There are also lots of wines from the surrounding Colli Euganei and other Italian regions. Expats living in Italy experience a very high quality of life.There is a large expat community in Italy, especially in major cities such as Rome and Milan. Coastal towns might be spectacular, but theyre pricier than inland. Padua is quite compact and it is easy to move within the city. Required fields are marked *. Bolzano - not very Italian but charming 4. There's traffic, but it's not unbearable. 02 Mar 2023 15:52:47 Climate. So, for those considering making the move in Italy but havent quite decided where, lets have a look at a selection of the best destinations to live in Italy for expats and their families. The Marco Polo airport in Venice is just 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of Padua. You can only go by foot or boat from your area and it's a treat any time of year for quiet and beauty. Tuscany is one of the most charming regions in Italy. Check out the location of the airport, train station, road access etc. Around every corner is another ancient and historical landmark. The French versions just do not exist. It offers an exceptional atmosphere full of historic references, arts, and beautiful buildings. Renowned for good wines, still very italian and few ex pats, we love it and are moving there soon.". The restaurants and cafes offer food from all over the world. Andrew and I just easily slip into our native tongue when together, which is most of the time. Most towns have a traditional festival or market so there's always something to do. They include Liguria, Puglia, Rome, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily and more. Meeting expats and making friends is easy. left: 0; There's also the coast with the famous Cinque Terre and ferries for visiting Corsica, Elba and Sardinia not too far away. Some things I have made myself do in order to get myself out in the world include: going to dance classes, inviting people to coffee, inviting people to our home for game nights, reaching out in Facebook groups for friends, accepting invitations, and saying yes to going out. There is a also a fantastic selection of restaurants scattered among the hillside villages 5 minutes in land. The south has a less robust health network," advised one member. The Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal section of Liguria made up of 5 fishing villages, some of which are situated on cliffs and hilltops. I do like the shopping here as well," described one expat. Compared to many other Italian cities the rent is cheaper and so is life in general. #FinancialFreedom #digitalnomad #expat #travel . Same with brioche. I still struggle. "Good pointBarga is a wonderful town with quite a few ex-pats and there are so many hidden treasures in the Garfagnana region forests, a beautiful cave system with tours, rivers and lakes, terme (hot baths) in Bagni di Lucca and on and on," added another. Places to live in Piedmont: Turin (886,000), Chieri (37,000), Alba (31,500). Andrew was going to get his PhD and I was going to teach English online. When a friend asks if I want to meet up, I immediately think they have some problem with me they are going to talk about. They include Liguria, Puglia, Rome, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily and more. Dealing with the consulate was a complete headache and we hadnt built up our thick skins yet. "We chose Umbria . Also, all car-sharing vehicles are allowed to operate without a fee within Milans central city ecozone, Area C. Milan is well connected not only internationally but also to other areas of Italy. Not even close. You will find all the extravagance and magnificence of Positano without the VIP costs. If the kind of place where someone can just walk into the bar and ask, Dove gli Americani? We love Maratea, but it's much farther south and remote, so we'll enjoy vacations there. As with any big European city, Milan is chaotic, overpopulated, polluted and features too much concrete. There is already a large expat community in Italy, particularly in bigger cities such as Milan, Turin, and Rome, as well as historically touristic destinations like Florence. However, it takes much more to be able to rent or buy a property in Rome. Even just starting to think about becoming an American expat is impressive. Bolzano not very Italian but charming, 7. The capital is called Ancona and it's airport is called Falconara Marittima." Also, they are things I have or am presently dealing with in my expat life. The city is unique, and its energy and lively. It is quite well connected for both national and international travel, which adds to its popularity with expats. There are just three metro lines in Rome and the buses run to a pretty unreliable schedule. The region is broken down into 10 provinces: Massa Carrara, Lucca, Pisa, Livorno, Grosseto, Pistoia, Prato, Firenze, Arezzo, and Siena. Places to live in Sicily: Palermo (675,000), Syracuse (121,000), Trapani (68,000), Agrigento (60,000) and Mondello (16,000). We've compiled a list of the 12 best places to live in Italy based upon expats' recommendations. There are also spectacular mountain bike trails, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. However, the Italian way of life is very different than that of the US way of life. The country's reputation for beautiful scenery is well deserved. Oh, the joy of being an American expat in Italy. The locals are very friendly and accepting and we have formed several friendships. My saying that the language is hard is purely objective. 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. It isnt far from Florence to the north and Siena to the south. It has great Roman era history, is a seaside resort without the glamour and cost of better known coastal areas. Which is about 20 minutes drive from Pescara. We have made good friends through Andrews school group, but of course the problem with befriending students is that they grow up, graduate, and move for stupid jobs. Oh and dont even get me started on grammar! Global mindset and multicultural background perfectly suited to deal with the local Expat community, as well as with Expats relocating to Italy. In Italy they have cornetti which look the same but are not. When I first learned that my husband and I were going to move to Italy, I was excited. Decent health facilities. 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. Brescia is basically an industrial hub with everything youd expect to come with this. If you have any questions about our guides or the country discussed feel free to contact us or leave a comment below and we'll get back to you. The Conero National Park is right there. That said, many expats think its worth paying extra to enjoy the areas natural and cultural riches. Dont take it for granted that you did this. "You may have the universe if I may have Italy." Giuseppe Verdi Let's consider all the top tips for expats considering a move and how Italy's day-to-day life compares to the UK. It's home to two universities and an international airport. How fantastic! If you are seeking a quieter life, consider the surrounding countryside. For Padua residents, Venice is the main international gateway. Dont count much on entertainment, events or exuberant nightlife, although the town centre is full of lovely cafes, restaurants, and shops. Many westerners choose to retire to the rural areas where they can live out their years in a relaxed and beautiful Italian countryside. Enjoy your time! 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! Its a part of the Nature Park with sand dunes, pinewoods and clear water. The rainiest area is closest to the border with Lazio. You are an American expat! For us, it was at first a dream to live abroad, and then it became a goal. For this reason, the city offers a range of employment opportunities,as well as high living standards and a great selection of leisure activities for all the family. Our most popular evergreen guides are kept fresh and up-to-date by our in-house research team. The countryside is beautiful and definitely picturesque. "I very much enjoyed the Chianti area. Its like having a war in my brain every day. As of September 2020, the minimum income requirements for retiring in Italy varies based on which Italian retirement visa program you opt for, however in order to obtain the Elective Residency Visa, you'll be expected to earn a minimum passive income of: 31,160 per year (2,5833 per month . Weekly markets still take place and there are lots of places to visit. Its close to Venice, just half an hour by train. Regions of Italy I am bringing my cat and theres tons of anxiety around that. Liguria - mild weather all year round 7. Also, if you want to travel out of town on the weekends, its easier to take a train for that too. Train connections to Milan, Varese, Lugano, Zrich, Basel and Leccoare are good and reliable. Expat Community. The Adige Valley Cycle Path passes right through Trento. 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. Connections by train and air to major cities are good," explained one expat. Conditions for expats retiring to Italy. I was also very nervous about how different it would be or how I would get by with the language barrier, and if the people would be welcoming. We take the train whenever we can. They have the same feelings as expats, so dont assume its something against you. ?Itria area is a hidden gem. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn. Como city and the nearby towns such as Cernobbio, Torno, Blevio and Moltrasio are becoming more popular with older expats. It is located at the foot of Monte Cerreto, surrounded by steep cliffs and a spectacular coastline. Liguria, Italys western coastline stretching to Monaco, is an amazing location with its own microclimate thanks to the wall of mountains in the north and the sea in the south. It can be hard. I struggle with getting out of my comfort zone and just going for it. Plus, read past discussions about cost of living, best places to live in Rome, international schools in Rome, finding a home and more. We took it twice this past weekend. I hope you enjoyed your Italian adventure . Rents in rural areas can be 150-300 per month for a two bedroom but utilities are very high and vary based on location. Brescia - young and vibrant 6. It is situated in the northeast of Italy. You will also be able to enjoy various concerts and special events. Wondering about our journey to Italy? Here it's nothing but a bread role used to serve ice cream. Some choice words were said more than once. Rapallo is probably my favorite go-to vacationing city and we go often to walk and shop and eat. That is only because I want to be really upfront and honest. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International We've compiled a list of the 12 best places to live in Italy based upon expats' recommendations. I have bad days, but now I have good days, too (yay!). Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. When it comes to expat hotspots, despite its picturesque location Trento so far has managed to stay somewhat under the radar. Becoming an expat is not all eating, traveling, and joyful times. Rome. If you like mountains, then this is the perfect destination for you and your family as the locals get discounts in the nearby ski resorts during the winter. In the city centre you can walk anywhere in the time it takes to find a parking space. Towns like San Vito dei Normanni, Carovigno, Cisternino, Martina Franca, Oria and Alberobello, all have growing expat communities. RDStranger replied 7 h ago S Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU