Moving to Italy

"I would say to find someone of your same socio-economical level in the area and ask them. We all have diverse expectations but this way you would know what is considered 'good' and what is considered 'bad' areas, prices, etc. by someone with whom you can relate. Remember, your expectations have no bearing. People native to a place often see foreigners as walking idiots (rightfully so as it took the natives years to sort it all out and they live there). They might try to take you for a ride so to speak. So making yourself more informed will only help you. Then, I recommend renting a place near where you would like to buy or live for a few months (without signing a year's contract) while you look and get used to the place and the diversity of the areas. The things to watch out for: cracks, mold, humidity, neighbours, graffitti. Be sure that your assesor is not related to your seller or anyone that your seller might know. They could be helping out a friend and they will do that before giving you a fair assessment. Here, omission is not considered dishonest and nepotism is a way of life-seriously. Check the roads and their conditions in all seasons...ask the local cafe people about stuff if you can...ask a lot of questions..ask the local planning counsel about future projects in your area (expropriation still goes on frequently)they will understand why you are asking, don't worry. They know the games better than you do. If you live near a school, your place will have or will soon get graffitti on it before any others. If you live near a place without street parking, be warned, people double or triple park thus blocking-in your car with no care at all. And..you must not honk or yell, you must wait patiently for them to come to move their cars. So if you live in the city, sort that out right away. Invasiveness is relative. Neighbours wanting to spend time with you could come by for hours a day and not feel invasive at all. You will have to ask their permission for most things you do to your home (on the outside and the property) and if they do not give it to you, don't do it. They will call the police and report you and you will have huge problems getting permits and these things. If building, pay a 'local and recommended' project manager. Keep him motivated though. Go onsite frequently and sporatically. If you do any restructuring or work on a property, we advise going with one 'dita' or company. If you choose to save a bit here and there hiring others, you will lose in the end as when a problem arises, you will be in the middle of the blame game. We always asked for three estimates for all jobs to be done (restorations, doors, windows, plowing land, everything) and informed those wanting to do the job of our policy. That way, they gave us more honest bids and did not cut themselves out of the running. Get it in writing as well and NEVER, EVER, EVER, pay everything upfront. Take care and be nice when you turn away a person if you live in a small area (they all know each other). Always pay in pieces....leaving an incentive to finish the work. Many people where we live, did not really care about the price of the job as much as they cared about how much they were looking to make that month. Doing so at times they reason that the job should pay 1000 Euro for the day because he needs it-not that the cost of the job was that, but the worker needed that money. So you want to be sure of the cost ahead of time...and not give the money until you are happy and in agreement. Add 6 to 9 months on top of the dates they give you. If you do not get what you want, ask nicely for what you do want. If that does not work, whine, call, complain until you do...and then pay. The build time speeds up when someone wants money. That is why you do not ever, ever pay before the job-be careful even when asked to buy loads of materials paying up front. If you have a countryside property, it is probably zoned as 'agricola', if that is the case, the owner first had to offer it to the bordering neighbours. ASK THE NEIGHBOURS THE OFFERING PRICE. If they did not know it was for sale, it probably is not. If it is different from that being offered to you, you will possibly need to consult a lawyer as someone is not dealing completely within legal limits. Although dealing outside legal limits is often happening in Italy, being complacent to this makes you an accomplice and it will not end there...as you were once an accomplice, you will be seen as one who will be expected to always be one and keep quiet and be obliging-always. You will live in fear of the law and of threats if you accept this deal. Better to be totally legal and let them know you are and that you expect them to be as well. If you buy a piece of land and inside its boundaries there is another owner's land, be aware. That internal owner must have access at all times to his property-even at YOUR expense. There will be a whole separate agreement and legal document for that 'diritto di passaggio'. Again be honest and straightforward in your dealings. Don't think of ruining it for others. An Italian would choose to support his worst enemy from his local area over a foregner any day. Everything done here is done through a local NOTARY (Notaio). You will pay this person no small fees so try to negotiate these fees with the seller BEFORE going to the Notaio's office. It is his job to read over everything (after your lawyer did) and make sure it is all on the up and up. Don't be sacred off...once you are there and they know you are intelligent, and honest, they will value you and trust you. You will be welcomed. You will soon find yourself living happily ever after, attending dinners, bbq's giving a hand to your neighbour, lending tools to each other and sharing recipes too... Be a good guest (or newcomer), give first, then ask. In everything you can! Even when stating your name and from where you came. Give information, then ask. Then people do not see you as a risk but as an asset," remarked one expat who made the move to Catanzaro.

"This city of Bergamo is divided into two parts, the upper city and lower city. The upper city is literally on a hill and is the more exclusive part of town. It's the "in" place right now. But it comes with drawbacks - can be loud at night because of all the bars and restaurants, while there are plenty of parks up here there are no yards, and hard to find parking spaces. I would first decide what type of housing situation you want (house with yard or city living) and then hire a good realtor. You have all types of housing from apartments to houses with yards and gardens. Our expat friends live in a variety of housing situations so there is no one way to do it here," explained one expat living in Bergamo, Italy.

"It is important to note that Italy has a predominantly Catholic population and that the majority of the population speaks Italian. Additionally, communication can be difficult in Italy, and expats should be prepared to learn some basic Italian words and phrases. Immigration procedures can often take a long time in Italy, and it is important to be patient in the process and to make sure that any necessary paperwork is in order. Expats should be aware that Italy is known for its positive culture, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes; however, living costs can be high and the country has encountered its share of economic difficulties in recent years. Due to Italy's cultural importance worldwide, they should also research Italian customs and etiquette prior to moving. Finally, with thousands of years of history and art, Italy is full of amazing sites to explore and discover, making the relocation an exciting and memorable experience," said one expat in Italy.

"We used a realtor selected by the company. After looking at around 50 apartments (one deal fell through and we had to start all over again) we were lucky enough to find an apartment in the exclusive old city. We were very fortunate," explained one expat living in Bergamo, Italy.

"When looking for a place to live in Italy, it is important to research the cities and towns that are most suitable for your lifestyle. Consider factors such as climate, cost of living, access to necessary amenities, and commuting times. Websites such as Easy Stanza and Immobiliare provide listings of available apartments, houses and other forms of accommodation, while real estate agencies like Engel & Völkers can provide customized housing searches to match individual preferences and needs. Reading local news sources and exploring the region can also help in finding a place to live that is ideal for you," said one expat in Italy.

"Let's say this answer depends A LOT on your budget and where you decide to live in the city. And if you can find something. Bolognesi have found a cash cow with Airbnb," remarked one expat who made the move to Bologna.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Italy is usually situated in a cosmopolitan area with easy access to local attractions and amenities. Expat homes and apartments typically offer welcoming open-spaced layouts with modern appliances and amenities that enhance the traditional Italian lifestyle. Although the interiors may need some updating, wooden flooring and high ceilings are often a feature of expat homes and apartments in Italy. Most expat residences feature balconies overlooking views of the surrounding city or countryside," explained one expat living in Italy.

"Our housing costs are higher here only because of the higher rate of electricity. Electricity is very expensive here. I don't know the average rate of housing here," said one expat in Bergamo.

"Well, property taxes here are incredibly low. At least compared to my native California. Houses and even apartments can be very expensive here though. There are places here in Catanzaro, apartments, overlooking a parking lot asking over 400,000 EURO! We bought our beautiful property (just outside of Catanzaro and about 15 minutes to the Mediterranean sea) with a lot of land and producing orchards and rebuilt the home spending around 600,000Euro. However, going outside the city into a rural community, even 10km outside of town, you can pay half of that. Here, neighbours are an issue and there are many lawsuits when they cannot get things sorted out (especially in our area where there are many lawyers who are unemployed). We got lucky and have a large piece of property with no problems. Here, in the country you can get a good deal. If my property were in California, we would be paying well over 1,000,000 dollars easily! We enjoy our life in the country here and wich those thinking of coming here the same good fortune," said one expat who made the move to Catanzaro.

"If you are looking to experience the Italian lifestyle, buying a home in Italy may be the best option. Not only can you enjoy the beauty and cultural atmosphere of Italy, but buying a home can also be a great investment in your future. However, if you are planning to stay in Italy for a short period of time, renting a home might be the better option for you. Renting allows you to explore the country without making a long-term financial commitment, giving you the flexibility to move around if needed," said one expat in Italy.

"We paid an attorney in Rome to ensure that the process was easy. He was expensive, but well worth the money. Without good language skills one is at the mercy of the system. Our attorney stood the ground for us when necessary," said one expat who made the move to Minturno.

"I wish I had brought: Spices I love and that are hard to find here (if its not oregano or basilico or chili, its a bit difficult to find where I am). More flashy clothing (I was under the impression that there were poor people here and felt no need to be austentatious) but I was wrong, here they seem to generally like austentatious people. More family photos (postal service is not to be trusted with unreplaceable things like photos). Things I wish I had left: Summer clothes that would be used with a mild climate. Here, summers are extremely hot and it is difficult to use more than a swimming suit and a sarong in summer. My precious things. I had a drycleaner specializing in leather ruin (butcher really) my 1000euro suede bag and still charge me 30euro for it after having it at his shop for two months. My expectations. I should have left those home. Where I live is another planet not another country," said one expat in Catanzaro.

"Things to bring: 1. Cling Wrap - the kind here is very thin and incredibly hard to tear. I always end up with half the roll bunched up in a mess. 2. Packaged mixes such as muffin mix, Bisquick, packaged seasonings - while on the rise, prepared food mixes aren't as popular in Italy. 3. Good, sturdy ice cube trays. Italians don't use ice in regular drinks, and don't seem to make blender drinks. So the quality of the ice cube trays here is bad. Hard to use and very small. Things I could have left behind: 1. Large Pyrex dishes. The ovens here are smaller and the larger Pyrex will not fit in the oven. 2. Large cat litter box. We have two cats. Everything here is smaller and you won't be able to find the large litter box bags. 3. Large Tupperwares. Fridges are smaller and you shop more and store leftovers less. I only use my small plasticware to store," remarked one expat who made the move to Bergamo.

"Milan is a cosmopolitan city like all others — NYC, London, Paris — where you can find anything and everything you need. As far as clothing is concerned, dress like you would in NYC in all four seasons. Women and men are usually elegantly casual. Other than that I would only bring endearing personal possessions and prescribed medications along with the prescription so you can refill when needed," explained one expat living in Milan, Italy.

"I am a booklover, as in a physical book in hand, but now I am filling up my Kindle with more and more. I just got Goldoni's La Locandiara ostensibly from Amazon Italy but ordered and paid for in my account in Mexico. I've also checked to see what is available on Amazon Italy as far as household goods and even though it's not as extensive a selection as US consumers might like, I saw pretty much everything I need," said one expat in Rome.

"When moving to Italy it is important to pack your essential documents such as your passport, visa, and any other important paperwork. You may also want to remember to bring items like a first aid kit just in case you are in need of basic medical supplies. It is also recommended to bring some warm clothing such as sweaters and jackets since the weather in Italy can get chilly during the winter months. Additionally, you should definitely pack some comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets of Italy are not always friendly to high heels. Lastly, it is a good idea to bring a good quality suit or dress for special occasions, as the Italians take pride in their fashion," said one expat who made the move to Italy.

"It is important to be respectful when visiting Italy. Some cultural faux pas you should try to avoid making include not speaking too loudly in public places, as it is considered rude; being punctual when invited to someone's home; avoiding being too familiar or friendly with strangers; not being loud or disrespectful in places of worship; not eating or drinking while walking the streets; and not increasingly gesticulating when speaking," remarked one expat in Italy.

"All the time, probably... I walk around barefoot in my house, without slippers on. I asked if I could "Sweep the Floor" for someone. Oh...that's right...I mixed my spinach contorno (side dish) into my spaghetti. I was audibly gasped at," said one expat in Southern Tuscany.

"Drinking cappuccino after 1pm, not having coffee after dinner, wearing my gym clothes outside of the gym, trying to flag down a taxi (call or go to stands instead)," remarked one expat who made the move to Florence.

"Italy is renowned for its rich culture, timeless architecture, exquisite cuisine, diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, unique lifestyle, and vibrant cities. Expats are often lured by the country's relaxed pace of life and reputation for good living, which pairs so well with its ancient yet modern cities. The country's excellent healthcare system and strong healthcare infrastructure also appeal to expats. Italy also boasts excellent transportation infrastructure, making it easy for expats to get around independently. Other advantages for expats in Italy include multiple job opportunities, a strong economy, and affordable housing," said one expat.

"I am in the region of Abruzzo east of Lazio (Rome) and I specifically live on the Adriatic coast in Alba Adriatica. I arrived in June 2021. When people ask me where I'm from and I tell them California 100% of them say why are you here? They clearly have a vision of California that is no longer the California I know. And that is why I'm here. They are fascinated with me because I am from California. Initially some may exercise caution but many of the folks have embraced me (possibly as a curiosity). I think I am the only Californian possibly the only American in Alba Adriatica. I do a lot of cycling and the region is extremely conducive to cycling. The Italians have a love-hate relationship however with cyclists. They love to see an Italian cyclist do well on TV and are very passionate about that! But when they’re behind the wheel and you’re riding your bike on the road you have to be vigilant about keeping your eyes open because they are incredibly impatient and do not care for cyclists. The food is great and it is a lot less expensive here than it is in California. Coming from Napa Valley I'm a little partial to the Bordeaux blends/heavy red wine and the wines featured in Abruzzo are great but it has taken some getting used to. As the only Californian in a relatively small community you have to be extra careful to make sure there are no misunderstandings or unintended offensive remarks made. News travels fast and everybody knows everybody's business. The proximity to the European continent is fantastic. August at the beach is hot, humid and full of tourists so this August I will spend the whole month in the French Alps with my bike. The "dolce vita" in Italy is ever present!," said one expat living in Abruzzo, Italy.

"My husband and I went to Italy together in 2016 and returned 2017 with our children and their significant others for Christmas then in 2018 we decided we would retire there. The cities are magnificent and Uniquely different from each other. We are from NY and have an apartment in Manhattan. I am of Italian decent and felt a natural pull to be in Italy more than just to vacation. Italy has it all and most regions are a reasonable distance of you settle in the center of the country. We looked for 2 years, going back two or three times a year to find our house. We looked in Tuscany because even though it is top of the mind and quintessential Italy to Americans, there is good reason. It is BREATHTAKING. So is Umbria. We settled in an area that is not tourist driven. We have over 200 olive trees and had our first harvest this past fall. We found excellent tradesmen to help us renovate. They and their families became our friends. We shared our garden tomatoes, garlic and olive oils with each other. We are learning Italian through them because they do not speak English. It has been an amazing first year. We are an hour to Florence by car. And 2 1/2 hours to Rome. We are 2+ hours to the Adriatic or the Mediterranean. We have not only Florence but Perugia and Arezzo supper close as well as the wine regions of Chianti, Montepulciano and Montecino. Do you love sunrises and sunsets? Do you love looking over a valley with the fog draping the hills? Do you love food, wine and clean air? Do you love time standing still? We do. This is a very short list why we chose to live in Italy. ," offered one expat living in Italy.

"Healthcare services in Italy are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and is funded by the government. It is generally of high quality and is available to all Italian citizens and foreign residents. Expats in Italy can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Italian citizens, including free or discounted medical care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Private healthcare is also available in Italy, and many expats opt to use private services for more specialized care," stated one expat who made the move to Italy.

"If in serious health...seek English speaking private physician..."you get what you pay for"," remarked one expat in Italy.

"Health care is a benefit to tax residents. The quality of care for public health ranges wildly depending on where you live. It is also difficult to get an appointment with a specialist. My sister is waiting 6 mos. to see a neurologist- and she lives in Tuscany. Also keep in mind that if you are hospitalized there are no aides. The assumption is that a family member will be there to wash/groom/dress you. Or feed you, if necessary. You are also responsible for bringing provisions like water and linens with you. If you don’t have family/friends to assist you, you must hire private care. Let’s face it, when it comes to health care, no country is a panacea," wrote one expat living in Palermo Sicily.

"In Italy, medical services are generally of a high standard. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics providing quality care. Italy also has a strong tradition of medical research and innovation, with many leading universities and research institutes dedicated to advancing medical knowledge. Additionally, Italy has a well-trained and experienced medical workforce, with a high concentration of doctors and nurses," commented one expat who moved to Italy.