Life in Italy… is it all ‘La Dolce Vita’? People who email or comment on our social media think it is… but I’m here to set the record straight. Well, the record in my opinion. I’ve decided to provide some information that might surprise you. Let’s see if it does…
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Life in Italy
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. It offers visitors amazing medieval hilltowns, romantic towns and cities, beautiful coastlines, delicious cuisines, majestic mountains, and a countryside filled with vineyards and gently rolling hills.
Italians are known for their appreciation of the finer things in life, and their slow-paced lifestyle is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of many other countries. Take a midday break for a leisurely espresso, linger over a long dinner with friends, and savor the simple pleasures in life.
What’s not to love?
For those of us retired, life in Italy provides a slower, simpler way of life. The art, architecture, world-renowned food, and culture are enough to put Italy at the top of the list of countries to live in. Living in Italy also provides easy access to explore the rest of Europe.
It is indeed the definition of ‘La Dolce Vita” – most of the time. Alright… perhaps 90 percent of the time. Are there any negatives about living in this country you might ask?
A Typical Day for Me
Surrounded by wonderful friends met here in Lucca, a day could start with a walk on the wall, a bicycle ride on the wall, or just outside of town along the Serchio River. It could involve meeting in a cafe for a cappuccino and pastry. It usually involves working on this blog.
Gary and I would prefer a larger lunch and a smaller dinner. If we are staying home, Gary has become the chief cook and bottle washer, so to speak. He enjoys cooking and by doing more of this daily chore, he allows me to do work on the blog, answer daily emails and texts, as well as post on social media every day.
The evening can involve meeting friends for a cocktail, vino, and aperitif. If we didn’t have a main meal for lunch, it might involve going out for dinner too. The evening passagata (stroll) is something we enjoy down Via Fillungo or on the wall – when it happens.
Disclaimer: This post represents my opinion with information I researched for this post. Some items can be considered a pro or con, depending on your opinion.
Benefits of Life in Italy
Italy provides an affordable lifestyle for us. On a trip to the States at the end of last year, we were shocked at the prices. Now don’t get me wrong, prices have also increased in Italy – generally though – not quite as much. Here are a few other selling points in no particular order:
- As much as the price of housing has increased in Italy, I think it’s less than in the United States.
- Depending on your point of view, the moderate Mediterranean climate provides Italy with four seasons.
- Throughout the year, Italy comes alive with festivals and celebrations. From elaborate carnivals to traditional religious processions, there’s always something to see and do.
- Italy is a living museum, with ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and charming medieval towns around every corner.
- Italy has a universal healthcare system, currently ranking #2 according to the World Health Organization. Costs are affordable, even when paying for private care. This system’s focus is on preventative medicine and a not-for-profit attitude.
Now Let’s Look at the Second Half of the List…
- Cell phone rates and internet costs a lot less. I do not understand why cell phone plans in the States cost as much as they do. The technology is no different than here in Italy. We currently pay €12.99 for unlimited data, talk, and 1,000 SMS.
- Italy is a major wine producer, and each region has its unique varietals.
- Italy is a family-oriented society. Italians place a high value on family, and children are always welcome. Strong family ties and a close-knit community contribute to a supportive and nurturing environment.
- Relatively inexpensive airfare around Europe presents great opportunities for cultural travel.
- Italy has many beautiful islands to explore, each with its unique charm. Sardinia, Sicily, Capri, and Elba are just a few of the many options for a relaxing getaway.
- When it comes to safety and security, Italy has one of the lowest murder rates. On a lighter note, most Italians will warn you of potential pickpockets by catching your attention and indicate you should be on the alert by placing their index finger under one of their eyes and pulling downward slightly. A universal sign to “watch out.”
Life in Italy Flip-Side
With all good things, there is always a flip-side and drawbacks. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention at least a few. I was surprised that my research and personal experience came up with as many as I have listed. Again, these are in no particular order:
- Packages are not easy to receive. On occasion, when we’ve received a delivery, the Posta doesn’t even ring our bell. There have been times we’ve been home all day, yet received a slip under the door that a package was tried to be delivered. Really? Then there is the occasional delivery where you didn’t know it was coming and then have to reschedule. Mamma Mia!
- Italian bureaucracy can be notoriously slow and complex. Dealing with permits, visas, and everyday tasks can involve mountains of paperwork and long waits.
- Certain areas of Italy are prone to earthquakes. While these may not be frequent, the risk should be considered, especially when choosing a place to live.
- Utility costs can be high in both the winter and summer. However, we have switched companies and are paying less than we used to. There are more options available than we originally thought.
- Many shops close on Sundays, and some businesses may also close for extended midday breaks.
Now Let’s Look at the Second Half of this List…
- Gasoline prices are higher compared to the United States.
- While English is spoken in some tourist areas, Italian is the primary language. Everyday life can be challenging without fluency, affecting everything from finding a job to navigating the healthcare system.
- Using the public healthcare system may be long, depending on the procedure, and your location. You can accelerate the wait time by seeing a private doctor.
- The Italian job market can be difficult, especially for foreigners. High unemployment rates and a preference for Italian language skills can make finding stable work difficult. Of course, there are lists of restrictions for you being able to work in Italy.
- Proximity to the States with non-stop flights is limited – usually you have to change planes somewhere along the way.
Life in Italy… Can You Do It?
If you know our story, we sold it all for a country we hadn’t completely discovered yet. It was love at first sight. For both of us. But you also know we were able to obtain dual citizenship with Italy. Not everyone can do this. If you have Italian ancestry, you may be eligible too. We have several posts on this process and journey of ours.
However, Italy offers a variety of visas for non-Italians who would like to live here. Most retirees will apply for an Elective Residence Visa. You are not allowed to work under this visa and there are many things you will need to provide to apply for it. Proof of financial means, a rental agreement, or a deed of property ownership in Italy, and proof of medical insurance. Check with your local Italian Consulate for up-to-date information regarding this visa and others. Italy just joined several other countries in this new Digital Nomad Visa.
Both these books beautifully capture the essence of Italy, its people, and the strong sense of community that defines life in small Italian towns. With lyrical prose and reflections, Ilene & Gary invite readers to accompany them on a journey of self-discovery and transformation in the heart of Tuscany.
Both books have won the Reader Ready “Recommended Read Award”
Conclusion
There are benefits and drawbacks to any city you might think of living in. But if you love Italy… and dream of life in Italy… it just might be more possible than you imagine. To me, Italy is the very definition of the sweet life. It is about surrounding yourself with friends and people you love. For me, it’s about prioritizing the important things in my life. It is challenging for us at times with our family living so far away. Our ten grandchildren growing up before our eyes on social media and Facetime. But for now, it’s something we’ve chosen to do for ourselves. We fulfilled a dream and try to live every moment we can to its fullest.
I will say though… if you’re bored in Italy – it’s entirely your fault!
Great post Ilene! I learned something new, Italians pointing to their eye to warn of pickpockets. Thank you!😘
Happy Cynthia you learned something new! It’s what we hope to achieve with many of our blog posts! Waiting for you in Lucca!
I 100% agree, except you forgot one of my pet peeves. No garbage disposals. This seems really trivial until the bag of organic materials smells really bad in your kitchen! I’ve learned to adapt but if only…
Ahhhh – very good point JoAn. Yes, I would agree completly. Just a funny little thing that would make such a difference here! Thanks for the comment!
Great info and tips Ilene. While the 18+ years I lived in Germany was supported by working for the military, there are always the cultural differences Americans don’t expect or understand. I loved living in Europe and trying to get back to visit at least once a year. I will have to put Italy on my list to meet you and Gary.
Thanks MaryPat for the comment. You know we’d so enjoy meeting you. You’ve been a wonderful supporter of our journey and we can’t thank you enough.
Love the post, and it makes me even more eager to be able to be in Lucca full-time. We’re working on it! And perhaps it’s romanticizing a bit, but even the negatives aren’t so bad compared to all the positives.
I agree Lou 100% – and thanks for the comment. Positive thoughts for your full-time endeavor to Lucca!
Pro: The Italian train system. It makes it very convenient and inexpensive to travel throughout Italy. Con: The Italian train system (from our many experiences). Strikes, the occasional non air conditioned car, sometimes extremely long walks/runs on platforms often with luggage, ticket machines that don’t work, trains not arriving on time, few or no personnel around to help, one time a train failed to stop at our destination platform because they had only one stop left for the night and assumed there was no one left on the train, and more (but I’m grateful that there is a train system there!) Pro: Gelato; cheese, meat, bread, and pastry shops; pleasant shop owners and staff; lots of dogs, people willing to help everywhere (like you two!). Con: Rarely are there clothes dryers; scam artists trying to sell junk to unsuspecting tourists at most major attractions (detracts from the experience; tourists who complain that there are too many tourists (pet peeve). Great article as always!!!
Tom, as usual- you are spot on. Appreciate your insight and the additional pros/cons. The trains will always be a pro/con all onto themselves (giggles).
Truly an interesting post and perspective Ilene… especially about having your own personal chef!! 😉
Great perspective post Ilene. I am curious, how well are you and Gary doing with the language barrier. With how long you have been there now, are you reasonably fluent so that if you are in a smaller town with absolutely no English speakers, they may recognize you as a foreigner but you can have a reasonably detailed conversation to conduct business or just be polite?