PART 121: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.
We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!
We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).
Step 1: As we explore various regions in Italy, we are uncovering some hidden gems worth sharing. Some locations are well-known tourist attractions, while others are lesser-known yet equally amazing.
This week, let's discuss what we believe is the biggest obstacle to starting a life in Italy based on our past experiences.
Step 2: A quick review of expat forums and conversations with those aspiring to live in Italy highlights common challenges encountered during this transition. My partner and I have experienced many of these obstacles ourselves, and they are often discussed without clear solutions.
Step 3: What Holds Back from Living in Italy?
When my partner first suggested that we consider living in Italy after I retire from teaching, my initial reaction was, "We can't afford it." This concern was based on perceptions rather than actual research.
Another obstacle we faced was understanding the residency requirements. We needed to determine what type of visa to apply for, how to obtain residency, and the length of time it would take to achieve dual citizenship (both US and Italian).
A third challenge was healthcare. We had to consider how to access the healthcare system, whether we could afford private insurance, and what would happen if one of us required extensive medical care.
The fourth challenge was the pressure to figure everything out before taking that first step.
Finally, the fifth challenge was deciding where to live in Italy.
Step 4: The Biggest Obstacle for Us
The greatest obstacle we faced in starting our life in Italy was rooted in our mindset. We believed it had to be an all-or-nothing situation. Unless we could secure a visa, become residents, eventually obtain citizenship, and have all aspects of healthcare, housing, geography, and immigration issues figured out, we felt we couldn't move forward.
Step 5: The Biggest Insight
As the dream of living in Italy began to feel more distant due to these various challenges, we had a revelation:
It doesn't have to be all or nothing.
Step 6: Experience as a Teacher.
My 25 years of high school teaching taught me that experience is the best teacher.
At a certain point, we realized that we didn't need to have every detail of our journey to living in Italy figured out; we just needed to start and allow each next step to reveal itself.
We chose the most logical place to move to: Puglia, where our friends live. We rented a house initially for a few weeks, then for three months, and finally for a year to begin living the experience we had always dreamed of.
Step 7: Insights Gained
Our experience in Italy has taken us from the south to the north, specifically Tuscany, where we recently purchased a house we are renovating (nearly finished!). While we are grateful for our incredible time in Puglia, it became clear that our genuine desire was to be closer to the historical and cultural treasures found in the north. We also wanted a location in Italy that would serve as a base for exploring the rest of Europe, as we are conveniently within driving distance of France and other neighboring countries. Additionally, our time in Puglia showed us that our long-standing friendships there are not dependent on geography but are rooted in deeper connections.
Step 8: Spending Part of the Year in Italy
Once we realized that living in Italy doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing situation, we recognized that spending part of the year in Italy (2-3 months, twice a year, in Spring and Fall) is an entirely feasible option. Will we pursue residency one day or live in Italy full-time? At this point, we don't know and don't need all the answers right now. The next step will become clear when it needs to.
Living in Italy for part of the year, while following the Schengen Zone guidelines, alleviates concerns about residency and allows us to experience the Italian lifestyle we've always dreamed of. It also enables us to contribute to the local economy in the area where we've purchased our home.
Step 9: Other People
We have expat friends who took the plunge, obtained residency, and established their full-time lives in Italy without looking back. While this approach works for some—and I admire their courage and determination—it doesn't suit everyone, and that's perfectly fine.
Living in Italy for part of the year is a very viable option, and I am genuinely grateful that we came to this important realization: it doesn't have to be all or nothing.
Step 10: Renting Instead of Buying
Feeling the urge to find a home to buy immediately, rather than renting, can be a trap of "all or nothing" thinking.
When we first considered moving to Italy, we focused on purchasing property because renting felt too complicated. However, we were looking at towns and areas that were unfamiliar to us, and we were hesitant to put down roots.
After deciding to begin our journey in Italy in Puglia, we reached out to local friends for advice. A series of unexpected events led us to ask a friend to rent us a newly renovated house he had purchased. We initially stayed for a few weeks, then rented it for the summer, and eventually agreed to a 12-month lease.
While we later purchased a home in Tuscany, that decision came naturally. We were happy to continue renting, but when the right house presented itself, we knew it was time to say "yes."
Insights:
Overcoming the "all or nothing" mindset is the first step toward turning your dream of living in Italy into reality. It doesn't have to be full-time, nor does it require an immediate purchase. These milestones can come with time, but they don't need to be part of your initial plan.
A life in Italy is achievable and tailored to each individual's unique circumstances.
More next time.
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