From Red Carpets to Cobblestone Streets: Ron & Jennifer move to Portugal
- Portugal the Simple Life
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
In this special episode of “My Home in Portugal”, meet Ron and Jennifer—creative professionals from Los Angeles who now enjoy a slower, richer lifestyle in Foz do Arelho, on Portugal’s beautiful Silver Coast.
Having listened to several episodes of Portugal the Simple Life Podcast before making this life-changing decision, now it’s their turn to be on the other side of the screen, sharing their experience of moving to Portugal and why finding the right location and group of professionals made everything simple.
About Ron & Jennifer
Ron Judkins is an acclaimed American production sound mixer, who has won two Academy Awards for Best Sound—one for Jurassic Park and another for Saving Private Ryan—and also received a BAFTA Award for Best Sound on Schindler’s List.
Jennifer has also had a fulfilling career in the film industry, working as a costume supervisor on critically acclaimed projects including Barry Jenkins' The Underground Railroad.
After years in the intense world of Hollywood filmmaking, as retirees they longed for a slower rhythm. And yet, they wondered if retiring abroad could be the solution to a more meaningful and engaging lifestyle.
“This doesn’t take the place of a career,” Jennifer explained, “but it’s really engaging… new culture, language, people—it’s so fulfilling.”
Discovering Portugal
Jennifer first encountered Portugal during her college days in Salamanca. Ron was introduced to it through International Living magazine and a recommendation by a friend who was already living in Foz do Arelho.
“She sent me pictures of this beach… saying it's one of the most beautiful places in the world,” said Ron.
After deeper exploration, Ron and Jennifer discovered that Portugal’s Silver Coast offered everything they had hoped for—and more. The unspoiled coastline, rolling hills, and authentic Portuguese charm immediately resonated with them.
“It felt more Portuguese and less touristic,” Jennifer noted, a refreshing contrast to the overly commercialized spots they had visited elsewhere in Portugal.
As passionate ceramic enthusiasts, they were also delighted by the area's vibrant artisan culture and rich pottery traditions. But perhaps the most surprising discovery? The affordability.
Unlike many European destinations, the Silver Coast felt both luxurious and accessible. “It suddenly felt achievable,” Ron said. “Like we could really make this life ours.”
Deciding to Buy Property in Portugal
They contacted our podcast host, Dylan Herholdt – who is also the Sales Director at Portugal Realty - and, despite already knowing they wanted to buy real estate in Foz do Arelho, they had to wait for the right property to become available.
When the opportunity to buy a new apartment finally opened up, they acted fast. “Four of the five units had already sold,” Ron said. “I asked Jennifer, ‘Should we do it?’ and she just said, ‘Yes!’”
Their decision led them to an off-plan apartment in Foz do Arelho, in the Foz Residence condominium. A property sold exclusively by Portugal Realty, with the full support services included in the Simple Life Home Buyer program, which meant they received their apartment move-in ready, fully furnished and ready to enjoy!
Move to Portugal: Why the Silver Coast feels like home
Now, Ron and Jennifer are learning to embrace the local lifestyle. From grocery shopping to discovering quaint little restaurants and traditional Portuguese cuisine, they found daily life on Portugal’s Silver Coast easy and enjoyable.
“The people are so friendly,” Jennifer said. Even during the power outage that affected millions of people a few weeks ago, they felt safe. Instead of panicking, they went sightseeing in Obidos. “No internet, no lights—but no looting, no chaos. Everyone just helped each other,” Ron remarked.
Despite concerns about a potential anti-American sentiment abroad, Ron and Jennifer found the opposite in Portugal. “We were in Alcobaça having lunch,” Ron recalled. “The restaurant owner told us, ‘You are so welcome. We are so glad that you're here—regardless of anything going on with your country.’”
For them, this warmth isn’t just occasional—it’s the norm in Portugal.
“People here are genuine. There’s no artifice, no pressure to prove anything.” Jennifer added, “Life moves slower here—and that’s why we came. The quality of life is real.”
Watch the full podcast episode here:
Episode 61 Season 3 - Portugal The Simple Life Podcast
Want to find your own simple life in Portugal?
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