Dreaming of life in Italy but feeling overwhelmed by the details? 🇮🇹✨ Take the first step with our Free Move to Italy Bootcamp and turn your dream into reality! 👉 Secure your spot now: www.smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
Jenn and Matt must start a CZcams Channel that will help them pay for the renovations for their Palazzo. I'd love to follow the restoration. Many restoration channels have DIY but I'd be so down to water the renovations with the professional contractors. The CZcams and Patreon they can start would help pay for a fresco artist to redo their ceilings. It would be dreamy to follow them. I so hope they think about it!!!
Sono sicuro che quei meravigliosi affreschi debbano essere restaurati da attenti professionisti. Sarebbe un grosso peccato rovinarli. Credo che anche le autorità Italiane e della regione Sicilia possano mettere a disposizione dei soldi per i restauri che abbiano un valore Storico/artistico, ma purtroppo la burocrazia è complessa e i soldi sono sempre troppo pochi!😢
Sicily is awesome, but not like Italy at all. The driving is insane, I'm Romanian and I thought it was truly on another level of aggression. The outskirts of Catania were beyond comprehension... Like I've seen ghettos, but this is truly insane...literal mini mountains of trash between buildings, I don't understand how that's possible. However, the smaller cities are such a gem, it's crazy, no one cares about what you think of them, this is how they do it. The food was, is, absolutely phenomenal... Best pasta, fish everything... Truly for the locals, meaning so good they come back again and again. I ordered house wine, half litre, and it was one of the best white wines I've ever had in my life... Trust me, I've had wine, I've been everywhere... Sicily is another country, go there knowing they are not trying to impress you, it's so raw, so real, so good!
Because these ancient homes have been bought to be restored it will generate ancient arts such as fresco painting, plasterers with true skills and builders who will generate the old ways. Love thstQ
Heading to LeMarche in 2 weeks time to drive all over the region while staying at an Agriturismo. Have a few more years before retirement , but Italy is definitely no.1 on my list and I will be contacting you then. Currently in California, Santa Cruz.
Sounds amazing! Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful trip. Our free annual bootcamp is coming up if you'd like to join, here's the link smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
I applaud the first lady who tells her story. She said that she doesn't have family, and I wonder if she ever feels alone in Sicily? Has she found a "chosen family"?
I thinking probably so at times. These big European cities can feel lonely often as beautiful and cultural as they are. That's why I would choose areas with more open outdoor walking spaces. But that's just me.
Wonderful and exciting stories of adventure. My only reservation is that Sicily is 70% desertified. It has been in the grip of worsening drought at least since the 1970s when my family lived there. We had to put up with Palermo's water cut off daily in summer from 7 a.m to 6 p.m. Unfortunately, politicians and the bureaucracy continue to kick the can down the road and have done very little to tackle drought or secure water for the island. The result is today, many farmers are at their wits end and feel they will be forced to abandon their land as they lose their livelihoods. In some places it hasn't rained for 14 months. While Sicily is a romantic destination, ppl should be prepared to face a long term future of the possibility that water will exceed the price of gold which will also push up prices for food.
Many places in the world are suffering and limited water, and the world will be w/o water..eventually. I tried Mexico…with no guarantee of water. All trucked in.
@@bonnyvondolores2647 Water has been trucked in for the last 40 -50 years, so we are not talking about limited water in Sicily, but zero water right now. Recently in Canicatti and Agrigento water was turned off completely for 22 days and when it returned, it was dirty non potable water. Enna is Sicily's biggest water catchment and it's bone dry. Water desalination was tried in Sicily in the 70s when I lived in Palermo and abandoned bc of cost and the fact that desalination plants have a short lifespan of only 3-4 years plus, they cannot produce more than 100 litres of water per second, a pittance compared to what is needed. So desalination is not a viable solution. I don't know where you think water can be trucked in from? Forget about other parts of Italy. Everyone is in the same boat as the whole Italian peninsula is turning into a desert. That includes the Alpine areas in the north. The peninsula is experiencing 77% less rainfall and snow melt than previously.
Language learning is definitely an important aspect of relocating. We have a podcast episode about learning Italian, you can listen here www.sentiremedia.com/show/anewlifeinitaly/la-dolce-lingua-boosting-confidence-in-your-language-journey/
I can't learn a language until I immerse, so I disagree about learning the language first. I learn how to order food at the deli in Italy by practicing daily. Immersing is great, and if you try, use google translate etc. you can get by just fine. People were awesome to me. I travel alone, and had an awesome time.
Don't forget this is Italy, you will learn the language, Italians are very happy when somebody tries Italian and will help you in any ways. And we have gestures! 😂
I love all these stories! I am waiting for my Italian citizenship to be recognized and hope to make the move as well. Jodie, my great grandparents are from a commune in the Metropolitan of Messina also, I would love to know how you chose to live in Ispica. I would also love to know how you came upon your beautiful apartment in Sicily on FB marketplace? Since watching this video, I am looking and do not see anything posted for Italy. Perhaps I need to be in Italy and not NY? And insight into searching for apartments in Italy on FB MP would be greatly appreciated! I will continue to follow all these amazing Italian adventures!
I LOVE Sicily, and could live in Ortigia very easily. Food is incredible, people lovely, and like the lady from LA said, it’s a magical place. Great video.
The only issues are 1. Healthcare 2. Family. I think moving there half time is ideal. From November thru April. Then come back to New England for May to mid October, get out after leaves fall.
Thanks for sharing! We have an episode on healthcare here if you'd like to learn more www.sentiremedia.com/show/anewlifeinitaly/s2-ep-7-navigating-italian-healthcare-as-an-expat/ . We also have our free annual Move to Italy Bootcamp coming up next week smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
I don't mean to be rude but @1:44 she's in ITALY and ordering basics coffee, pastries, she doesn't; even BOTHER TO greet them in Italian, a simple Salve or buongiorno. Imagine if in America an Italian walked in and just started speaking in Italian??? Or a Spanish person just did what she did, we would look at them like whaaattt?? What's up... It's inconsiderate.
I don't think people in Italy understand how far the United States has fallen. I know many people wanting to move to Italy, and I myself will be there. The U.S. has suffered a complete corporate takeover of the food, which is all poison, and the medicine, which is more poison. People are trying to escape. And I don't say that as a joke. People are literally trying to escape and get out of here. Property taxes are insane, and everyone's income is eaten alive by insurance costs, whether health insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance. America is one big scam and everyone is starting to realize it.
Don't think that Italy is a sort of Garden of Eden and all that Dolce Vita nonsense . It's tough living in Italy and the more you go South, the worse it is.
@@strikednI agree. Young Italians are moving out of Italy because of lack of jobs. People in their 20s (or even 30s) have moved back in or are still living with their parents because of high cost of living & housing. If one does not have a source of income (business, pension, etc) then think very hard before moving there.
@@kitty_s23456 in realtà gli italiani lasciano l Italia perché credono che sia la peggio nazione al mondo dove vivere .. soprattutto i giovani.. poi vanno a lavorare a l estero e si rendono conto cosa hanno lasciato e cosa hanno trovato ... E nella maggior parte dei casi ritornano .. in Italia in questo momento credimi c'è una grande richiesta di personale in tutti settori .. dall artigianato a medici infermieri ecc.
I totally understand the single lady from LA.. we loose our parents, no husband, and its a culture.. something unique… and I will travel in southern Italia for awhile… see if its possible. Grazie
Thanks for sharing 💗 If you're considering relocating, our annual Move to Italy bootcamp is just around the corner. You can learn more and sign up here smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
@@smartmoveitaly hey everybody this is how my journey started with Samantha and her Boot Camp it's so it's so complete. She covers everything and she answered so many of my questions I felt secure to go forward and then of course there's a big network of people on her team to help and they really help me every step of the way and actually they're still helping me a year later.
@@smartmoveitaly I have family and friends in Sicily, as well as several friends as in Abruzzo. Had to put our move in hold when Covid hit. I’m now 71 and just not sure. Italy is in my blood.
The summer is almost exactly like the weather in Miami except maybe a tiny bit less humid. The winner is quite a bit cooler than that it gets down to and Fahrenheit 40° some days, but I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the winter. It’s wild. The ocean is crazy and the wind and it’s turtlenecks and boots all the way.
Hi...New subscriber here...I love listening to the stories of people from different parts of the world who have moved to Italy to find property and find their peace...I look forward to the next segment
What a great chapter these ladies have added to their lives! So many people dream of doing this and then don't . . .leaving LA was smart, that city is crazy. The glory days of California are over. Upgrade your life asap.
Sono stata in Sicilia due volte circa 35 anni fa. Ricordo che avevano allora gravi problemi di acqua in estate anche senza cambiamenti climatici. L”isola non avrebbe avuto questo problema se gli acquedotti presenti non fossero stati dei colabrodi con perdite non indifferenti di acqua. L’Italia è sempre stata ricca di acqua grazie alla nostra conformazione montuosa che da vita a numerose sorgenti, ma con l’avanzare del cambiamento climatico dovremmo fare di più.
The ones that can emigrate to Sicily ARE THE RETIRED, there is nothing to do in Sicily as job wise , unless it's summer , you can get a seasonal job, in winter you'll count your pennies if you got them ! 😂😅😅
I live in Italy (Rome) and love Sicily, but could never live there. It is so poor! And services are terrible. Maybe better in Catania and the eastern coast, but life is difficult for many Sicilians and young people leave by the droves.
Everywhere you look in Italy, not just Sicily, you find droves of Americans wanting to live la dolce vita. Have you got any idea how difficult it is here to find a job (even when you have been to university) that pays enough to rent a place, let alone buy one, especially as a young person? Years of political nonsense has affected Italy’s economy badly and it feels we now have to sell out… At the same time, here come the Americans and Northern Europeans for sunshine or to escape their own messed up countries; for them life seems cheap here as especially the US is so very expensive, for us though, on much lower wages, life is becoming unaffordable. Expats buy land and houses driving prices up further and further. People retire here on fat pensions, CZcamsrs and influencers settle boasting about their travels, their life styles, their bargain houses. And who does the jobs that keep society going like teaching, nursing, etc? The ones that end up poor! It’s a disgrace. Social injustice and modern colonialism, and this channel contributes to it.
In Italy you can purchase private insurance (not too expensive) and skip the lines, but overall most Italians earn very little vs. the US and have to rely on public hospitals which are terrible. And as another poster pointed out, Italy will soon become a country of retired expats and older people which is not good for any country's future. Young people have a limited opportunities here and immigrate to the EU and even the US. As for Sicily - a place I love and visit often- the reality is that it is very poor and services are subpar (garbage, roads, etc.). Yes, Ortigia Island is spectacular, but cross the bridge and go outside the island and Siracusa is another world - poor, dirty and not very welcoming. I live in Italy and love it here, but those of us who are expats live in another world and probably in neighborhoods where wealthier or better off Italians live, so we're not exposed to the reality of what life here is really like. Thankfully, I have Italian friends who keep me grounded.
I left the USA in my twenties. Moved to Europe. Completely divorced myself from the uncultured, consumerism American mindset. Best decision of my life!
Yikes the palazzo is super huge! Like for a huge family and not for a couple or family of 4! Thank you for sharing the price; hardly anyone does. Ohh you e both obviously done well if you have 500 k to buy/renovate this bello palazzo!
Hi Jen & Matt I am an electrician renovating old houses in Sicily that expats have purchased. I also ama Construction Project Manager. If you need any help , let me know. Cheers Buona fortuna 👍
income requirements to get a visa to live there are too high for most that want an affordable place. I would LOVE to live there. But no way to qualify.
@@mrfivebyfive87 Do you know how many abandoned houses are all over Italy right now? The head of the municipalities are begging people from all over the world to come to buy them. The people are happy their houses are being renovated, restored, which make their neighborhoods look much better. They are giving those houses away for 1 euro. People from America, Canada, Europe, Australia (many) are the ones buying them. They also have something they called '' premium houses'' they sell from 500 euros up to 20,000 euros. Those houses are ready to move in. You made a comment generalizing. Your comment is not based on facts about Italy. Your comment is some nice words out together.
@@VictoriaWhitbeck How do you know? You don’t live here! Second home ownership is not really what we need. We need full time residents who work here, pay tax and become part of a productive society. The government has created all these schemes because they don’t want to spend any money, neither on doing things up nor on improving infrastructure. This doesn’t mean these schemes benefit “normal” Italians in the long run; quite the opposite actually.
Why can't English speaking people learn how to pronounce the O in Italian words. PLEASE listen how Italians pronounce it. It's the very first giveaway that you are foreign, apart from the way you dress 😂. Please 🙏 don't pronounce that o as O. It's gentle ,it's subtle. The best way to learn a language is to LISTEN !!!
The Climate Crisis is a major concern for Sicilia. More communities are on water rationing and Ag is suffering greatly. What did the Provincial government say about central parts of the Island by 2030?
Exactly. Desertification is a concern not just for Sicily but for the whole Italian peninsula. Unfortunately, many foreigners it seems, have only romantic fantasies about living in Italy and fail to do their due diligence. Our civilisation has mined instead of curated the Garden of Eden, in its relentless unconscious pursuit of wealth, totally detached from nature. Nature is fighting back as it seeks balance, which of course means depopulation. Unless there is some miracle, Sicily is right on track to become a deserted island.
@@yvanapantino273 I'm always surprized how even today with easy access to any kind of information, foreigners still have this fake romantic idea about Sicily. Just wait till they'll be there in Summer....
@@yvanapantino273 People are simply deluded. Instead of looking for any real information, they believe what wealthy retired folks, content creators, so-called homesteaders, van lifers, digital nomads and influencers tell them - the curse of social media. Sicily already has such problems with the effects of climate change. And it’s not going to get better. Yet, millions of tourists come, waste water, waste electricity, cause pollution searching for what they could consume next in the name of la dolce vita.
I can't believe how America can make people forget about where they come from. Most immigrants come to America and never look back, thinking they found the best, until it's too late..I was working in an hospital in the Oncology department. I met this Italian man 68 yrs old, and his adult son 32 years old. He was dying with cancer and he was crying. He told me when he arrived in America young, he married a white American woman who never wanted to go visit Italy with him Each time he wanted to go, she would discourage him. So, his two sons never been to Italy. He never returned in 40 years. He said, he lost contact with his brothers, sisters, he was told his parents have passed away. He said he finally forced his wife to go. When the wife arrive in Italy, she was very critical, comparing everything to the US. He didn't bring his two sons. So, that was before his parents died. So, in 40 years, he went once, and it was longtime ago
Ciao! To exceed a 90 day stay in Italy, without EU citizenship, one must have a visa. The ERV and Investor Visas are popular routes. You can learn more here smartmoveitaly.com/visa22
Citizenship through descent is a popular route if you have an Italian ancestor who qualifies. We have a free quiz and info on case types on our site here smartmoveitaly.com/citizenship
Our Move to Italy Bootcamp that begins today discusses cost of living and how to save in taxes. You can sign up here smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp and if you're not free at 1 pm et - replays will also be available for a few days.
Ciao Teri! Your local Italian consulate should have a page with requirements and details on moving with pets. Here is LA's for example -- conslosangeles.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/altri-servizi/pets-to-italy/#:~:text=Pets%20can%20enter%20Italy%20only,days%20prior%20the%20departure%20date.
We have a podcast episode on language learning we think you'll enjoy! Here it is: www.sentiremedia.com/show/anewlifeinitaly/la-dolce-lingua-boosting-confidence-in-your-language-journey/
There isn't a limit on generations, as long as the Italian ancestor didn't naturalize before the next-in line was born. You can learn more about case types here and set up a free call with our team if interested in assistance smartmoveitaly.com/citizenship
Everything is better if you speak the language! Matt and I (featured in the video) have been studying for two years. We aren’t fluent yet but we can get by in full Italian. It is part of the reason that we wanted to move to Italy, to immerse ourselves in the language. 😊
Moving with a visa / claiming residency is another route to exceed the 90 days without EU citizenship. You can learn more here smartmoveitaly.com/visa22 . We also have our free annual Move to Italy Bootcamp coming up smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
Living your retirement years in a country that is not yours, completely deprived of your roots, immersed in a different culture, in relationship with a language whose nuances you will never understand and far from your loved ones and friends of all life, is absolutely one of the most infinitely sad things a man can do. I pity those who make this unfortunate choice.
Totally agree with you. We moved from Sicily to Australia when we were in our early 30s and we have no family here. It has been as you said, isolating and a little sad, especially for our children. However, we have never forgotten the reasons either that we made the move overseas, when we were young enough. I would never recommend anyone of retirement age with no family ties to Italy, move permanently.
It depends on what you leave behind. Some people don’t have much of a life where they live and that is why they choose to find a better life elsewhere. Italy is one of the nicest countries in europe, culture, climate, landscape, nature, food, everything. Italy is an immensilely beautiful country and that is why so many people want to live there. They don’t move there because they have to. They chose to do it. What if you don’t have friends, family etc? Then why stay if the life you have where you are is not a happy one? One could absolutely find a happier and better life just by changing location and environment. I would absolutely not want to live in America. I don’t understand why someone would want to live there. Italy though, YES absolutely.
@@AndreasC81 Sounds like escapism to me. Italy is fraught with problems, which is why we left our home country, but of course, Italy is marketed to 'clients' as all the wonderful things you mentioned. The negatives which are significant, are ignored. e.g. the whole peninsula and the islands, are drying out due to climate change. Sicily's biggest water catchment Enna, is bone dry and there are no desalination plants in operation bc they are financially unviable. There goes your water and food security but you can get a cheap house.
Dreaming of life in Italy but feeling overwhelmed by the details? 🇮🇹✨ Take the first step with our Free Move to Italy Bootcamp and turn your dream into reality!
👉 Secure your spot now: www.smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
No property tax or HOA fees, lovely scenery, fresh produce, The sea, friendly people, affordable housing.
Jenn and Matt must start a CZcams Channel that will help them pay for the renovations for their Palazzo. I'd love to follow the restoration. Many restoration channels have DIY but I'd be so down to water the renovations with the professional contractors. The CZcams and Patreon they can start would help pay for a fresco artist to redo their ceilings. It would be dreamy to follow them. I so hope they think about it!!!
Sono sicuro che quei meravigliosi affreschi debbano essere restaurati da attenti professionisti.
Sarebbe un grosso peccato rovinarli.
Credo che anche le autorità Italiane e della regione Sicilia possano mettere a disposizione dei soldi per i restauri che abbiano un valore Storico/artistico, ma purtroppo la burocrazia è complessa e i soldi sono sempre troppo pochi!😢
Would love to see more of Jenn and Matt. You so deserve that palazzo. I feel you will be good for her ❤
I’m also in the middle of organizing my move to Sardegna, Italy! I can’t wait to live back in Europe again!
Amazing. Sardegna is one of my favorite places on the planet.
These stories are great. I love it! I studied in Italy in grad school and have been dreaming of going back ever since. ❤❤❤
Ooooh what was your specific area of study! What a great big lovely subject!!!
You should!
I can not wait to see what Jenn and Matt do with the palazzo.
I live in Viterbo, Italy. I have lived in many places in Italy, from Sicily to Lombardy and I have found a perfect balance here.
Thanks for sharing! We're so happy to hear it.
How is the medical care ?
@@LuchSveta1 My experience has been quite good.
Sicily is awesome, but not like Italy at all. The driving is insane, I'm Romanian and I thought it was truly on another level of aggression. The outskirts of Catania were beyond comprehension... Like I've seen ghettos, but this is truly insane...literal mini mountains of trash between buildings, I don't understand how that's possible. However, the smaller cities are such a gem, it's crazy, no one cares about what you think of them, this is how they do it. The food was, is, absolutely phenomenal... Best pasta, fish everything... Truly for the locals, meaning so good they come back again and again. I ordered house wine, half litre, and it was one of the best white wines I've ever had in my life... Trust me, I've had wine, I've been everywhere... Sicily is another country, go there knowing they are not trying to impress you, it's so raw, so real, so good!
Great insight and thanks foe posting!
Driving is crazy all over the Mediterranean, not just in Sicily.
And, what exactly do you mean, but not like Italy? You obviously don't know Naples, or other southern cities.
Montagne di spazzatura tra i palazzi? Grazie agli arricchitori culturali.
@@fleur5397 Però sono risorse boldriniane. Ci pagheranno le pensioni!
Because these ancient homes have been bought to be restored it will generate ancient arts such as fresco painting, plasterers with true skills and builders who will generate the old ways. Love thstQ
Heading to LeMarche in 2 weeks time to drive all over the region while staying at an Agriturismo. Have a few more years before retirement , but Italy is definitely no.1 on my list and I will be contacting you then. Currently in California, Santa Cruz.
Sounds amazing! Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful trip. Our free annual bootcamp is coming up if you'd like to join, here's the link smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
I'm from le Marche, if u need advice reach out.
I applaud the first lady who tells her story. She said that she doesn't have family, and I wonder if she ever feels alone in Sicily? Has she found a "chosen family"?
I thinking probably so at times. These big European cities can feel lonely often as beautiful and cultural as they are. That's why I would choose areas with more open outdoor walking spaces. But that's just me.
There are expat/migrant groups that are easily found on fb if you need friends, plus Italians are mostly welcoming.
She is awesome. I hope she gets a nice group of friends
I adore the blue colors in the palazzo. So soothing. And I hope you do CZcams videos of the rehabilitation. 💙
Wonderful and exciting stories of adventure. My only reservation is that Sicily is 70% desertified. It has been in the grip of worsening drought at least since the 1970s when my family lived there. We had to put up with Palermo's water cut off daily in summer from 7 a.m to 6 p.m. Unfortunately, politicians and the bureaucracy continue to kick the can down the road and have done very little to tackle drought or secure water for the island. The result is today, many farmers are at their wits end and feel they will be forced to abandon their land as they lose their livelihoods. In some places it hasn't rained for 14 months. While Sicily is a romantic destination, ppl should be prepared to face a long term future of the possibility that water will exceed the price of gold which will also push up prices for food.
Many places in the world are suffering and limited water, and the world will be w/o water..eventually. I tried Mexico…with no guarantee of water. All trucked in.
@@bonnyvondolores2647 Water has been trucked in for the last 40 -50 years, so we are not talking about limited water in Sicily, but zero water right now. Recently in Canicatti and Agrigento water was turned off completely for 22 days and when it returned, it was dirty non potable water. Enna is Sicily's biggest water catchment and it's bone dry. Water desalination was tried in Sicily in the 70s when I lived in Palermo and abandoned bc of cost and the fact that desalination plants have a short lifespan of only 3-4 years plus, they cannot produce more than 100 litres of water per second, a pittance compared to what is needed. So desalination is not a viable solution. I don't know where you think water can be trucked in from? Forget about other parts of Italy. Everyone is in the same boat as the whole Italian peninsula is turning into a desert. That includes the Alpine areas in the north. The peninsula is experiencing 77% less rainfall and snow melt than previously.
@@yvanapantino273 Americans do not seem (or want) to understand this. Good luck with their fake Sicilian dream...
move to Canada..lots of water there
@@bonnyvondolores2647 Mexico City?
Sicily is 10x times better than anything in the US. Yes you will have a lower salary but if you’re already retired or can work from home who cares.
Each story was amazing! Congratulations to all of them! ❤😊
Thanks so much!
@@smartmoveitaly You're most welcome! 😊
People should at least learn the language of whatever nation they choose to move to before doing so. Don’t expect the natives to understand you.
Language learning is definitely an important aspect of relocating. We have a podcast episode about learning Italian, you can listen here www.sentiremedia.com/show/anewlifeinitaly/la-dolce-lingua-boosting-confidence-in-your-language-journey/
I can't learn a language until I immerse, so I disagree about learning the language first. I learn how to order food at the deli in Italy by practicing daily. Immersing is great, and if you try, use google translate etc. you can get by just fine. People were awesome to me. I travel alone, and had an awesome time.
Don't forget this is Italy, you will learn the language, Italians are very happy when somebody tries Italian and will help you in any ways. And we have gestures! 😂
The first woman walking in speaking ENGLISH in ITALY...FOR SIMPLE THINGS, I was floored, beyond RUDE.
@@LisaMQuinn omg you can learn good morning, I'd like a coffee it's nto that hard, just he basics thank you, your welcome, it's sunny...
I love all these stories! I am waiting for my Italian citizenship to be recognized and hope to make the move as well. Jodie, my great grandparents are from a commune in the Metropolitan of Messina also, I would love to know how you chose to live in Ispica. I would also love to know how you came upon your beautiful apartment in Sicily on FB marketplace? Since watching this video, I am looking and do not see anything posted for Italy. Perhaps I need to be in Italy and not NY? And insight into searching for apartments in Italy on FB MP would be greatly appreciated! I will continue to follow all these amazing Italian adventures!
Incredible palazzo, would love updates on their progress and journey ❤
Thanks! They actually have a YT channel, you can tag along here www.youtube.com/@OurPlaceinSicily
I LOVE Sicily, and could live in Ortigia very easily. Food is incredible, people lovely, and like the lady from LA said, it’s a magical place.
Great video.
Thanks so much! We love Ortigia too.
The only issues are 1. Healthcare 2. Family. I think moving there half time is ideal. From November thru April. Then come back to New England for May to mid October, get out after leaves fall.
Thanks for sharing! We have an episode on healthcare here if you'd like to learn more www.sentiremedia.com/show/anewlifeinitaly/s2-ep-7-navigating-italian-healthcare-as-an-expat/ . We also have our free annual Move to Italy Bootcamp coming up next week smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
I don't mean to be rude but @1:44 she's in ITALY and ordering basics coffee, pastries, she doesn't; even BOTHER TO greet them in Italian, a simple Salve or buongiorno. Imagine if in America an Italian walked in and just started speaking in Italian??? Or a Spanish person just did what she did, we would look at them like whaaattt?? What's up... It's inconsiderate.
I don't think people in Italy understand how far the United States has fallen. I know many people wanting to move to Italy, and I myself will be there. The U.S. has suffered a complete corporate takeover of the food, which is all poison, and the medicine, which is more poison. People are trying to escape. And I don't say that as a joke. People are literally trying to escape and get out of here. Property taxes are insane, and everyone's income is eaten alive by insurance costs, whether health insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance. America is one big scam and everyone is starting to realize it.
Don't think that Italy is a sort of Garden of Eden and all that Dolce Vita nonsense . It's tough living in Italy and the more you go South, the worse it is.
@@strikednI agree. Young Italians are moving out of Italy because of lack of jobs. People in their 20s (or even 30s) have moved back in or are still living with their parents because of high cost of living & housing. If one does not have a source of income (business, pension, etc) then think very hard before moving there.
Perfectly said.
You are so correct on America. They are my exact sentiments because I live in Texas.
@@kitty_s23456 in realtà gli italiani lasciano l Italia perché credono che sia la peggio nazione al mondo dove vivere .. soprattutto i giovani.. poi vanno a lavorare a l estero e si rendono conto cosa hanno lasciato e cosa hanno trovato ... E nella maggior parte dei casi ritornano .. in Italia in questo momento credimi c'è una grande richiesta di personale in tutti settori .. dall artigianato a medici infermieri ecc.
I totally understand the single lady from LA.. we loose our parents, no husband, and its a culture.. something unique… and I will travel in southern Italia for awhile… see if its possible. Grazie
Thanks for sharing 💗 If you're considering relocating, our annual Move to Italy bootcamp is just around the corner. You can learn more and sign up here smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
Best town in Sicily is Marsala. Lots of really good properties for sale in the city centre.
Thanks for sharing!!
CIAO! Great video! We know and love the people you interviewed! We are both from Boston area:)
Ciao! How are you two doing!?! We need a Boston reunion! Lol
So cool!
Island living on an island off the coast of the island of Sicily!!! ❤WoW
Hi, I’m considering moving it to Italy and I would love and appreciate any advice you could give
Ciao! Our free annual bootcamp is just around the corner, we'd definitely recommend it. You can sign up here smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
@@smartmoveitaly hey everybody this is how my journey started with Samantha and her Boot Camp it's so it's so complete. She covers everything and she answered so many of my questions I felt secure to go forward and then of course there's a big network of people on her team to help and they really help me every step of the way and actually they're still helping me a year later.
@@user-gl1jp5pe3nI will try to contact her my dream is to living in Italy
It would be interesting to know how they tolerate the weather
Yes it's super hot everywhere, but Sicily can be over the top sometimes.
@@smartmoveitaly I have family and friends in Sicily, as well as several friends as in Abruzzo.
Had to put our move in hold when Covid hit. I’m now 71 and just not sure. Italy is in my blood.
America is hotter than Sicily, just but AC
The summer is almost exactly like the weather in Miami except maybe a tiny bit less humid. The winner is quite a bit cooler than that it gets down to and Fahrenheit 40° some days, but I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the winter. It’s wild. The ocean is crazy and the wind and it’s turtlenecks and boots all the way.
*Winter
id love to do this with my little kids, makes it a lot more difficult, but we left canada for mexico, has been good. housing very affordable in italy
Thanks for sharing! Glad you've been enjoying Mexico.
Great stories! Would love to hear more
Hi...New subscriber here...I love listening to the stories of people from different parts of the world who have moved to Italy to find property and find their peace...I look forward to the next segment
Thanks so much! 😊
Questa è la gente che vogliamo in Italia...grazie per aver scelto la Sicilia
it is nice to see this nice lady wearing a rosary :) God bless you 🥰
What a great chapter these ladies have added to their lives! So many people dream of doing this and then don't . . .leaving LA was smart, that city is crazy. The glory days of California are over. Upgrade your life asap.
Beautiful video, amazing stories.
Thanks!!
one day one day ..... I would love to move there.....
We hope you do!! Our free annaul Move to Italy bootcamp is just a few weeks away, if you'd like to join smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
Im Italian born in Tuscany now i live in Seattle from 20 years but South Italy good place to move in welll my best wish for you Ciao.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy Seattle!!
Just wait till Summer arrives in Sicliy, No water, drought, stifling heat, no garbage collection. Good luck.
Sono stata in Sicilia due volte circa 35 anni fa. Ricordo che avevano allora gravi problemi di acqua in estate anche senza cambiamenti climatici. L”isola non avrebbe avuto questo problema se gli acquedotti presenti non fossero stati dei colabrodi con perdite non indifferenti di acqua. L’Italia è sempre stata ricca di acqua grazie alla nostra conformazione montuosa che da vita a numerose sorgenti, ma con l’avanzare del cambiamento climatico dovremmo fare di più.
The ones that can emigrate to Sicily ARE THE RETIRED, there is nothing to do in Sicily as job wise , unless it's summer , you can get a seasonal job, in winter you'll count your pennies if you got them ! 😂😅😅
I live in Italy (Rome) and love Sicily, but could never live there. It is so poor! And services are terrible. Maybe better in Catania and the eastern coast, but life is difficult for many Sicilians and young people leave by the droves.
Wonderful video
Welcome! 🥂
Thanks!!
interesting..americans can travel anywhere but difficult to live in america..
Everywhere you look in Italy, not just Sicily, you find droves of Americans wanting to live la dolce vita. Have you got any idea how difficult it is here to find a job (even when you have been to university) that pays enough to rent a place, let alone buy one, especially as a young person? Years of political nonsense has affected Italy’s economy badly and it feels we now have to sell out… At the same time, here come the Americans and Northern Europeans for sunshine or to escape their own messed up countries; for them life seems cheap here as especially the US is so very expensive, for us though, on much lower wages, life is becoming unaffordable. Expats buy land and houses driving prices up further and further. People retire here on fat pensions, CZcamsrs and influencers settle boasting about their travels, their life styles, their bargain houses. And who does the jobs that keep society going like teaching, nursing, etc? The ones that end up poor! It’s a disgrace. Social injustice and modern colonialism, and this channel contributes to it.
I agree with you, I lived here as a teacher and thought this.
Totally agree. Expats (myself included) live in another Italy which is why I sort of get upset when I see these videos.
Everything is dreamy until urgent surgery for a broken hip is needed and the wait is 2 weeks and
People perish in the er corridor
Too much fantasy by reading eat pray love...the first 2 people don't look acclimated
In Italy you can purchase private insurance (not too expensive) and skip the lines, but overall most Italians earn very little vs. the US and have to rely on public hospitals which are terrible. And as another poster pointed out, Italy will soon become a country of retired expats and older people which is not good for any country's future. Young people have a limited opportunities here and immigrate to the EU and even the US. As for Sicily - a place I love and visit often- the reality is that it is very poor and services are subpar (garbage, roads, etc.). Yes, Ortigia Island is spectacular, but cross the bridge and go outside the island and Siracusa is another world - poor, dirty and not very welcoming. I live in Italy and love it here, but those of us who are expats live in another world and probably in neighborhoods where wealthier or better off Italians live, so we're not exposed to the reality of what life here is really like. Thankfully, I have Italian friends who keep me grounded.
I work in Sicily…I just left but I’ll be back in January. Let’s meet for a coffee.
I left the USA in my twenties. Moved to Europe. Completely divorced myself from the uncultured, consumerism American mindset.
Best decision of my life!
I rent an apartment in Portugal, and my landlady is from Milan. She chooses Portugal because it's cheaper, but housing is expensive.
Enjoy Portugal!
Yikes the palazzo is super huge! Like for a huge family and not for a couple or family of 4! Thank you for sharing the price; hardly anyone does. Ohh you e both obviously done well if you have 500 k to buy/renovate this bello palazzo!
Hi Jen & Matt
I am an electrician renovating old houses in Sicily that expats have purchased. I also ama Construction Project Manager.
If you need any help , let me know. Cheers
Buona fortuna 👍
income requirements to get a visa to live there are too high for most that want an affordable place. I would LOVE to live there. But no way to qualify.
Thanks for sharing! Do you have Italian ancestors to pursue citizenship through descent? Or have you considered a self employment visa?
@@smartmoveitaly no Italians in my geneology.. I am 61 and will have SS. No self employment..
Beautiful video and beautiful lady's thank you .!
I am going to Italy in October. I am planning to buy a home to renovate and live in part time
Sounds amazing. Wishing you safe travels and happy house hunting!
@@smartmoveitaly Thanks
This means you price out the locals for a house you wouldn't even live in. I don't think this is ethical.
@@mrfivebyfive87 Do you know how many abandoned houses are all over Italy right now? The head of the municipalities are begging people from all over the world to come to buy them. The people are happy their houses are being renovated, restored, which make their neighborhoods look much better. They are giving those houses away for 1 euro. People from America, Canada, Europe, Australia (many) are the ones buying them. They also have something they called '' premium houses'' they sell from 500 euros up to 20,000 euros. Those houses are ready to move in. You made a comment generalizing. Your comment is not based on facts about Italy. Your comment is some nice words out together.
@@VictoriaWhitbeck How do you know? You don’t live here! Second home ownership is not really what we need. We need full time residents who work here, pay tax and become part of a productive society. The government has created all these schemes because they don’t want to spend any money, neither on doing things up nor on improving infrastructure. This doesn’t mean these schemes benefit “normal” Italians in the long run; quite the opposite actually.
Why can't English speaking people learn how to pronounce the O in Italian words. PLEASE listen how Italians pronounce it. It's the very first giveaway that you are foreign, apart from the way you dress 😂. Please 🙏 don't pronounce that o as O. It's gentle ,it's subtle. The best way to learn a language is to LISTEN !!!
" just a small matter of getting my visa...." -> means you either have to have money, be going to school or be a EU national...
The Climate Crisis is a major concern for Sicilia.
More communities are on water rationing and Ag is suffering greatly.
What did the Provincial government say about central parts of the Island by 2030?
Exactly. Desertification is a concern not just for Sicily but for the whole Italian peninsula. Unfortunately, many foreigners it seems, have only romantic fantasies about living in Italy and fail to do their due diligence. Our civilisation has mined instead of curated the Garden of Eden, in its relentless unconscious pursuit of wealth, totally detached from nature. Nature is fighting back as it seeks balance, which of course means depopulation. Unless there is some miracle, Sicily is right on track to become a deserted island.
@@yvanapantino273 I'm always surprized how even today with easy access to any kind of information, foreigners still have this fake romantic idea about Sicily. Just wait till they'll be there in Summer....
@@yvanapantino273 People are simply deluded. Instead of looking for any real information, they believe what wealthy retired folks, content creators, so-called homesteaders, van lifers, digital nomads and influencers tell them - the curse of social media. Sicily already has such problems with the effects of climate change. And it’s not going to get better. Yet, millions of tourists come, waste water, waste electricity, cause pollution searching for what they could consume next in the name of la dolce vita.
I can't believe how America can make people forget about where they come from. Most immigrants come to America and never look back, thinking they found the best, until it's too late..I was working in an hospital in the Oncology department. I met this Italian man 68 yrs old, and his adult son 32 years old. He was dying with cancer and he was crying. He told me when he arrived in America young, he married a white American woman who never wanted to go visit Italy with him
Each time he wanted to go, she would discourage him. So, his two sons never been to Italy. He never returned in 40 years. He said, he lost contact with his brothers, sisters, he was told his parents have passed away. He said he finally forced his wife to go. When the wife arrive in Italy, she was very critical, comparing everything to the US. He didn't bring his two sons. So, that was before his parents died. So, in 40 years, he went once, and it was longtime ago
Italians are white - Italy is in EUROPE.
Hello, how can an American pensioner with a small pension stay legally in Italy after 90 days? Thank you.
Ciao! To exceed a 90 day stay in Italy, without EU citizenship, one must have a visa. The ERV and Investor Visas are popular routes. You can learn more here smartmoveitaly.com/visa22
@@smartmoveitaly Thank you
How did these people manage to gain citizenship?
Citizenship through descent is a popular route if you have an Italian ancestor who qualifies. We have a free quiz and info on case types on our site here smartmoveitaly.com/citizenship
Widh I could afford it. Any ideas out there?
Our Move to Italy Bootcamp that begins today discusses cost of living and how to save in taxes. You can sign up here smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp and if you're not free at 1 pm et - replays will also be available for a few days.
I need to know how I can bring my big dog.
Ciao Teri! Your local Italian consulate should have a page with requirements and details on moving with pets. Here is LA's for example -- conslosangeles.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/altri-servizi/pets-to-italy/#:~:text=Pets%20can%20enter%20Italy%20only,days%20prior%20the%20departure%20date.
She moved at 15???
What would be the best way to learn the language quickly?
If you want to learn to speak Italian quickly, use the immersion method i.e. go to a small town where nobody speaks English.
We have a podcast episode on language learning we think you'll enjoy! Here it is: www.sentiremedia.com/show/anewlifeinitaly/la-dolce-lingua-boosting-confidence-in-your-language-journey/
lovely
Thanks!
How do I get my vista
We have a free visa guide you can start with here smartmoveitaly.com/visa22
How did this lady got the citizenship in Sicily ? Only grandchildren , not grand grandchildren can get it .
There isn't a limit on generations, as long as the Italian ancestor didn't naturalize before the next-in line was born. You can learn more about case types here and set up a free call with our team if interested in assistance smartmoveitaly.com/citizenship
Do these people do anything but eat out!
It’s a fairy tale!
No wonder I was being teased about not being able to cook. This is why...all people live to eat but do not want to acclimate.
The new imperialism is the old imperialism 👁️🏦🇺🇸
How can you be comfortable there without the language?
Everything is better if you speak the language! Matt and I (featured in the video) have been studying for two years. We aren’t fluent yet but we can get by in full Italian. It is part of the reason that we wanted to move to Italy, to immerse ourselves in the language. 😊
@@OurPlaceinSicily An excellent reason to move. Se fossi piu' giovane (anche mio marito che ha 10 anni piu' di me), lo farei anch'io.
Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work! 👏👏
What happened to the american dream ? 😂😂
Only issue is as an American you can only stay for 3 months at a time. European Union can stay forever
this is about people moving there permanently. Once you declare residency you can stay.
@@marguerite928 I was told it doesn’t work that way. I hope it does
Moving with a visa / claiming residency is another route to exceed the 90 days without EU citizenship. You can learn more here smartmoveitaly.com/visa22 . We also have our free annual Move to Italy Bootcamp coming up smartmoveitaly.com/themovetoitalybootcamp
Horrible beaches
Must be nice being rich.
Living your retirement years in a country that is not yours, completely deprived of your roots, immersed in a different culture, in relationship with a language whose nuances you will never understand and far from your loved ones and friends of all life, is absolutely one of the most infinitely sad things a man can do. I pity those who make this unfortunate choice.
An Italian point of view
Totally agree with you. We moved from Sicily to Australia when we were in our early 30s and we have no family here. It has been as you said, isolating and a little sad, especially for our children. However, we have never forgotten the reasons either that we made the move overseas, when we were young enough. I would never recommend anyone of retirement age with no family ties to Italy, move permanently.
It depends on what you leave behind. Some people don’t have much of a life where they live and that is why they choose to find a better life elsewhere. Italy is one of the nicest countries in europe, culture, climate, landscape, nature, food, everything. Italy is an immensilely beautiful country and that is why so many people want to live there. They don’t move there because they have to. They chose to do it.
What if you don’t have friends, family etc? Then why stay if the life you have where you are is not a happy one? One could absolutely find a happier and better life just by changing location and environment.
I would absolutely not want to live in America. I don’t understand why someone would want to live there. Italy though, YES absolutely.
@@AndreasC81 Sounds like escapism to me. Italy is fraught with problems, which is why we left our home country, but of course, Italy is marketed to 'clients' as all the wonderful things you mentioned. The negatives which are significant, are ignored. e.g. the whole peninsula and the islands, are drying out due to climate change. Sicily's biggest water catchment Enna, is bone dry and there are no desalination plants in operation bc they are financially unviable. There goes your water and food security but you can get a cheap house.
Try milk, not vinegar in your cheerios.