Hello, I have lived here for a few years in the Algarve with my partner. Portuguese or lack of it should not be a problem as most people do speak English, (it is good to learn though in the long run). The loule, Almancil area is only 15 mins from the airport...you will be doing ariport runs if you have family! There is good shopping near here, Faro and a good choice of restaurants, bars etc. Albufeira is more commercial and tends to be quiter in the winter. There is an excellent international school in Almancil also and medical facities are good around here. Property prices are slightly more expensive than the rest of the Algarve but that is because it is a nice place to live. Getting work here should be easy enough as the is a lot of work linked with property, hotel and leisure. You wont earn as much as in the uk but you wont need to. There are also many opportunities if you want to set up your own business. A lot of things you have in the Uk have not got here yet. On another plus note the sporting facilities and the beaches are the best in the Algarve too. I love living here after 3 years in Surrey and London it is paradise...no M25, speed cameras, council tax etc. Hope that helps...its a great place to live!