over 60 tickets! 

That said, I have ventured to Recife, a somewhat smaller city I found quite lovely.  It is a beautiful adventure here.  Welcome and private message me if you have any questions.  After being here for 3 years I finally feel like I understand the culture somewhat.  ALl the best, Roderick Scott

@lmsturt, welcome to the Brazil forum.   Thank you for sharing your experience of Floripa.  It is very useful to all members to learn more about where and how people live when in Brazil.

I think that there are a few expat members in the Floripa area.

Although I am still based out of California, I know that I cannot handle cold and cloudy skies for long - trauma from my days in the Pacific North West.

The North and North East will typically have warmer and equally long days in both summer and winter...  That's what is attracting me nowadays.

If you are interested in getting opinions from expats from specific regions, please feel free to ask on a forum and it is possible that someone responds.  Then it will be up to you to post your reflections on the forum or in private using the messaging feature of the site.

Good luck in finding what you are looking for.

Pablo