From the moment I started telling people I was moving to Italy years ago, I've gotten so many envious responses.
"WOW! It's my DREAM to move to Italy! I'm so jealous!"
I wonder if people who move to, let's say, Lithuania or Guyana, get the same response...
It turns out, there's a lot to love about Italy.
1. Do We Need to Talk About the Food?
I know it's a given that Italy has fantastic food but let's go deeper than just how amazing the pasta and pizza are.
Much of the produce at the farmer's market is organic...they just don't pay for the label. And I don't know why, but the produce just tastes better.
I recently found out that there are 997 different types of apples grown in Italy. In the world, there are 1,227. There are also 140 different types of grain here. In the U.S., there are only six. (this explains why there are a dozen different types of flour in Italy, and I have no idea the difference!).
2. The Beaches are Everywhere
Italy has 4,908 miles of coastline, which means that you don't have to drive far to find a beach. Some, like Tropea, overflow with tourists in the summer, but you can also find sleepy beaches with hardly anyone there.
For me, the best time to go to the beach in Italy is June or September. It's less hot and crowded!
3. Itally is Committed to Sustainability
I plan to write a post about how they recycle so well in Italy. Italy ranks among the countries that recycle the most in Europe, and it shows. Every day, we have to put out different trash (plastic, glass, paper) rather than all the recycled items together.
And when you go to the store, it's harder to find packaging that isn't made from recycled items or beauty products that are animal- and ocean-friendly. They don't charge more for you to be green here, which I love.
4. When It Comes to Art and Culture, Italy is King
Even though Italy is roughly the size of Arizona (blew my mind too), it is home to 70% of the world's artistic and cultural works. If you think about it, the Renaissance was born here. Leonardo da Vinci invented so many things here. Countless world-renowned artists created art here.
5. It's Affordable for Most Foreigners
I lived in San Diego for 12 years. The fact that it is now the most expensive place to live in the country shocks me and makes me so glad I've moved where the cost of living is much, much lower.
It makes me sad that Americans buy a home that they have to pay off over 30 years. They often don't even get to enjoy it that much because they're too busy working to pay it off!
Yes, the average income is much lower in Italy, particularly where I am in the south. A salary of $2,000 a month is more than enough to live well here. If you're lucky enough to keep making American money when you move here, you'll be in the 1% easily!
There are so many more things I love about living in Italy, but this list provides more than enough reasons to move here.
Ready to pack your bags and start a new life in Italy? As an expat coach, I can help. I balance the logistics of the move with preparing for the emotions you'll experience once you arrive. Get in touch for a consultation.
Comments