When you do need a car, its easier to use carsharing services than keep your own car for such occasions. The city is less expensive compared to other similar-sized cities in Italy. I am going to get into the gritty details of my experiences. Alternatively, you have the option of living on Lake Como in places like Lecco or Como and enjoying the beautiful scenery while still being within a 40-minute train journey to Milan. Italy is also an excellent location for expats with families, not least due to numerous expat communities in the larger Italian cities that include English language schools, libraries and churches. it is central Italy on the Adriatic coast. You are, simply put, a hero. Luckily I met a super cool Italian who is a little against the grain and will hang out with me. Truly amazing. It can be a perfect base if you plan to explore the surrounding territories. Do you interact with any expat communities in Chicago? You will never experience harsh temperature changes and will enjoy mild winters with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The region is broken down into 10 provinces: Massa Carrara, Lucca, Pisa, Livorno, Grosseto, Pistoia, Prato, Firenze, Arezzo, and Siena. So, if you want to live outside of the centre, make sure you have a good tram line nearby. Its big enough to have everything in terms of entertainment and amenities: cinemas, opera theatres, shops, malls, supermarkets, pharmacies, clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and other necessary services. Both to the east and west of the city there are beautiful beaches and lovely coastal locations that will take you away from the city life while still offering proximity to all of Cagliaris amenities. They offer lower prices, or at least better value for money. Having lived there, I can tell you that it is just as picturesque as Tuscany, the wines are just as good (although the Tuscan Vino Nobile di Montalcino is my favorite), and the history is just as robust," wrote one expat who lives in Gubbio in Umbria. "You may have the universe if I may have Italy." Giuseppe Verdi That same income spent in less expensive areas will give you a higher standard of living. It isnt their native language after all and we should be adapting to a new normal. It will be easier to make Italian friends if you will "act like a local". Some of our friends learned very quickly. Maybe a tractor chugging up the steep hills in the valley. Thank you so much, Natasha! Surprisingly, this rural type of living doesnt scare off expats. Around Bolzano, you can find small picturesque mountain villages, seemingly endless vineyards that produce a very delicious local wine (some say it even beats Tuscany), a few castles, and the main feature Italian Dolomites. We took it twice this past weekend. It is pretty much a giant metropolitan-sized museum. Congratulations! Bolzano itself has everything you need for a comfortable day-to-day life: shops, cafes, restaurants, doctors, pharmacies, open markets, etc. The province is autonomous and has the right to make its own decisions regarding management and governance. Some areas of Italy can be very expensive, but there are many on our list that are affordable. "We love Liguriawe are in the hills but only 15-20 min to the sea and the 5Terre [Cinque Terre]. Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, is located right in the middle of the southern coast. Most are friendly but slobs. Nowadays, Milan is a city with a huge cultural heritage, but its also an important centre for finance, fashion, and technology. Brescia - young and vibrant 6. "I would suggest you consider Bologna if you're looking for a small city. Most locals will gladly help you correct any mistakes. In the city centre you can walk anywhere in the time it takes to find a parking space. Very similar but with less tourists and less expensive. To feel connected with my country, I support the Italian Expats community through the Italian Diplomatic network. We asked to change that down to 3. Our apartment is in a tiny hill town where the sheep may out number the residents so 'going to visit the big city' is our big treat," described one expat living in Liguria. There is no dealing with traffic, just a zooming train. Become an Expat in Spain - She Hit Refresh Once to Lucca for some Christmas shopping and once to Rapallo for some seaside time with friends. We used the apps BUSUU and DUOLINGO, and they taught us some key phrases, but just not enough since its really best to practice speaking to others. The mountains surrounding Como are stunning. You can find some modern and spacious (by Romes standards) apartments and even houses in the Parioli area or small satellite towns around Rome. Starbucks are not a thing except for big cities, and even then its rare. I'm with you every step of the journey. Several other towns like Varenna, Menaggio and Bellagio are also located along this deep blue lake. Even in Italy, its only the size of California, so going somewhere like Sicily is a simple plane ride. Brescia has a beautiful promenade, lots of shops and boutiques, clubs and discos, and bars and cafes where Pirlo (a typical Italian aperitivo made with white wine, Campari and seltzer) is a must before dinner. Another good tip, learn Italian. The insurance that travels with you. Such popularity comes with a price, however: there is no really affordable location in the Chianti. I am a single person so I know I will have many moments of anxiety once I get there, but Im looking for an adventure! The southern regions of Italy, the Mezzogiorno, are sometimes dismissed by northern Italians and expats alike. 9 Top Expat Retirement Communities Overseas - Live and Invest Overseas Do you like walking? Which is about 20 minutes drive from Pescara. The cost of living, especially rent and property, is terrifyingly high. And have them walk you to our door is the kind of place your looking for, the the more rural areas may appeal. "8 Tips for Living in Turin. My advice is to try to always remain calm and practice patience. It is in the heart of wine growing region. Whether you have settled as an expat in Italy or are still living in the United States of America and planning your upcoming foreign assignment, InterNations Italy offers everything you need: Established in 2007, our trusted community soon became the leading platform for international networking among expatriates and global minds around the world. A cornerstone globally recognized certification which provides you with coverage of key digital specialisms, from mobile and social media marketing to Email, PPC, SEO, Analytics, and Strategy and Planning. We climbed ice-covered mountains coated in spiders, but we made it down off the range and into Italy. Summary: Living in Italy: 5 Crucial Mistakes Expats Make Thanks, Gerri, this is very helpful indeed. ", If you like the Florence area, but aren't a city lover, consider Chianti. I have some friends who have semi-retired there, although I would say they have set up a chic holiday let and have some land that they cultivate and harvest olives, so maybe the retirement was just an imagination. Rome is magnetic. Punta Aderci Nature Reserve in Vasto in Italy's Abruzzo Region. Trento is nestled within the River Adige Valley a stunning setting thats home to one of the most picturesque cycling holidays in Europe. Padua (or Padova in Italian) is a quaint and beautiful city just west of Venice in the Veneto region. padding-bottom: 56.25%; If you drive northeast of Cagliari into the Sette Fratelli mountains (a national park), you will find lovely villages dotted along the first 30km. It is an impressive 300 kilometres (186 miles) long and runs from Reschen am Reschensee all the way to Verona in the south. Relying on public transport, however, might be unwise. Choose wisely and you will be able to enjoy la dolce vita for a long time. We will be moving to southern Marche in September and renting initially for a year, while we continue our house search and also to decide where exactly we would like to live. "We chose Umbria . Like many people, I have depression and do need help. Want a larger living space? Life in provincial places will, of course, be different from big, modern Italian cities. 17 THINGS I'VE LEARNED AS AN EXPAT IN ITALY. "We have a place that we rent in the town of Pineto. Coastal towns might be spectacular, but theyre pricier than inland. It's a great place to have as a base as you are an hour away from Florence, 2 from Venice, 1 1/2 from Milan, approx 1 hour from the seaside. Hmm would be best to edit out the bad internet access warning for southern italy. GET A QUOTE, The Resort town of Santa Maria al Bagno in the Puglia Region of Italy. Even in the midst of the winter, the weather is fairly mild; it gets warm for you to enjoy a lazy beach picnic. Lake Como the best retirement destination in Lombardy, 3. Glad to see you be honest of your experience, we need more expats to not be afraid to share the bad, because it exists. from the UK living in Devon. You may have heard rumors of the bureaucracy in Italy, how it is slow, nonsensical, and just plain hit-your-head-against-the-wall frustrating. The relaxed vibe and active local and expat social scene are a big perk for Americans and other foreigners who are moving to Spain on their own or with a family. The town is not too large but, hosts many restaurants and shops and all the other usual amenities, a very good gelateria being one of them. It can be (or at least feel like) a monstrous ordeal when moving across an ocean. The insurance that travels with you. Unfortunately, they were only good for a whole 2.5 months after we received them. Ever since, Sophie and. Please seek professional help if you need it. The most popular towns of the Amalfi coast are Positano, Sorrento, and Amalfi. I was ashamed of what was happening in my mind. 7 easy ways to make friends in Italy (even if you don't speak Italian) The Italian dream is an aspiration for thousands of expats, and the land of love is already home to 26,000 Brits. The process then repeated, and here we are, waitingagain. Four of our other favorite spots for expats are: Bari Treviso Trento Padova Trieste Read: Safest Places to Live in Italy Choosing Where to Live in Italy Italy is full of so many incredible cities, towns, and villages that it can be difficult to decide where to lay down your roots. Beagle loving, cheese eating experienced Tech Recruiter & D&I Lead! Amalfi is the biggest town on the Amalfi Coast. However, at least in these areas, there are quite a number of ex-pats, which we had to get used to," said another expat. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn. Both renting and buying a home are a bit more affordable in Pisa than in Lucca, and much more affordable than in Florence. These carnivals include sophisticated masquerades and parades. As a result, this makes Italy an ideal destination for those with children. I live in Tuscany, and it is BEAUTIFUL!! 2022 Cost of Living in Florence Italy- Expat Life In The Renaissance Required fields are marked *. Our list of the 12 best places to live in Italy is based upon hundreds of discussions and reports from global nomads, retirees and expats living in Italy. .video-container { That said, many expats think its worth paying extra to enjoy the areas natural and cultural riches. There is also a wide range of international and public schools, perfect for integrating kids into the Italian culture, as well as being known for having a high quality of life. "I have to agree, I'd go to Abruzzo too. (Fasano, the city, has endless convenience, dining, and shopping opportunities at very reasonable prices -- something you come to appreciate when you actually live here)," said one expat in a discussion about retiring in Southern Italy. Entering the Colosseum is momentous. The locals are very friendly and accepting and we have formed several friendships. 10 Best Places to Live In Italy As An Expat - Adam Fayed Places to live in Le Marche: Notable cities and towns in Le Marche: Ancona (100,000), Pesaro (95,000) was designated as a Creative City by UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2017, Fano (61,000), San Benedetto del Tronto (47,000) is one of the most popular resort towns on the Adriatic, Fermo (37,000) and Sirolo (4,000) on the coast (pictured above). }. You are STRONG and incredibly Brave! All the shops, restaurants and hotels start reopening and the visitors start arriving in droves. As the capital of the Trentino region, Trento is bigger and a bit more urban than Bolzano. The best places to live in Milan Brera. You are transported back in time. If you want to raise your family in a quiet place in Italy, then perhaps few places in Europe are better than Trento. If you dont have deep pockets but cannot part with the dream of living in Liguria, head west from Genoa and have a good look at the stretch of coast from Imperia to Genova. Milan - much more than a fashion capital 2. Eventually, I found one who spoke English, and he has helped me a lot. The employment is for 38 hours per week. We used to live outside of Pisa many years ago, while my husband attended the University, and find that it is now too busy of an area for us. I agree it is strange to get used to shops and restaurants closing in the afternoons.