What are the top 5 reasons for Americans to relocate to Italy? 

Are you among the many who have always dreamed of creating a life abroad? Or maybe you’ve never given it much thought as it always seemed like a reality that was out of reach? With the way in which the world, and the United States has and continues to change, more and more Americans are stepping outside of their comfort zone and leaping into a new life abroad. There are many destinations around the world that have much to offer in terms of lifestyle, affordability, business opportunities and more but I want to share with you all there is to leap into in Italy!

I think it’s safe to say that many Americans have become burnout, frustrated, exhausted and ready for a change over the last few years in the states. Creating a life abroad in Italy isn’t as hard as it may seem and offers a lifetime of benefits for you and your family. So let’s dig into the top 5 reasons to relocate to Italy..

1. Lifestyle:

Life in Italy revolves around cherished rituals and values that make it an ideal location to live. Many have heard of the “La Dolce Vita” lifestyle Italy is so proud to provide and share with the world, but the best part about it is, it truly is “The Sweet Life”! If you have never experienced it first hand let me explain, and if you are familiar, let me reconnect you to that feeling. Days of warm greetings, a focus on family and community, local markets featuring fresh produce, a midday nap, a true work – life balance, daily rituals of slow meals and leisurely strolls, overall a more relaxed pace to every part of life. Life in the U.S. can feel like you are moving as fast as you can just to keep up, and the race never ends. Are lives are flying by and we might just be missing out on the simplest and most precious parts if we don’t consciously stop and make a change to soak up all this life truly has to offer us. Italy gives you the magic it holds so that you can do just that, soak it all up. Truly stop to smell the roses, hug a loved one, enjoy your lunch, and most importantly enjoy your day to day life. 

2. Affordability:

In most cases Italy is much more affordable in several areas of living than that of the United States. I think we can all agree that prices just continue to climb in order to have a lifestyle one desires in the United States and while not everything is less expensive in Italy, it offers a much more affordable way of living.

• Renting and Purchasing a home in Italy is much more affordable than in most parts of the United States, while major cities in Italy may be comparable to those major cities of the United States, there are many areas that are 30% – 50% lower in price than areas comparable in the U.S.
• Healthcare is publicly funded in Italy, helping residents to cut living costs with no need to have monthly health insurance policies. Once becoming a resident in Italy you are covered for all basic medical care. Even if you choose to add private health insurance the cost is typically much lower than that in the United States. 
• Italy is known for its affordability in high-quality food, both in restaurants and local, fresh markets, prices of food in Italy are lower than that in the U.S.
• Education in Italy provides affordable fees for students interested in attending Colleges and/ or Universities in Italy. Typically tuition is several hundred to a few thousand euros per year, making it much more affordable to attend higher education than in the United States. 

All around Italy offers opportunities for families to have a more balanced budget while still achieving goals and a desired lifestyle in Italy. 

3. Health, Wellness and Longevity:

Quick and costly, two words that highlight healthcare in the U.S. but what does Italy have to offer that the U.S. does not in terms of health, wellness and ultimately longevity? Italy values a lifestyle, food and daily pace that supports higher rates of overall health and contributes to it being home to one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. Italy is known for its Mediterranean Diet, including fresh, local fruits and vegetables, a high consumption of beans, olive oil and fish all contributing to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Italy has strict food safety regulations and standards that ensure an added layer of healthcare to its residents. Italains embrace a daily routine that involves more physical activity than most Americans experience on a day to day basis in the United States. The lifestyle in Italy is more active, where walking and/ or cycling are daily modes of transportation or a common daily social activity. Stress levels are considerably higher in the U.S. due to work stress, daily commutes, and economic pressures. High stress is proven to affect health and longevity, Italy offers a lifestyle that removes the known daily pressure and stress we are so familiar with in America. Overall, Italy offers opportunities for a healthier life and overall longevity than is achievable in the United States, adding to the list of reasons why it lands as a desirable location for relocating. 

4. Family and Community:

Say it with me, FAMILY! Italians prioritize family in a way I’ve never experienced before, this applies to their blood family members and extends out into their chosen family, or their community. Enjoying daily meals together (that are not rushed), Sunday lunches, evening strolls or meetings in the park, these are some of the ways you will witness the Italian culture coming together and keeping what is most important in life a focus. We have nothing without each other and our loved ones and Italian’s know this best. Often in the U.S. we don’t have the time to prioritize the simple things in life like a family dinner, a hug from a friend, or a walk in the park, that ultimately contribute to overall happiness. This is a little gem in Italy and one you will cherish if you choose to make Italy your new home. 

5. Travel:

Ever wondered what it must be like to travel from one side of a country to another without breaking the bank? Or even just a few states away without spending several hundreds of dollars on flights, hotels, etc. Italy has the solution, with easy, accessible and affordable travel. Transportation systems in Italy and Europe do not compare to the high prices and lengthier, more difficult travel in the U.S. Public transportation in Italy gives easy and less expensive options to travel throughout the country and into Europe. With a sophisticated train system, bus system and lower prices for flights, Italy opens doors for travel that those living in the U.S. wouldn’t believe. Italy’s location in Europe is also an important piece to the puzzle as it is centrally located, giving options to every part of Europe in a timely and cost effective manner. A relocation to Italy opens doors to explore past Italian soil.

Life is one big, beautiful journey and we are here to live everyday to its fullest, while pursuing all that we’ve ever dreamed of! From lifestyle, to health and affordability, Italy can’t be beat and encourages a life that focuses on the simple and important things, it is a country that with warm, open arms gives you the opportunity to embrace life in a way the U.S. can’t. Embrace a new life and make your dreams come true in Italy, afterall, what is life if not everything you ever dreamed it would be?