We Relocated From US to Italy- Tired of high cost of living in the US? You don't have to stay!
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- čas přidán 20. 07. 2024
- Looking to retire or relocate from US to Italy? This video shares some of our experiences with why we chose southern Italy and benefits of relocating. We loved the US but could not afford to stay and have a great quality of life. Want to move to Italy but aren't sure? This move was the most difficult but best decision we have made in our lives. Staying healthy and having the best quality of life you can- you only get one chance at having a great life- why wait! Want to get a residency visa and travel with your pet to another country? Tired of the high costs associated with living in the United States? Property taxes in united states too high? Food in the united states -high cost low quality. Buying property in Italy. How you can retire on the budget you have for health insurance, home insurance, and property taxes in the United States. Obtaining Italian citizenship. How you can retire and travel throughout europe and Italy on a budget. Property taxes in the US too high. Health insurance in the US too high. Cost of living in the US too high. How to live in paradise all year round move to southern Italy. Why restaurants in Italy are not expensive. Why healthcare in the US isn't worth it. Retiring in Italy on a budget. #moveabroad #italy #italytravel #puglia #liveinitaly #relocate #motivation #salento #slowliving #liveineurope
The international health insurance company that we used was Cigna Global- they had the best rate and plan for us.
Hello, my husband and I are interested in moving to Italy as well. We have, well I have been researching and am planning a trip to Puglia later this year. We are looking at towns with 20k or fewer so that our taxes will be 7% for quite a number of years. We'll also be traveling to the Salento and can't wait to see it. Thank you for posting the video, just more encouragement!
If you are looking at Puglia you won't be disappointed! We have lots to do here and the people are amazing! Everyone has been so friendly and helpful- we are very happy here! If you decide to look at property here Salento With Love can help you- they helped us with our purchase and are coordinating our renovations! Take care! If you visit come to Galatina!
Thanks for info.
You are welcome Lance!
thanks for the info.
thanks snoo!
Thank you for giving this great info! You really broke down a lot of questions I had about moving to Italy, I can’t wait to start mine and my family’s journey. God bless.
Hi Sammie! I’m glad I could help you! We wanted to share our experiences because we knew this information was not easy to find. Good luck!
So glad you started your channel. I’ve been following Davide for a long time. He mentioned you guys and that’s how I found you.
I’m in Ohio and have family in Florida and agree the expenses are crazy right now. The cost of houses and car are insane. And don’t get me started on property taxes.
I mention my wife about coming to Salento to look for a property and she recently said she would consider it.
Everything you talk about are things I’ve been thinking about.
I’m already retired at 63 and my wife wants to retire in 2024. Between property taxes car insurance house insurance and the crazy inflation Italy seems like a nice place to be.
Looking forward to your experiences as new home owners in Italy . I’m excited for you and your husbands new journey in Italy .
We have been here since February and in the beginning it was a complete life change but has been such a great choice for us. Our inflation is milk going up by 5 cents. Since products are sourced locally they aren't expensive by any means. It was worth all the work we have done to get here. I would recommend visiting and seeing if you like the area and price out everything to see if it is a good fit! Take care!
Hi I’m interested in relocating from Florida as well! Love your video. All the info you can give would be much appreciated. Thanks for making these videos. It’s helping my family and I figure out how to do this. ❤
Hi Janice! VIsit if you can! We purchased sight unseen but we were very lucky to find Davide and the team at Salento With Love. I know of other people that have purchased properties in Italy and were very disappointed. Thank you for commenting! I'll keep the videos coming!
Really enjoyed this video! Informative, interesting and very helpful. I will be watching more. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I'm glad I could help!
A pleasant listen. ☺️ Thanks. We've been looking at Spain but are a little curious what Italy could be like. But we already speak spanish, a plus for there. A calmer lifestyle really sounds good. Take care both of you. 🤗🙏
Thank you William! You should visit Salento- low cost of living great food and weather and lots to do! Plus the people here have been so welcoming and friendly. We don't regret moving here! Take care!
Well I was about to say. You are just crazy. I mean you are crazy exactly Right!!!! Congrats and enjoy, what a pleasure it must be by comparison. While I am American and love it too, you are exactly right about everything you just said about Italy. God Bless.
Hi Marco! We were a little crazy- but sometimes you just have a feeling that it is time to move on. It is difficult to get out of that habit of rushing around all the time and enjoying life for a change. The US is a great place for opportunity but at what cost? God Bless you also and good luck!
Jennifer. We are so glad to hear from you. We are also coming from Florida and are almost done with the process with Davide. We heading that way this week. :) We are excited and love to connect with you one day. My wife and picked up a beautiful small property in Casarano just south from you!!!!
Hi Jesus! That sounds wonderful! We are a short way from Casarano and would love to meet with you both. Have a safe trip!
What channel is Davide?
When we met it was at a quick dinner at a lovely restaurant in Galatone or Galatina with Davide and a large group but that was before your big renovations begun. We plan to spend more time there in the years to come. We are going to need bicycles and I know your are experts :) Lots to talk about@@salvesalento
Olga. It's Salento with Love. We bought out home Site unseen as they say and the process what smooth from beginning to end and there is no end as they handle everything for us.@@olgasampis9745
Thank you for sharing your story and experience. I am getting priced out here in FloridA and planning a retirement there too and with a dog too. It’s like you have done what I’m dreaming of doing!
Good luck to you!!
Great video!! We live in Ohio and just bought a house through Salento with Love. Visiting this October and we can't wait!!! We're not able to make a full-time move yet, but that is the eventual plan!! Thanks again for sharing your journey!
Sounds great! We will definitely meet when you arrive!! Have a safe trip!
@@salvesalento We would love that!!
Thx great info. I’m planning the same move in the next few years. I also have a dog 😎🐶
Good luck to you tderuvo!
Wow, great first video. I've been telling people here about where the goods are sourced there in Italy and most do not believe me. I tell them they foods are fresher and less likely to spoil soon. Well, I suppose it is their choice. hehehehe.
Hi Eric! Yes food here is amazing and very inexpensive. They won't believe it until they see it for themselves! We've been so much healthier since moving here. Thanks so much for watching!
You did the right choice to live in Italy!!!
The Griko area of Salento is my favorite.
I especially appreciate the borgos of Corrigliano d'Ortranto and Melpignano.
Yes, the area is perfect for bike riding.
Hi Ken! We are looking forward to riding again. Since we returned it has been a little chilly so we hit the gym until it warms up. This whole area is magical and we look forward to exploring more now that we know where we're going! Take care!
Another great video, thanks. My wife and I are thinking of spending 1/2 the year in Italy and are considering this region as well as a couple spots in Calabria like Scalea. We have been traveling and exploring Italy now yearly and checking out different areas. This October we will be 2 weeks south of Naples. Spending time in Italy fits into Our 4 year plan and Galatina seems so nice , close to great beaches as well...! Anyway Greetings from Naples , Florida!
Hi Randall! We moved from Tampa and to be honest here in the south was the closest (but better) to Florida. We have palm trees and beaches minus the traffic and the location as far as natural disasters is perfect. No hurricanes or earthquakes here. We love the fact that all these towns are connected - something that isn’t easy in an area like scalea with a difficult landscape- lots of mountains and cliffs. I encourage you and your wife to visit both areas before purchasing.
@@salvesalento I just watched the episode on your house on Salento with Love, it is an awesome project and eventually exactly the concept we envision with the 2 other apartments for family and friends to visit!! Much luck and we are excited to watch your progress. I agree in visiting both places. We will be in Positano for 2 weeks and are looking into a day trip to check out the places well documented by "Super Save Chris" ... Next year we will fly into Brindisi and go visit The Salento. How are construction costs, your project seems huge! We have a Pocono place I am eventually going to sell and convert it into something there!
Hi Randall! Our construction costs are really based on what we decided to do in the main house and the 2 apartments. Since we want to live here full time we wanted the same luxuries we had in the US and have it be as comfortable as possible. That being said it is dependent on the property you choose. Some properties need minimal upgrades while others need complete renovation. Depending on your budget and what you want is how much it will cost. Salento With Love helped us choose a property and coordinate our renovations. We are here so we are actively involved. I would definitely visit Salento- we are happy we chose this area and we are New Yorkers/Floridians. Weather is great not very cold in winter - palm trees all around and no mountains which makes it quick to get from coast to coast here in the heel. If you and your wife visit we could possibly meet! Take care!
@@salvesalento Thanks for the response, We are NJ/Floridians !! We are definitely coming to the Salento but it will be next year since this October it will be 2 weeks in Positano and I want to go visit Scalea area as well because of Super Savvy ... We are about 3 to 4 years out but I want to begin the process now, I am working on my Dual and if we find a property/area we like down there well its good by Poconos house and hello Italian house!
Hi i am so pleased for you and your husband making a decision to live in italy, my husband and i bought our house which is about 26km from you, we are in the process of renovating a dwelling that we fell in love with and hope to start work early next year. I enjoyed watching your video and in turn will start one of my own with the before and after on the renovation of our house. Maybe some time in the near future we can meet up and discuss a few tips on our new life in salento. We are from Ireland, but my ancestors are Italian and i hope to be a resident when i start our Italian journey.
Celesta and Tom. 🥂
Hi Celesta and Tom! Wow! You have a lot going on! I wish you good luck on your new adventure and when you're in town we can get together!
Hi Jennifer! Congrats to you and your husband for moving to Italy.... so happy for you both. Your channel is very helpful, so I'm grateful you're sharing your journey. We are also from Florida. My husband is in the process of applying for a retirement visa for Italy. We got stuck and the proof of accommodations. We've heard that buying a property in Italy can take a long time, so we don't want to go that route since it will delay us with submitting the application. So how can we get a registered lease without being there?
Hi Kim! Contact Salento With Love they can help you with the rental contract!
You share some very relevant things that make watching your channel a must. Do you know anything about the alternative medicine options there and are there many houses with solar to help lower the electricity bills? Thank you and subscribed in 3,2,1…done!
HI ibenglish! Solar is popular and is widely available. I know that there are a lot of alternative medicine options and even regular MD's use it. They don't always go to drugs first they use things that are natural to see if it works before they use prescription medications. Maybe that is why they live much longer than Americans!
@@salvesalento thank you
Property taxes have basically made owning a house glorified renting here in the states. That fact you could work for 30years to pay your house and then government or the HOA can just come and steal it from you is insane
Hi victor! It is getting worse every day- our families are in Florida and they are getting slammed. They have insurance companies here but they are not like they are in the US - only when you want and feel necessary. Definitely a different way of living here -most things for the better!
Hi, thank you for the video! Can you tell me how you were able to become a resident there legally? Also which attorney or realtor do you recommend there? Is it very cloudy and does it rain a lot? Sicily look sunny but everywhere else seems cloudy
Hi Veronica! Thanks for watching! We obtained residency visas in the US and once you arrive here after about 2 months you can apply for residency and renew your visa here each year. We have used Salento with Love for our purchase and renovation and we have been very happy with Davide and his team! It’s not very cloudy in Salento - like all places the weather here varies by the time of year but mostly since we have been here it has been sunny and clear- much better than Florida. The winters here are mild not freezing. I hope that helps!
Ciao Jennifer, I've loved all your videos but thought I'd ask this here? lol. So, I've been following Davide for over a couple of years and he's amazing. My question is this, and one I'm so hung up on that it's paralyzing (clearly), how did you guys choose WHERE to buy your place? There are so many amazing places in Puglia. What were some of the factors that helped with your decision? Thank you.
Hi SappyPics! We actually didn't choose- we let Davide choose for us (crazy right?) but we are happy where we ended up. Galatina is central to this area, near to beaches and Lecce, while being a great upbeat city that has just enough people. When you feel like going to a city Lecce is so close- a short drive or train ride away. We have everything we need here and a plus is that it is not very commercial so you still have all the nature right outside the city. My advice would be to visit and stay in different places to see how it feels. If we could choose again we would choose here. Thanks for sharing!
No gun-culture, no violence, healthcare free.... the list is long.
Hi Ale! Yes it has been scary watching the news in the US. NOTHING happens here - no crime no violence. It has been a refreshing change. The healthcare isn't free but it is accessible if you become a resident for a very low yearly fee- which is 1/4 of what we were paying monthly in the US. People here also aren't sick- it has to be the food and the lifestyle! Take care!
No gun??😂 try living in Sicily Calabria or Naples 😂or look at Italian traffic police (vigil urbani) carry in their holster or even some security guards (guardie giurate) are licensed to have! Maybe their job justifies the reason they have guns how can you say no guns when getting a ‘porto d’armi’ permit is really not that difficult in Italy so most homeowners have one in case of a home invasion situation 😮 there are too many cases of overkill or excessive force
@@salvesalento Yes, the Italian diet is among the best in the world, together with the Chinese and Japanese diets, because it eats a lot of fish and a lot of oil. Wine, in moderate quantities, is another excellent health ally. I am happy for you and for your choice, welcome to Italy.
@@lyliavix4366 Sorry but you are wrong. It is obvious that the police have guns but the ordinary citizen does not, there is no comparison with the USA. And then you are also wrong when you write 'porto d'armi permit is really not that difficult in Italy', on the contrary, it is not as easy as it seems. I live near Milan and I don't know any citizen who owns a gun.
@@alemassa6632 lucky you! Perhaps the kind of people I know aren’t as good as your friends 😂jokes aside in the last ten years Italy has seen a 50% increase in gun licences and 0.7 deaths caused by firearms for every 10 thousand people coming out the highest in Europe. Unfortunately the way the licensing laws work means you are allowed multiple firearms per licence therefore number could be even greater, additionally all you have to do is apply for the licence within 72 hours of acquiring a firearm so I’d say it is an quite easy process 😂😂 I’m in England so the concept of police having guns is foreign (I’m not saying it’s wrong or right) but I do find it peculiar that traffic wardens (Vigili) have guns as part of their everyday uniform 😂😂they have zero power over anything unrelated to traffic but they can shoot… hmmm
Can you do a video of flying your pet over
That is a common request - sure will soon!
Please please please…..tell me how you brought your dog over. Thank you in advance.
Hi Thomas! The USDA has a website that gives you all the instructions. You need to bring your dog to a veterinarian accredited in the US for travel clearance. To travel on the plane with you in cargo they need to be at max medium size and not brachycephalic. You need to buy an approved carrier designated by your airline. The best pet friendly airline we used was Lufthansa. You can find pet travel guidelines on their site and they will tell you when you make the reservation what you need. You must call the airline and reserve a spot for your dog and pay the fee - I think it was between 300-400 when we flew in February. Hope this helps- good luck!
Thank you for such an informative video. Out of curiosity, do you know how practical it would be for an American family with school children to relocate to your town in Italy?
Hi Sean! My first question is do you speak Italian? Since we are in the south the schools and most people don't speak a lot of English there. We know of a family who the dad is stationed at the air base in Galatina and they are from the US and the kids go to the school and are learning Italian. If you are serious about it I would contact schools in the area to see if they would be accommodating since they probably don't speak much Italian. I hope that this helps! Good luck to you and your family!
Thank you for replying. None of us speak Italian. It's scary to think we would have to learn a new language. @@salvesalento
You would be surprised at how quickly young children pick up a language- it’s us that have the problem learning. Whatever you decide to do know that Italians are the most empathetic and understanding when you try to speak their language. Most are happy that you are trying and would love to speak fluent English. If you were serious about it take a trip worst thing is you decide not to but get a nice family vacation 😊
Awsome thank you
My husband and I are going to Italy to scope out potential moving there. What city are you in?
We are in Galatina!
Did the blood pressure decrease because of the quality of food difference? Thanks!
Hi Delmas! I think the main reason is because his job was so stressful that not being in that environment anymore helped it to come down so quickly. The food I am sure is a contributor even though we ate as well as we could have in the US. That video is from last year and his blood pressure is still down if not better. Thanks for your questions!!!
I have a 30 pound cocker spaniel that I want to take with me. What is the link to your video regarding this? Thank you
Hi Mike! I suggest you consult the airline you intend to use- we used Lufthansa as they are very pet friendly and will give you exact instructions on what you need for transport. 30 pounds is less than what our Elsa was when she flew. Please check the list for prohibited breeds also to make sure they will accept your dog for the flight. Thanks for watching!
Also people are more sincere.
Absolutely yes! We feel like this is a step back in time as far as the people are concerned. It is nice to go out and say good morning to your neighbors and make friends- something that was missing from our life in FL. Thanks so much for your comments.
Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺 Just discovered you. I know its private but would love to know how much your property cost to buy. We are in our 70s and would love to live in Italy.
Hi FlowerFairy! If you are seriously thinking about living in Italy I would contact Davide with Salento with Love. Being in your 70's I would imagine that you would like a move-in ready property. Davide and his team can find properties that are move in ready that do not need major restructuring- maybe some light cosmetic upgrades. Thank you for watching!!
@@salvesalento Thank you. Unfortunately om further research apparently only the relatively wealthy need apply. Despite us being able to purchase a (modest) property, have savings and pensions, it is only income that counts and our pensions don't add up to the minimum income required. I guess we need to book a spot in a dinghy as there appears to be no deterrent entering Italy via dinghy. Bitter? Moi?
Hi FlowerFairy! I know that isn't entirely true because we applied for visas in our late 40's - we were nowhere near pension age or collecting on our investments and we did use a savings account to qualify. When you apply for the visa you are required to write a letter explaining why you want to live in Italy. When you write the letter you can explain that you intend on using a portion of your savings along with your pensions to make up the difference between what you collect and what they require. I think now it is around 57,751. AUD that is required for a couple. Italy requires this amount but to live in Puglia where we are it is much less. If you believe that between your pensions and savings that you would be able to show that much income each year I would encourage you to talk to Davide with Salento with Love regarding the rental contract that you need- if by some chance the visa did not get approved you could have a contingency that wouln't require that you fulfill the rental agreement. Don't give up hope!
@@salvesalento Thank you, that info is very helpful, interesting and encouraging. 👍
If I'm understanding correctly, you are not receiving social security yet ( you look young) 😉 and are surviving on investments and savings at the moment?
Which website do you recommend for searching to buy a home in Italy?
Hi Tony! I recommend having someone search properties for you. The buying process is very different here and even though a property is listed for sale it may not be actually available to buy (long story). So if you are looking to buy a home in Italy I would suggest narrowing down the area you would like to live in first then search that area for property finders. They look at properties ahead of time and make sure they are available for sale and are priced correctly. If you are looking in Salento Davide and his team have been amazing - we would not have been able to make this move , purchase, and renovate this property without them. Thanks for watching!
Hi Jennifer
From Australia 🇦🇺 💐
My partner and I would really love to purchase a property in Italy .. we are both serious casual road bike riders and love love love what you two have achieved.. we would love to do a similar thing .. but definitely not a renovation ❤.. is finding a Reno property difficult to find ?
We would love to chat more openly ? Is it possible to do so via email?
Thanks and love your home and love your content .. cheers
Alika and Craig 💐
Hi Alika and Craig! We love biking in this area - not to hilly and very short rides to either coast. if you have someone actively looking for you there shouldn't be any problem finding something. You could look in the about section for my contact info.
If I'm understanding this correctly, you are not receiving social security yet and are getting by from investments and savings at the moment?
Hi jojo! We are too young to collect social security. Now that Dennis is a citizen we do not need to have any minimums to stay here. Thank you for commenting!
Can you recommend a realtor?
Hi O! Where are you looking to purchase property? If you’re looking in Salento I know someone who can help you. It’s important to have a representative for you that understands what you want. If you’re going to refurbish an ancient property you would want to know how much that would cost before you begin. Not as easy as in US to buy property in Italy on your own without someone on your side. We’re very glad we bought here and except for the usual hiccups we’ve had a positive experience
@@salvesalento yes. Please connect us ❤️
@@Learngeographyeasy it is Davide with Salento with Love salentowithlove.com connect with Davide he will be able to help you!
@@salvesalento thank you ! I will 🌷🌷🌷
Abruzzo Realty with Tracey Nicholas. The best !!!
I don't see the email to contact you.
Hi Gail! See the about section of the channel you will be able to connect through there. Thanks for watching!!
@@salvesalento Unfortunately, on my Android it gives your description and just a link to your CZcams channel. I will check to see if is different in my computer.
"La dolce vita" isn't what it is!
Hi cooper! We have been out of Italy for some months now and I am definitely missing everything there- wonderful friends, food, people, and our home!
@@salvesalento why not go back?
@cooper7031 we are going back! Just a few more weeks!!
@@salvesalento awesome
So basically everything in the United States is grossly overpriced and for less quality of life all around compared to Italy. That sounds ridiculuous! Well
Hi Marco! Since I made this video the prices of groceries in the US has increased dramatically- everyday food items that should be inexpensive like eggs, milk, rice, flour, and meat were so much more expensive in the US. We were in Florida for the holidays for a month and couldn't believe the prices. I would say at least 3-4 times as much as here. Plus the quality is no comparison- everything here is farm fresh and grown right in this area- including the wine! Thanks for commenting!
I pay $1050 a month for health insurance in the USA, for me my wife and my son. My son is 4, I'm retired, but reading up on the education system in Italy vs Greece, it seems that Italy is much more progressive in their attitudes, so that is pushing us towards Italy. I speak Spanish and Portuguese, so though I'm 60, I don't anticipate learning Italian to be too hard! Also, I wasn't sure that my son's learning Greek would be that much of an advantage, whereas with Italian he can pick up any other romance based language quite easily. Looking into the small towns I could live in, where they give you the tax break for 9 years, as my income is quite high. Not interested in paying $50k euros a year just to live in Spain, with their much higher tax rates than the USA has.
Hi timetothink! That is one of the reasons we left the US- between insurances and property taxes you could live here on that it is so affordable. There are so many towns here that do give you the tax advantage- if you are seriously considering it I would check out salentowithlove they have all the updated info on that and can help you. A permesso would not be difficult for you to get if you are able to still work while living here and you can get that at your assigned consulate.