Residing between two cities has significantly improved my mental well-being.

Georgina Lawton discusses how balancing her time between London and Lisbon has been the ideal choice for her.

I split my time between London and Lisbon, which has greatly benefited my mental health.

The two cities are vastly different, and that’s precisely what I cherish about each of them. As a freelance writer and author working on my next book, I find that I produce better results in Lisbon than in my home city. I relocated to Lisbon in 2020, securing a residency and an affordable apartment before the UK exited the EU, attracting many others to the city.

Lisbon feels cozier than South London and has a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing for more creative reflection. While the rising cost of living affects Portugal, my remote work with clients from the UK and USA means my finances stretch further here, giving me the flexibility to work at my own pace.

What does a typical day in Lisbon look like? I rise and stroll through the cobblestone streets to my favorite café, where I enjoy my morning cafe pingado (espresso with milk) for under a euro. With my dog Jasper, I then make my way to another café or co-working space to write a travel article or organize a writing event. (I host creative and writing retreats for women of color in Sintra, just outside the city; the next one is in November.) I usually wrap up my work by 3 or 4pm, followed by either a gym session or drinks at one of the many miradouros (viewpoints) that provide stunning views of the city.

Traveling across Lisbon seldom takes longer than 30 minutes, making it incredibly easy to arrange meetups with friends. In London, I often have to schedule dates weeks or even months in advance; however, in Lisbon, I can simply text a friend half an hour before I want to hang out. After three years here, I never feel lonely. The weather—boasting nine months of sunshine a year—also significantly lifts my spirits. I’ve gotten to know all my neighbors, which gives me a sense of belonging that I never experienced in London.

Longing for the unique offerings of Brixton

However, there are challenges to living in Lisbon, which is why I appreciate having my London base for work. When my books launched in 2021, I had to make multiple trips back for literary festivals and events. While I enjoyed the experience, the constant travel became exhausting, and I’ve missed out on several professional opportunities since relocating to Portugal. I sometimes feel disconnected from the English literary scene. As a Black Londoner, I won’t pretend I don’t miss the spices and hair products easily found in Brixton. Even though I'm learning Portuguese and the music scene in Lisbon is decent, there are moments when I crave the familiarity of an English crowd, dancing to Afrobeats or indie, surrounded by people who truly understand it.

Brexit and the rise of right-wing populism create a sense of shrinking space. Each time I share something about Lisbon, there’s a troll telling me to “go home.” I brush it off. Yet, it’s odd to be part of the gentrification wave in Lisbon, where a housing crisis akin to London’s has emerged, with minimal government support. Although Portugal historically had one of the highest emigration rates and a declining population until recently, there's still pushback against foreigners—especially remote workers. Local salaries have stagnated at around $1500 per month, leading to widespread protests.

For anyone contemplating a permanent move, I would say: go for it! It requires some planning, but the reward of living in a perpetual summer is absolutely worth it. Keep in mind that while English is commonly spoken in Lisbon, making an effort to learn the local language is essential. Currently, those holding British passports can only stay in Europe for 90 days per year without residency (the rules differ for EU passport holders)—but that's a perfect duration for a trial experience.

This summer, I’ve entrusted my dog to a friend and secured a sublet for my London apartment, and it’s working out well. When I travel back to London for work or visits, I stay with friends and family; however, if I need a longer return in the future, I might consider a house swap like those I’ve seen on TikTok.

But for now, I feel like I’m enjoying the best of both worlds.