Any Americans Living in Sorocaba?

Question

I may be moving to Sorocaba in the future and was wondering what it is like living there from an American perspective. I briefly visited in May.

Answer 1

Hey I just visited my Brother in Sorocaba this past summer too ! maybe we saw eachother haha. Well I dont care too much for the city.. there was no openness. No room to just run around.. or go to a park.. or play ball. i also dont like how hilly it is. u gotta drive up a street .. then the next street you go down .. then up. Especially when you have to walk up a street.. good exercise tho heh

i really didn't do much while i was there.. so i can only judge it from the scenery which i strongly disliked. But i hope you like. The rest of the brazilian side of my family lives in Campinas.. . which is nice area and about 1 hour from Sorocaba. The good thing tho .. Sorocaba is a safe city .. and only a lil over an hour from Sao Paulo..

Boa Sorte

Answer 2

Im in the same situation, however I was born in Brazil and leave in the US 29 years now.
My wife and I are also planing our return to Brazil (Sorocaba) since part of her family leaves there.
Sorocaba is safer compare to Sao Paulo and can be a great investment since the city is growing really fast. It is quiet and still somewhat rural if you take in consideration its only an hour from Sao Paulo.
Peoples income has change a lot in Brazil in this economic bum but there is still need to watch for your personal stuff,,,,, watch, gold chains, cell phone, etc..... Just the normal precautions, don't show up to much, don't go to places that you know you shouldn't walk by yourself and don't flash a lot of money out of your packet.
In the supermarket everything seams expensive if you leave like an american, you have to change somewhat your take on things, like beef for example . If you only like Picanha, by all means buy picanha (Cap of the sirloin steak) however Beef ribs (costela de boi) deliver a great bbq for 1/3 of the price..... Same thing with beer,,, if you want to drink guinness or any other imported beer and can't leave without it you have to pay BR$5.00 for a can. Overall the basic food is the same price is here.
Some things you have to observe and change your approach in order to leave smart there.
Financially ,,,,,, watch, watch, watch your money. Justice takes a long time in Brazil going into court..... Better ask, ask, ask before you buy anything expensive like a car or apartment.
Better to buy a car new at the dealer, with someone you know or recommended to you.
Better buy an apartment on the ground. (when the construction company is starting to build and start selling). Buy the time it is done,,,, more or less 1 1/2 to 2 years your apartment is worth 25% more.
Sorocaba will grow a lot still and you will not loose money in real state.
Hope this will help you.
Best of luck