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. Greve is positioned conveniently close to public transport, main roads, and is about 32 km away from Florence. Help others in Italy by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Italy. We've compiled a list of the 12 best places to live in Italy based upon expats' recommendations. 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. It's a trade off. Regions of Italy position: absolute; I make friends and then they move. I do like the shopping here as well," described one expat. We love Maratea, but it's much farther south and remote, so we'll enjoy vacations there. Milan much more than a fashion capital, 2. Potentially ruining my chance of seeing them for the first time in a year. Oh and we need that pesky residency card, but lets not ruin one of our good things with that. Theres Sicily if you want an island living but for less money than in Sardinia; theres Verona that punches above its weight culturally speaking; there is wonderful Bologna and the whole Emilia Romagna one of the richest regions in Europe; theres stunning Umbria largely untroubled by tourism, and many other fabulous locations. Starts Now: Pre-Launch Early Access Discount. Many westerners choose to retire to the rural areas where they can live out their years in a relaxed and beautiful Italian countryside. It can be (or at least feel like) a monstrous ordeal when moving across an ocean. Milan is very diverse and is as lively and cool as a fashion capital should be. I live in the Garfagnana region which is close to Pisa (less than an hour away with the new motorway) has a large new hospital, very friendly locals and neighbours, is close to major tourist attractions for visiting friends and the local produce and food is delectable. SWITCH SOUND OFF AND WATCH. As Theodore Beale stirs tensions - reddit How fantastic! Where do expats live in Sicily? - 2023 This means Roman roots and tons of ancient history. "Florence is a fantastic city. Theres even a miniature La Scala-type theatre. There is, however, one consideration that might put Pisa at the top of the list the cost of living. Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, offers its residents the most hours of sunshine and least rain in the whole of Italy. I still struggle. Thats totally fine, it makes sense, but it can be difficult if you are still learning. Sorrento has all the services and amenities you need for a comfortable life. Also, they are things I have or am presently dealing with in my expat life. "One of the best place to enjoy and live in Italy, is for sure Calabria. Out of all Italian cities, Rome, of course, stands out for its historic role. International Living Publishing Ltd on LinkedIn: #retireoverseas # It can be a perfect base if you plan to explore the surrounding territories. My neighbors have been welcoming and curious about us Americans moving in down the street. Make sure to read your contract and dont be afraid to ask for amendments. It is such a lovely country, I hope you can come over soon . Safest Places to Live in Italy for Expats. Rome City Guide for Expats Rome is the capital of Italy. Here I have listed some things that I have learned about living as an American expat in Italy, and just some things we have had to get used to. Citt Studi. 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. I still think Tuscany has a lot to offer and the prices have dropped considerably. You are, simply put, a hero. They include Liguria, Puglia, Rome, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily and more. As with any big European city, Milan is chaotic, overpopulated, polluted and features too much concrete. Liguria - mild weather all year round 7. 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. I could go on about Rome and the history of that city. Such popularity comes with a price, however: there is no really affordable location in the Chianti. Italy Expat Forum: Real Estate Agent / Firms| Expat Exchange The locals are very friendly and accepting and we have formed several friendships. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The south has a less robust health network," advised one member. There is also a lot of cultural activities, many which are either free or low cost," said one expat in Bologna. "You may have the universe if I may have Italy." Giuseppe Verdi "Liguria is beautiful and touristed on the coast, but mostly with Italian families and still with a lot of charm," wrote one expat. These carnivals include sophisticated masquerades and parades. The most popular towns of the Amalfi coast are Positano, Sorrento, and Amalfi. Your Expat Community in Italy - InterNations And no, its nothing like The Olive Garden. Lakes Como and Maggiore are easy to reach and ski slopes are not too far away either. Get a Quote from Now Health International. We asked to change that down to 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. Most locals will gladly help you correct any mistakes. The Chianti is all about vineyards, olive groves, forests, medieval castles, and cosy hilltop towns, which provide peace and tranquillity for its residents. I live in Tuscany, and it is BEAUTIFUL!! Isola. RDStranger replied 7 h ago S Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU However, as we all know, its a flood risk, its overwhelmed with tourists and its expensive. There are also spectacular mountain bike trails, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Connections by train and air to major cities are good," explained one expat. Real estate prices drive the biggest expense in Florence. Top 6 Places With the Strongest US Expat Communities They have the same feelings as expats, so dont assume its something against you. A good way to connect with the English-speaking community is through the Metropolitan Magazine (print and online), which lists places and events where expats are likely to meet. So anyway, I personally struggle with Italian. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. Palermo has an airport with cheap access to the USA and other parts of Europe. Frankly speaking, Rome is not the best place to live in Italy when it comes to the quality of life. It isnt just for expats either. Rome Expat Forum: Talk with digital nomads & expats living in Rome, Italy and people moving to Rome on our Rome Expat Forum. anyexpat. Its weird. There's also the coast with the famous Cinque Terre and ferries for visiting Corsica, Elba and Sardinia not too far away. Yeah, the contracts are for 4 years! The Le Marche region (pronounced mar-kay) is made up of five different provinces, Pesaro e Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, Fermo, and Ascoli Piceno. As one of Italy's major cities, Naples has a long list of advantages. For instance, Italy has a big coffee culture like the US, but the coffee is tiny. Paperwork is obviously the first and most important . Summer, starting in late June, is hot. Contents1 Is Florence Italy a good [] I learned that I probably wont dance anymore, it just doesnt spark joy so why stress myself out over it? The Amalfi coast is truly stunning and for that reason, its a very popular tourist destination, with all the pros and cons that come with this. Eleonora Borda, PhD - Business Developer for Industrial Solutions Enjoy your time! The weather is, for the most part, great. Most towns have a traditional festival or market so there's always something to do. By choosing to live in Palermo, you will enjoy a true Mediterranean lifestyle, as well as an unbeatable culinary and cultural heritage mixed with spectacular architecture and lively streets. Rome Of course, before we choose any other place, the city center remains the first location to think of. Then Trento is not for you. Expats are attracted to this region for its affordability, nature parks, skiing, and hiking opportunities. Dealing with the consulate was a complete headache and we hadnt built up our thick skins yet. } I really appreciate you taking the time to share the raw details. In order to retire to Italy, a foreign citizen must comply with a few requirements.Among these, the foreign citizen must be retired and have a minimum annual income of EUR 31,000.For married couples seeking to retire in Italy, the minimum amount necessary is EUR 38,000.Additionally, if they want to immigrate to Italy with their children, at least EUR . The best thing about Milans car-sharing services is that many of them will accept international and non-EU driving licences. Its also partly cloudy almost all year round and can rain even during the driest months, but not a lot. Inland, you'll find other cities beloved by expats such as Martina Franca (49,000) and Lecce (95,000). Hotels, bars and restaurants are closed and the streets, squares and beaches become quiet. According to this listing, Florence is the fourth Italian city with the most reported crime, with 6,367.4 crimes per 100,000 residents compared to 7,237.70 in Milan, which is the city with the most crime in Italy.But Florence is only fractionally above the national average, which was +10% in 2018. 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. The countryside is beautiful and definitely picturesque. Congratulations! 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 . There are regular flights from both airports in Rome, Fiumicino and Ciampino. Its quite big on financial services and there is a pretty sizable expat population living and working there. The city is well connected, both internationally and within Italy. Both renting and buying a home are a bit more affordable in Pisa than in Lucca, and much more affordable than in Florence. "The general population are well educated due to the strong university presence and there is a good mix of Italians from all over. "It's easy to write off Fasano but this small city also has many charming contrade (some right on the Adriatic ) and others like Laureto and Selva that are in higher elevations with outstanding valley or sea views and cool summer evenings. Required fields are marked *. I am bringing my cat and theres tons of anxiety around that. I also am someone that has dealt with mental issues before, and they really pop up when I undergo a major change in life. Best Places To Live In Italy 1. The south of Sardinia is especially sweet because it is dominated by a vast green plain called Campidano. It is a great region for retirement or working as a digital nomad. Whats It Like Living In Tuscany As An Expat? Living in Italy: 5 Crucial Mistakes Expats Make The countryside is much slower, so it could be ideal for a freelancer working from home wanting the authentic, rural experience. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. The property is pretty expensive, as are rentals. Italy Expat Forum: Real Estate Agent / Firms| Expat Exchange Plus, the coast and inland areas are dotted with smaller towns and villages each with its own beauty and personality. With around 300,000 US citizens living in Israel, there is a sizable expat community that can help you navigate through everyday life. Should I try to open an account in Italy before moving over? It offers an exceptional atmosphere full of historic references, arts, and beautiful buildings. Everyone knows that Italy is famous for its food. For us, it started in the United States when Andrew was working on attaining his student visa. On the whole, the area boasts a great quality of life. Canada Approximately 740,000 Americans live in Canada. Train connections to Milan, Varese, Lugano, Zrich, Basel and Leccoare are good and reliable. "I would suggest you consider Bologna if you're looking for a small city. The region is broken down into 10 provinces: Massa Carrara, Lucca, Pisa, Livorno, Grosseto, Pistoia, Prato, Firenze, Arezzo, and Siena. Rome is home to a variety of top-notch private and international schools. Just looking for some pointers and thing I could possibly nail down before sending all of my stuff over and looking for a place to live. Padua gets quite cold in winter and is usually warm in summer. 17 Things I've Learned as an Expat in Italy | We Are Travel Girls I myself am looking forward to returning home to be closer to family. The best places to live in Italy for families idealista The most famous carnivals in Italy are those held in Venice , Viareggio , Ivrea , Cento , Apulia and Acireale. If you wonder how expensive it is to live in Sardinia, the answer will pleasantly surprise you: its quite affordable. It sounds like so much went in to get (and keep) you in Italy! Forget about endless mugs of joe. Thanks, Gerri, this is very helpful indeed. Bolzano itself has everything you need for a comfortable day-to-day life: shops, cafes, restaurants, doctors, pharmacies, open markets, etc. Its unreal how close everything is here. Around every corner is another ancient and historical landmark. r/expats on Reddit: I've been self studying Italian for a couple years