Brave Female Expats Living in Italy

You might be surprised to hear that I know a LOT of women, mostly single, who have decided to hit the reset button on their lives by moving to Italy.

We're a certain breed...we weren't happy with the mundane, workaholic lives we were living in the U.S., so we set our sights on la dolce vita.

I'd love to share some of the stories of other brave female expats living in Italy!

Lynn Parnell: Tropea

Lynn was actually one of the very first people I met when I first visited Calabria. For the past three years, we've leaned on each other when expat life gets stressful or simply ridiculous.

Lynn moved here from Texas with her infant son, seeking a slower-paced life. The ups and downs she's gone through finding her way in Italy inspired her to write a book (which I edited!): From Texas to Tropea.

I asked what advice she had for women considering a move to Italy. She said: Do your research and hire the help you need because navigating a life in this country is not possible without it."

Follow Lynn on Instagram.

Patti Perez, Rome

I met Patti and her husband, Tom, in San Diego when I organized an Italian conversation club. We bonded over our excitement about our upcoming moves to Italy, and since then, we've visited each other and taken trips together to explore our new country.

Unlike me and Lynn, Patti made the decision to move here with her Italian-American husband: "My husband and I honeymooned in Italy and have long been attracted to all things Italian - natural beauty, culture, food, art, history, slower pace of life, ability to develop deep connections, traditions - and we were excited to embark on an adventure together."

Like every female expat living in Italy, Patti has found the immigration process and Italian bureaucracy to be frustrating. "[While] I was prepared for the slow and inefficient system, I wasn't prepared for the lack of consistency - a document will take a month to process for someone else, but six months for you (or vice versa)."

One of the things I love about Patti is her ability to laugh at herself. I asked if she had any funny language mishaps, and here's what she shared:

"I went to the pharmacist to ask for something for back pain. Instead of saying "schiena" I told the pharmacist I had a pain in my "scimmia" which means monkey. That was the last time I read a translation on my app without my glasses! It's a hilarious story and I'm sure I gave the pharmacist something to laugh about for years (Italians are patient and kind when it comes to the language, so even though she giggled, it was clear she was grateful that I was trying!)."

I love the advice she offered: "Make the same commitment we made - to leave our American BS in the U.S. and commit to being ourselves, but different versions of ourselves (more patient, more willing to enjoy simple moments, taking things slowly, etc.)."

Gina Elefante, Soverato

I'm proud to say that Gina found my website, and as a result, came to and fell in love with Soverato! She's been here just 10 months, but she already has lots of friends and an active social life.

For her, the language barrier can be challenging.

"It's finding out that you don't know some of the fundamentals of how people live and work and play here. It's about missing the loved ones you left behind, and then suddenly, when you think you will never adapt...a miracle happens, and you just can't imagine living anywhere else. You learn how things work, and you make friends who help you every step of the way. You find peace in your decision and just keep on living the dream. No regrets!"

Gina applied for the elective residency visa, and recommends focusing on getting your paperwork in order. "Even if you think you won't need it...somehow you do. The consulate will always ask for more.

"Also, don't forget to pack your patience! Italians are in no rush to do things....unless of course they're driving and then you must make the sign of the cross before crossing the street to make sure the Holy Mother is watching over you as you make your way to the other side!"

Mary Calabrese Reid, Provincia di Catanzaro

Mary started following my Italian adventures from the start on Instagram, and we've stayed in touch. She recently moved near Catanzaro, and is happy to be in the land where her family is from. She first came to meet her cousins, but after 25 years of dreaming of relocating to Italy, she finally made that dream a reality.

Like all of us learning a new language, Mary has made a few language mistakes she can laugh at.

"I have made several language mistakes. Spagliare [to scatter] and spogliare [to undress]."

Mary, like me, thinks it's a good idea to visit parts of Italy before deciding where to land (you'd be surprised how many clients I have who want to move here but who have never even set foot in Italy!).

"There are many differences between north, south, and middle Italy. It's important to see what you like best and maybe what you don't like."

Follow Mary on Instagram or TikTok.

I hope these stories of female expats living in Italy inspires you to finallly take that step and move here!