Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
Italy is the most recognizable country on the map of Europe. Shaped like a boot, Italy is a peninsula in Southern Europe, surrounded by calm blue seas: the Adriatic Sea to the East, Ionian Sea to the Southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the West. The Northern part borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
Italy is a medium-sized country, covering around 116,000 square miles, similar in size to the state of Arizona. This includes over 400 islands, the largest of which are Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia, and Elba. The capital city is Rome. The country was blessed with all types of geographies, one more beautiful than the next: imposing mountains in the North, lush rolling hills in the center, stunning coastlines and beaches, fertile plains in the South and everything in between.
Italy is one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, with a rich history and a prominent tradition in arts and culture revered around the world. Its outstanding centuries-old history and culture are very present throughout the country today, and can be admired in all Italian cities, towns and villages. This makes the country a perpetual favorite tourism destination for people from around the globe.
Apartments are a great, affordable option for buying property throughout Italy, with the average price of a two-bedroom apartment in Italy around $152,000. You may be surprised that unlike in the United States, you’ll find apartments for sale in big cities, small towns, and tiny villages, with interesting architectural styles that can vary widely from … Read more
Are you looking for a place to live with great weather in addition to world-class culture, beautiful scenery, and soul-pleasing food? If so, Italy is your place. The weather in Italy is variable depending on which region you are in. Generally, summers are hot and humid while winters tend to be chilly and wet. However, … Read more
Italy’s healthcare system, known for its quality and accessibility, is predominantly publicly funded through a tax-based system, providing universal coverage to its residents. Notably, it’s ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization. The Italian hospital network excels in areas like preventative measures, early diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The medical … Read more
Living in Puglia, Italy, or Apulia as it’s known in English, has been a long-time dream as an American. My favorite part about this region of Italy is the Salento area with its lengthy coastline, which offers unbelievable natural beauty – from rugged cliffs and turquoise waters on the east side to beautiful stretches of … Read more
Florence is a beloved city located in Tuscany, Italy. It is known for its incredible Renaissance art and stunning architecture, which you can enjoy in nice weather for most of the year. Florence’s weather is mild with warm temperatures stretching beyond summer, starting early in the spring and lingering into the fall months. The average … Read more
Rome is a special place to live in, and there are so many reasons to move here. From the fantastic weather, rich history and architecture, and events happening almost daily, it’s easy to fall in love with the city. It’s simultaneously one of the most beautiful yet dirty places I’ve ever been, somehow adding to … Read more
In 2023, the average rent in Italy per month for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,100 per month, following a 13% increase from a year ago. In Euros, the average monthly apartment rent in Italy is €1,000, equaling a price per square meter of €13.5 to lease a rental apartment. It is about 35% cheaper to … Read more
The city of Rome is enjoyable all year round from the weather perspective. The temperatures can range from 39°F (4°C) to 90°F (32°C) depending on the month, according to holiday-weather.com. August is typically the warmest month while February is the coldest month. However, even in winter, Rome’s coldest months aren’t as cold as many places … Read more
Moving abroad has never been a dream for me like it is for so many. Perhaps that’s because I didn’t travel much outside the United States, my home country, for most of my life. Or perhaps it’s because I love my hometown of New Orleans so much, I’ve never wanted to leave for good. Despite … Read more
Italy offers a range of transportation options for travelers, each catering to different needs and preferences. The country has an extensive and efficient train network, with high-speed options like the Frecciarossa connecting major cities. However, trains are not available in all parts of the country, and schedules can be unreliable. Buses provide a cost-effective means … Read more
If you’re planning a trip or a move to Italy and want to stay connected, you may be wondering about how to set up your mobile phone to work once you get there. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to have working cell phones around the world. Whether you’re moving to Italy or simply visiting for … Read more
As an expat, the idea of owning real estate in Italy is undoubtedly tempting, whether you’re a retiree, an investor, or you work from home. Italy’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture make it a dream destination for many. But how can you navigate the process of buying property in Italy as an expat? … Read more
Recent research shows that Italy is the most popular homebuying destination for Americans in 2023, out of all countries in Europe and the Americas. The two primary reasons U.S. nationals are contemplating buying real estate in Italy are lifestyle and affordability. $200,000 is an average homebuying budget for many Americans who are moving abroad, which … Read more
When moving to Italy, there are always aspects of the Italian culture you can’t foresee and some you may never understand. Italy has tons of unwritten rules, a lot of which many people already know. Ordering a cappuccino in the afternoon? Highly frowned upon. Pineapple on pizza? Sacrilegious. But there are several things I wish … Read more
Europe is known for its cold climate in many regions during the winter season, but there are still plenty of warm winter destinations in Europe to visit or to live in throughout the continent. Looking to soak in the warmth of the sun and some vitamin D year round? Or maybe you are dreaming about … Read more
Part of living in Italy as an expat is adapting the practical parts of your life to a new culture and new system. One of these aspects is healthcare in Italy, and medication in particular. Getting a medication prescription in Italy is a simple process, with steps surprisingly similar to what you would take in … Read more
If you plan on living in Italy long-term, one of the essential documents you will have to obtain is a codice fiscale, to insure your legal status, as well as a comfortable, well-adapted life in Italy. You’ll need a codice fiscale, which is an official document given by the Italian government for tax purposes, to do … Read more
If you’re interested in moving to Italy for work or to settle into your golden years for retirement, you may be curious about health insurance in Italy. The Italian healthcare system is designed to cover every legal citizen, but does that still apply to expats who moved to live in the country? We’ll dive into … Read more
So you’ve toured the Colosseum, walked through the Pantheon, and explored the vast Vatican Museum. Now what do you do with the rest of your time in Rome? Rome has over 121 museums, from huge art galleries like the Galleria Borghese to rotating San Giovanni metro station art exhibits. There are thousands of restaurants, historical … Read more
Rome is an amazing city to live in, with so much to offer: ancient architecture, renaissance art, and all the modern comforts and conveniences of a major European city. But for some of us, big city life isn’t ideal. Especially in Rome, life can be too hustle-and-bustle and perhaps a little on the dirty side … Read more