Looking to retire in the southern part of Portugal

I don’t have any advice, but there’s also some expat Facebook sites that could be very beneficial.

It depends on your interests.
Albufeira and Praia da Rocha ( in Portimão ) area are usually party places .
Faro is the biggest town with the best public transportation ( train, bus, airport) it's waterfront but the beach is on a barrier island, the town is not as touristy as others in the Algarve.
Olhão and Tavira are also waterfront but not beachfront.
You may want to look at places like Quarteira, Lagos or Vila Real de Santo António.

Silves. Take a look at Silves.

If you are serious about moving here, the best source for applying for residency - and many other topics related to moving - is the Facebook group Americans and Friends in Portugal. They have a massive number of files with specific instruction for getting your Schengen Visa and Temporary residency after you arrive.

And, of course I have no idea why you are just looking at the Algarve, but there are many other places in Portugal with significant numbers of American immigrants. The Lisbon area, of course. But also the Silver Coast has a handful of towns like Caldas da Rainha and Ericeira. I would encourage to take a look at a couple of other places before deciding on an area. I looked at Porto, the Silver Coast and the Lisbon region before moving to Cascais. I mention the American immigrants simply because it makes it easier (IMO) to make the transition.

I highly recommend you check the locations of good hospitals in the Algarve. I don't know where they are but this knowledge should be helpful for retirees.

Hello Eli: I sent you a private message.