Hi. I’m curious about why so many people seem to choose Italy over France. I’ve lived and traveled in both and speak both languages, and am qualified for residency in both countries, which I understand is not the case for everyone, but offers me some perspective. To me, Italy is more beautiful overall and buying property is cheaper so there is that. The famed Italian friendliness is more apparent from Rome south, where you’ll also find more of the famed Italian corruption and dishonesty. I find those in the north to be less gregarious, as are the French, except in smaller towns and villages everywhere. As for the food, great all over but more diverse in France. Even Italian food can get boring after a while! But possibly the biggest difference is dealing with officialdom and it’s associated bureaucracy. France is one of the easiest countries to get a visa for in the EU. They don’t cut you any slack but once everything is in order the process is straightforward and functional. And In Italy, well, these pages are full of tales of woe, of months to get appointments, of being sent off to get a stamp at the tabaccheria only to find you needed another one, and so on. Nothing happens smoothly or with apparent logic, and any Italian will corroborate this. I’m very fluent which made things easier but not enough to make a difference. Went to Nice, found a place to rent (6 yr lease, controlled increases and I only have to give a month’s notice) buy exotic spices at the local market, don’t own or need a car and take care of most of my paperwork online. Just wondering….and also, why does everyone want to buy when long term rentals are so much better value and tenants have so many more rights than in the US already UK?
