Exploring São João da Madeira: A Hidden Gem in Aveiro Region

Why Choose São João da Madeira to Live in Portugal?

In recent years, São João da Madeira has gained recognition as one of the best municipalities to live in Portugal, according to quality of life studies. This article will provide you with an overview of this destination, including its location, climate, gastronomy, education, and job market. By the end, you will have a clear idea of whether São João da Madeira is the ideal place for you to live.

Population

São João da Madeira has a population of 22,162 inhabitants, with a slight increase since 2011. Despite being a small municipality, it stands out from others in Portugal as one of the few experiencing population growth.

Location

Situated in the central north of Portugal, São João da Madeira is located between Porto and Aveiro. Although it is only 45 kilometers away from Porto, it belongs to the Aveiro district. The municipality shares borders with Oliveira de Azeméis to the west and south, Santa Maria da Feira to the north, and Ovar to the east.

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Getting There

If you're traveling from Porto to São João da Madeira without a car, the most convenient option is to take a bus, which takes approximately 45 minutes and costs between €5 and €10. By car, the journey from Porto takes around 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 40.6 kilometers. From Lisbon, it takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car, covering a distance of 288 kilometers.

Living in São João da Madeira

São João da Madeira has been consistently ranked as one of the best municipalities to live in Portugal, according to various quality of life studies. Factors such as education, training, accessibility, and transport are taken into account when assessing its livability.

Weather

The climate in São João da Madeira is characterized by pleasant summers with clear skies and mild temperatures, and cold winters with some rainfall. Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 4°C to 24°C, rarely dropping below -1°C or exceeding 30°C. December and January are the coldest months, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 12°C.

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Job Market

São João da Madeira may be a small municipality, covering just 8 square kilometers and with a population of 22,000 inhabitants, but it boasts a robust industrial and business network. The city is particularly renowned for its strong footwear industry, making it an important business center in Portugal. If you have experience in this field, São João da Madeira presents excellent opportunities.

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Portugal, although universal, charges user fees to avoid unnecessary medical consultations. A general and family medicine consultation costs €4.5, while a specialist consultation costs €7. In hospitals, the fees are slightly higher, for example, a basic emergency visit costs €14, a medical-surgical emergency costs €16, and a multipurpose emergency costs €18. São João da Madeira has the public Hospital Distrital São João da Madeira, as well as a USF São João.

School Network

The municipality of São João da Madeira has a well-developed school network, consisting of 23 public schools offering kindergarten, primary, basic, and secondary education. Additionally, there are 15 private schools, including 3 specialized in artistic education. The public education system in Portugal is highly regarded for its quality.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in São João da Madeira may vary depending on individual consumption habits. However, let's make some estimates. For leisure activities, the regular cinema price is €6.70, and a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant costs around €7. Gym memberships start at €3.90 per week. The municipality also features the 8ª Avenida shopping center, offering various shops, restaurants, cinemas, and free parking.

For groceries, the expenses in São João da Madeira are similar to other areas in Portugal. To get an accurate estimate, it is advisable to check the websites of major supermarkets like Mercadona, Lidl, Pingo Doce, and Continente. As for transportation, urban bus travel within the municipality is free of charge. Taxi prices have a base rate of €1.20, with an additional €0.80 per kilometer.

Rent

When it comes to rental prices in São João da Madeira, expect variation depending on property type. On average, a one-bedroom (T1) apartment can range from €350 to €500 per month. A three-bedroom (T3) apartment usually costs between €600 and €1000 per month. It is worth noting that the availability of rental properties may be limited.

Gastronomy

São João da Madeira is known for its delicious traditional dishes from the North of Portugal. Renowned restaurants in the area offer a variety of menus featuring roasted meats, tasty snacks, fish, and other regional culinary delights.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of living in São João da Madeira include a lower cost of living, particularly in terms of rent and transportation, high safety levels compared to larger cities, and a peaceful and high-quality lifestyle. On the other hand, there may be a limited diversity of jobs compared to larger cities, fewer options for primary, secondary, and university education, as well as fewer leisure activities. It's also important to note that São João da Madeira is further away from major airports located on the coast.

Overall, São João da Madeira provides a desirable living environment with its favorable quality of life indicators and opportunities in various sectors. Consider whether these factors align with your own preferences and priorities before making the decision to move to this municipality in Portugal.

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Explore Nearby: Top excursions around São João da Madeira

São João da Madeira offers a variety of exciting excursions. Explore the charming city center with its traditional shops and cafes, visit the fascinating Museum of Hat and Footwear, or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Parque Urbano. There's something for everyone in this vibrant Portuguese town.

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