5 Signs Living in a Small Italian Town is Right for You

When I moved to Calabria nearly three years ago (!!), I wouldn't have thrived in Davoli, the town Francesco and I just moved to. Lots had to happen in terms of altering my American expectations and learning to live by the tempo of Italian life before I'd be ready for such a drastic life change.

But now, we live in a town with 600 people! I could never have imagined I'd be so happy in such a small Italian town! If you've considered moving to a tiny town, read on to see if it's a good fit.

1. You're a Social Person

I will say that if you want to enjoy life in a small Italian town, you need to be a social person. I met a woman (an Italian, actually) who moved to Badolato and had only negative things to say about it.

Then I met several expats from different countries who absolutely love living there! The difference? The woman didn't make an effort to go out and meet people in her community, whereas the expats did.

People will naturally be curious about you, and by being friendly and open to their questions, you'll quickly make friends.

1. You're OK with Driving in Italy

A lot of my clients are nervous about driving in Italy, or simply want to live where they won't need a car. Most smaller towns, particularly those in the mountains, may lack adequate public transportation to get you where you need to go when you want to go. Therefore, having a car in most tiny towns is imperative.

(Even if you have all the shops and restaurants you could want, you may still need to drive to a larger grocery store or the hospital, so consider that.)

I was stressed about driving in the mountains to Davoli at first, but now I take those curves like a local!

1. You Can Let Go of Your Old Idea of Entertainment

If you now live in a bigger city, you're spoiled for choice in terms of theater performances, festivals, events, restaurants, and bars. In a small Italian town, you won't have nearly the options you've become accustomed to. That doesn't mean there's nothing to do...it just means you need to recalibrate.

For example, in Davoli, my favorite event is the Naca procession the Friday before Easter. There are several festivals in the summer, and by September, I'm exhausted! Local events are a great way to get to know Italian culture, make friends, and try new foods!

1. You Speak Decent Italian

There may be a few people who speak English in the small town you've chosen, but don't rely on everyone doing so. The smaller the town, the fewer English speakers you'll find, so you'll be more comfortable if you have a decent grasp of the language.

Bonus: You can start to learn the local dialect! I understand more and more Davolese, though I can't speak it much.

1. You're Ready for a Slower Pace of Life

There's nothing slower than life in a small Italian town. You'll find older gentlemen sitting on a bench to pass the time in the piazza. Friends will invite you to stop in for a coffee and a chat. Here, no one's going anywhere in a rush, and they take their time.

If this is appealing, congratulations! You might do well in a small Italian town! That's not to say you won't have your frustrations as a new expat. Be sure to download my free guide, Overcoming Expat Frustration, to help you adjust.