Why I LEFT the USA and Moved to Italy!

[@janmiller3926]

Brad, this really is a terrific summary of why we just bought a place in Montecastrilli, Terni. We are a retired couple from Massachusetts and have visited Italy many times, most recently for three months. Currently, doing 90 in/90 out but will apply for a resident visa soon. Thank you for all the information you have shared.

[@BradsWorld]

My pleasure!! 💪🏼🇮🇹❤️

[@fredfonebone5108]

I’d add one more reason for abandoning the country I grew up in and love: the chemical crap that passes for food. I was raised in apple growing country in Washington. The fruit used to be wondrous. Now, the apples are so dry and tasteless and loaded with chemical preservatives, I can’t even look at them.

[@dlross173]

Whenever I leave this country, I come back with weight loss. The food here is fattening, has tons of preservatives and food coloring, lots of chemicals, and are GMOs. I'm so over this.

[@BradsWorld]

I dropped my cholesterol by 40 points when I moved here. The ingredients on a bag of chips here in Italy reads: Potatoes, salt, Olive Oil. Period. No Hydrogenated this and that.

[@jitterygoat49r]

Thank you, Fred. This is the first time I've seen someone mention the 'food' in the U.S. You nailed it. The chemicals added to our food makes me very angry, to put it mildly. Profit over our health is the name of the game with food conglomerates like Cargill, etc. It's no wonder so many people have cancer in this screwed up country.

[@falbamonte]

Just to give an example. The Ingredients in the Nutella in the Usa are crap, the same Nutella in Italy has less and better ingredients. The USA food industry and lack of regulations are poisoning people.

[@londonbabe2467]

Just like tomatoes, Oranges , Apples and all types of foods here in the UK.

[@Myhappyplace65]

Brad & Olivia. What can I say! This is an extremely valuable video for those of us wanting more of life. Just got back from Italy and I am already ready to go back. Everything you said is 100% true. I already bought a small property in Southern Italy but next year will be looking up in your area and I know who to go to for this. Your connections and guidance is extremely helpful. Thank you for what you do. LIKE + SHARE every time. 🤩God bless you and Olivia

[@DADVICETV]

Congrats! Our move to Italy will happen in late 2031. I grew up in Europe and loved it and that is where we will retire to enjoy the time we have left.

[@dorinatudisco1308]

Thanks, Brad. Your video was inspiring. I’m 59 now about 2 years out from retiring at 61 in the US. I’m grappling with will I have enough saved. I’m very drawn to moving abroad to Italy for many of the reasons you mention. Plus, my husband is Italian (born in London) and I’m half Italian. In the next 2 years, we may take the leap like you did. It’s why I educate myself with these videos. Your budget is shockingly low!

[@BradsWorld]

Make some extended trips if you can to make sure you like it it’s a little different living here versus visiting. But you’ll certainly be able to live a better life here on whatever money you have versus there. Just don’t try to live in both at the same time, that’s a recipe for disaster. Take it from me!

[@falbamonte]

@bradsworld Why do you consider it to be a disaster? What about living in 2 places for the first year or so?

[@diamonddave2663]

Preach, man. I enjoyed your videos, and I agree with EVERYTHING you said. My wife and sons are already dual citizens (USA/Italy). We will be moving to Italy after my wife retires and our youngest child finishes high school. We have four in our nuclear family. My wife and I are both in our 50s. She a is a cancer survivor, and my own health has been hammered hard by 35+years of overwork in a job where I sat for 10+ hours a day developing software. Our youngest of two sons has autism and is still in high school. He has some health problems that require regular expensive visits to doctors and specialists. Our oldest son recently got his bachelor's degree which was paid for by scholarships. Our home mortgage in the USA is paid for, thankfully. I recently retired early and my wife is a few years away from doing the same. With each passing day, we grow closer and closer to leaving the USA and relocating to Italy. We'd probably leave for Italy today, but we know our youngest son must finish high school first and get the best affordable education we can provide him and one with a familiar English-speaking curriculum and with him being surrounded by supportive and familiar friends, family, and teachers. Although, to your point about gun violence, every day I have worried about both of my boys being killed at school in mass shootings, which is now the number one killer of kids in the USA. I own firearms, but I know we can do better as a country to stop these mass shootings from happening. Italy has 8 million guns and numerous gun owners like me, but they also have reasonable gun laws that have helped prevent them from ever having ANY mass shootings in schools. (Here's a good article to read: www.rd.com/article/italy-gun-culture/#:~:text=Italians%20own%20an%20estimated%208.6,Not%20one.) As you alluded, life is too short, and it can change on a dime. I have always known that, but my wife beating cancer reinforced that harsh reality. I refuse to live forever by the USA's misguided notion that you have to work yourself to death in your late 60s while, all along the way to your death, you are physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially beaten down by insanely overpriced privatized health care costs as wells as very costly expenses for property, food, education, and other basic goods and services. The corporate oligarchs and corporations are crushing most people in the USA with their greed. Deep down, I think each person, regardless of political party affiliation, knows this. None of us would advocate murder, but I think the UHC CEO shooting has somehow managed to revive the necessary public discussion about just how often private health insurance companies screw us over by denying care, causing thousands of deaths each year, and by charging us insanely high costs for premiums, co-insurance, co-pays, and deductibles. EVERY YEAR, our family spends about $15,000 to $20,000 a year for health care in the USA. EVERY YEAR, we pay a cost for private health care that is equivalent to the cost of a decent used car. That's nuts. And Italy has excellent socialized health care options as well as excellent private health care options and even the private health care options are way, way cheaper than the private ones in the USA. I think instead of politicizing our expenses like health care, people in the USA would do well to start thinking of cost of living in simple terms of money coming in and money going out. That would better help them determine where it would be best for them to live the best quality, most affordable lives that they can. Italy has health care as a right written into its constitution. They view it as a human right, a matter of human decency. They not only spend about 9% of their GDP to the USA's 17% GDP on health care costs, but the health care is both low-cost and excellent quality. Typically, in world health care rankings by country, Italy is in the top ten and was even #2 in the world at one point. Compare that to the USA which ranked #37 when Italy ranked #2 and is consistently near the bottom of the list. Plus, Italians live 4 years longer on average due to affordable quality care, less financial stress, and a life-affirming culture. And this isn't because the USA doesn't have great doctors and facilities. They do. It is because people are denied access to care due to insane medical costs and insurance claim denials. Like you, I am thankful to be an America. I am thankful to God for everything, in fact. America is full of wonderful, hard-working, kind people and lots of natural beauty. It has so much potential, and it is filled with the good intentions of its people. But, it's people have been brainwashed by private corporations into thinking socialized single-payer health insurance like Italy's and most of the countries in the civilized world is bad. The reality is that we are being squeezed to the point of suffocation by greedy private corporations and greedy, self-serving politicians from all political parties who serve those corporations and keep us from having a good, affordable quality of life here in the USA. Anyway, I wish you and your wife the best life has left to offer you. You are obviously someone who has lived your life with introspection and intention.

[@bharrison]

Congrats Brad and Oli! Very happy to hear that you have sold your Texas home finally. We are doing the same and have bought in Italy and excited to start the next phase of our lives there. All the best.

[@BradsWorld]

That is awesome! We are happy to get on with our next chapter.

[@josephmarshall7969]

As an Irish immigrant to the US, here 24 years, I appreciate your video. I've started a business, employed people, wound it down when expenses just got out of control and moved on. When I return to Ireland, I see people living well on ⅓ what it takes here in the States. With my EU passport in hand, the South of France is calling to me. Narbonne, baby. All the best with your move.

[@josephmarshall7969]

Like other immigrants have said here, this is no longer the country I moved to years ago.

[@BradsWorld]

I thought about France too BTW. Lots of good available housing and the weather and food! 💪🏼🥳

[@bestgirl1956]

This video really spoke to me. I've been dreaming of moving to Italy for so long. But because I don't have the money I'll never be able to. I love your videos. I live vicariously thru them.

[@BradsWorld]

I’m glad you like them. I wish you could live where you wanted. Maybe you will find a way. I’m trying to add more POV to my videos in 2025, I think it’s important. I hope you like them.

[@laurihines300]

Hi Brad, thank you for another great video. We are in the transitioning stage now where we are alternating three months in the US with three months in our house in Tuscany (Chianni). We have a lot to wrap up in the US, and are also going to sell our current Italy house, so one step at a time. Once we get ourselves, our dogs and our two cats over to Italy, we plan to settle in the suburbs outside of Florence. Buon Natale e Felice Capodanno to you and Oli.

[@BradsWorld]

Sounds great! I wish we had sold our house before moving. We held too long and missed in market top. 🥲 But no looking back. Good idea to close things out. We were lucky to have the world’s best neighbors in Texas looking out for us.

[@laurihines300]

@ I’m glad you sold your house! Must be a relief. We have five houses here to sell because our business is short term rentals similar to you and Oli in Montepulciano. Taking a break over the holidays then back at it. Hopefully we can all meet up sometime when we are in Montepulciano.

[@kikibalser]

Brad, thank you for this video. Every word you said about living in America is true.I don't hate America but I'm exhausted from the inability of this once great country to move forward and change for the better. Truthfully, there isn't any middle in politics anymore. The system is overrun with special interest groups paying our politicians to keep any change from ever occurring. (yes, I live just outside of DC) Our healthcare system will never get better, gun policies will never change, and the only people that get ahead are the people that are born with a leg up. It wasn't always this way. While I was able to work hard enough to get to middle class from a profoundly poor background, my children may never have the same chance to do better than I. I wish I had left the US while my kids were small. They are adults now with their own families. So, I dream of Italy. I watch KZbin channels looking for my "diamond in the rough" house. It's coming.

[@dlross173]

Cio, and good luck! I'm moving to Italia as well! I hope to have the same adventures. I have never been able to buy a house, and I never had the income to do anything much. So I'm now in IT and looking for remote work. As soon as I've secured something tangible that's truly remote, I'm gone. I'm giving it 8 months. I'm sure this will be a good move. I've been planning hard! It's good to see others who are in the same type of head space.

[@BradsWorld]

You can do it! And you’ll be able to live so well and affordable here.

[@dlross173]

@@BradsWorld I saw that farmhouse where you lived with the olive grove and the vineyard (I believe). That was my dream house! It just took me to a place. I want to move south of Florence someplace.... and just live a slow life in a small town where I could learn the language and maybe have some expats within driving distance. I would be ok. :) Good luck in your new life!

[@marrlena947]

Thanks for this video Brad. I left the USA back in 2008. First to France then to Spain, I have been in Spain for 12 years now. It has been the best move I ever made. My budget in Spain is literally ONE TENTH what I paid in the USA. My lifestyle was not extravagant either. The produce is cleaner, higher quality, fresher and excellent. Social life is better. I am in the Andalucian Mountains in a very lively town, festivals and lots of restaurants and bars. Sunny skies almost every day. Wonderful roads, no traffic jams and fabulous views. I guarantee you I will never go back to the USA.

[@BradsWorld]

Glad to hear it! We almost choose Spain. We speak Spanish Fluent so it would have been easy. Something about Italy won out... Glad you are so happy!

[@marrlena947]

@@BradsWorld If I could master Italian then I would be tempted to move to Italy. Spanish is a lot easier for me. Plus I think there's a bit less bureaucracy. I moved to Spain with no bureaucratic delays.

[@DANUSIA11]

Just getting ready to watch - but I already know the answer…….BECAUSE YOU ARE SMART!!! I lived in Italy about 15 yrs ago - after a broken engagement came back to the US - have been miserable- am now organizing to go back!! No life in the US - in Italy the quality is WAY better not to mention EVERYTHING about the culture!!! Thanks for your great videos!! BUON NATALE 💚🤍❤️🎄💚🤍❤️

[@BradsWorld]

To you too and Happy New Year. Hopefully here in Italy for you!

[@michealdagostino6972]

I agree with everything you said brad I live in australia and we have a lot problems here the housing situation is dire rents are very high and scarce to buy its virtually impossible unless you're on a very high wage with both partners working eating out is a luxury groceries are also expensive....I'm lucky because I own my home but I worry about the young generation it's very tough for them ....anyway good luck with everything I'll be following your progress with interest. 🙏

[@BradsWorld]

Sounds good!!

[@brianc.612]

One of your best videos, and I totally agree. It was a so great to meet you in person in Montepulciano and congrats on selling the house! Hope to see you again soon. All the best from NC. Brian and Amy.

[@BradsWorld]

You know where to find us. Thanks for the good review on video. As you can imagine it might strike a nerve on some people.

[@yannip2083]

EXCELLENT video! TOTALLY AGREED with everything you mentioned.

[@BradsWorld]

Much appreciated!

[@Karradwen]

Hi Brad & Olivia, I live in South Texas w/my husband & 4 kitties & for all the reasons you mentioned & more, I feel like I HAVE to get out. Guns have more rights than we & our children, it’s absolute madness! I’m just feeling very overwhelmed & not sure where to even start. In order to afford the move, we 1st have to sell our home & that’s probably where we need to start, duh lol! 😂 I just love Italy & would love to live in the mountains in the north, around Piemonte, but also like northern Abbruzzo & Tuscany. We’re both 61 & have never lived outside of Texas, so feeling a little overwhelmed, I guess is the word. I just know we need a change & Italy is calling to me! TYSM for all your wife & you do, I watch all your videos & really appreciate all the info! Maybe we’ll meet you in the near future, that would be awesome! Ciao🇮🇹

[@BradsWorld]

Sounds good. Carve a little time and get a cat sitter and make a trip over. You can fly for $600/RT if you plan the timing right. Pick cities with good public transport and choose towns that aren’t Florence, Rome and Venice to visit. Good luck. I hope you get here soon even just for a scouting trip!

[@marlashurn8612]

Brad and Olivia, congrats on the sale of your property! I totally agree with every word you said. Life is short and we need to live our best life sooner than later! I’m not far behind you and look forward to enjoying Italy in the near future. Thanks as always for the great video.

[@jayajaya788]

Hi Brad...I love your videos!!! Watching you from New York City!!! Please..say hello to your wife Olivia...Wishing both of you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

[@BradsWorld]

Thank you! Will do!

[@dougstuart8553]

Point by point I agree with everything you have said. I am about a year behind you in making the move.

[@BradsWorld]

Good. We will leave the lights on for you. See you here! 🇮🇹💪🏼🥳

[@jeboccuzzi10]

Congrats Brad. Italy 🇮🇹 is definitely a different vib. Enjoy.

[@snowbirdlady7221]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts in more detail, Brad. Moving to Italy is something I've often thought about and I will be there for an extended trip this spring. Lots of points to consider. Congratulations on the sale of the house. Buon Natale!

[@BradsWorld]

Glad you liked it. And thanks for the congrats.

[@billybythebeach]

Fantastic video and analysis brad.you speak with truth and clarity as always. Love yr vids. Learning so much from u . Thank you sir. Happy holidays to you and oli and family.cheers from Miami

[@BradsWorld]

You are very welcome. Say Hi to MIA. We used to love visiting our friend in Brickell. Now she lives here in Tuscany.

[@billybythebeach]

@ hahaha!! Id trade ocean drive for Tuscany anyday!! Keep safe and happy holidays:)

[@falbamonte]

🇮🇹One more thing: In regard to food quality ( compared with most american low quality food), the Italian government protect its citizens with the NAS (Nuclei Antisofisticazione e Sanità) are a special unit of the Italian Carabinieri, established to ensure public health protection. They are responsible for preventing and repressing food fraud, the adulteration of food and pharmaceutical products, as well as monitoring health and environmental safety. Their activities include: • Inspections of restaurants, supermarkets, food, and pharmaceutical industries. • Verifying compliance with hygiene and health regulations in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. • Investigating counterfeit or dangerous products that may pose risks to public health. Their work is essential to ensure the safety and quality of consumer goods and healthcare services in Italy.

[@BradsWorld]

Italy is all about prevention

[@FirstLast-rh9jw]

In Italy, the average life expectancy for males is approximately 80.5 years (based on 2022 data), which is about 7 years higher than the US male life expectancy of 73.5 years...

[@BradsWorld]

It’s funny, you can see the difference here. In our town (Montepulciano) there is about 10-20 elderly guys that gather in the better weather on a wall outside the old town and chat for hours. I call them “the birds in a wire”…!

[@LesterDale_Mel]

Excellent analysis as always Brad. It's refreshing to see someone bringing clarity to a topic that is often mired in Misinformed Jingoism. Keep up the excellent work. Heading over next year on the ERV recon mission. Buon Natale 🙏

[@BradsWorld]

Anche a ti! See you here in 2025.

[@ArcheryGeek]

good video brother! Thank you.

[@kellysexton3220]

Brad I am so touched by this video❤ You are such a lovely person ❤ I am also of you’re thinking ❤blessing to you and the lovely wife❤ 💐☮️

[@jitterygoat49r]

Congratulations, Brad & Olivia with selling your house in Texas. I try to watch all your videos in Italy and absolutely enjoy them. I'm 76 and it's too late for me to leave the U.S. on a permanent basis. My wife was born in Abruzzo and we go back and forth. We have our family here in California and we need them more now at our age. Our dream was to one day live in Italy permanently but we never took the plunge.

[@BradsWorld]

Well enjoy whatever time you get to spend here!

[@christopherdavis575]

Love this video ❤. You have taken the words right out of my mouth. I just got home from Italy just last week from another long vacation. I started traveling to Italy 🇮🇹 at least 20+ years. On my first visit, I said I wanted to move there. I am seriously looking at purchasing a property to pay off by the time I retire so that I can move to Italy 🇮🇹. I’m trying to figure this out. I love your advice and channel. I’m a huge fan of the work you do and the knowledge you provide on your channel. You and your wife do amazing work. You two gave big hearts and believe in what you do. By the way, I live in Texas (Taxes) all my life 😂. People have no clue the amount of real estate taxes Texans pay to live in their homes. It’s insanely expensive! I plan to reach out to you in this process in the coming future.

[@DogecoinBros]

$3000 a month budget in Italy is living like a millionaire in America. 5:05 shhh don't tell people this secret 🙂 best kept secret bro no property tax. God bless Italia hehe (also safety is huge for me too, it's a peace of mind thing, for me it's like humanity is treated very different in Italy)

[@BradsWorld]

Looks like we on the same page. Viva Italia!

[@rolyn_withmyhomies]

Yes, so many reasons to move…cost of living, healthcare,food & wine, beautiful architecture, the people, the language, la dolce vita, etc. I actually haven’t had anyone try persuade me NOT to move when I share my plan. The most common response is, “Good for you!” And like you mentioned Brad, another big one for me is the guns. I’m tired of doing lockdown drills with my 9-year old students. Two years ago one of my students said to the class that her mom told her that if she is in a school shooting to cover herself in blood and “play dead” because that’s how one of the Uvalde students survived. Also, every time we have a drill students tell me that we should hide their backpacks so “they” don’t know that kids are inside our classroom. It both breaks my heart and angers me to have to do these drills. Pure insanity. I appreciate having earned the money in the US to be able to have a comfortable retirement, but at what cost?

[@BradsWorld]

Sad. The new American normal.

[@PaolaCatt]

I'm with you! Greetings from Sydney

[@BradsWorld]

Welcome aboard! Lots from Down Under coming up to Italy. See you soon!

[@ValerieBarris-wr5mv]

Hello from Portland Maine. Another informative video. Thank you. Valerie

[@BradsWorld]

You are so welcome!!

[@BlueLotusLife]

Excellent points, Brad! I hope there is something video inspires people to see a different way of living!

[@BradsWorld]

I hope so too!

[@lorentosi]

Sei un grande! Faro la stessa cosa grazie all America!

[@dalepellerin]

I’ve lived everywhere in the US and now I want to live everywhere in the world. Great video

[@BradsWorld]

You and me both! There are numerous countries I would have been happy in but Italy is the one for now.

[@panmichael5271]

Way to go, Brad. Way to go!

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks! Wanted to put this out there.

[@wg933]

Right on Brad!

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks!

[@juliannadougherty2647]

Brad thank you...I agree with your choices..it makes complete sense...I want to make this happen

[@BradsWorld]

You can do it. Just see it through. Sometimes it seems daunting but the reality is it is very achievable.

[@claudiatozzi3842]

My sister retired and moved to Italy in 2019 after getting her citizenship and she said she'll NEVER move back to Canada and I'm thinking of doing the same.

[@daveaway]

Great info

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks Dave!

[@johnm9000]

Great video. Thanks.

[@BradsWorld]

Glad you liked it!

[@amystarnes9385]

We're in Dallas, TX and we are hoping to be there permanent in 3 years. Until then we only visit. Quality of Life is it! My husbands stress level is 0 when we are in Italy.

[@BradsWorld]

Great. Time goes by quick. Keep studying the language and visit often!

[@tomcervanteso6374]

True all that Brad 👍

[@intersezioni]

the desolation and abandonment that currently exists in the American provinces does not even begin to approach the desolation of the smallest remote town in southern Italy and in all of Europe, the United States is in decline and the difference can only be seen if you leave the country and then return!

[@KatieAllan-f4m]

Love the banjo

[@BradsWorld]

Trying to set the mood! 🤭

[@johnsonrepp]

Thank you for saying what we are all thinking. (I speak for myself and my family/friends). We will be moving away permanently in two years.

[@BradsWorld]

We will leave a light on for you!

[@sfstucco]

Good video. Half of me wants to say, “Shhhhhh, don’t tell them how great an option Italy is for Americans!” because I don’t want the competition for visas and citizenship lines! But you’re totally right about all of it.

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks! Italy needs a better tax base, and people to buy up all the empty homes etc.

[@falbamonte]

Im an Italian living in the Usa, but this is no longer the same country I came to 30 years ago. The whole system is a fraud! I think is time x me to go back to Italy.

[@josephmarshall7969]

Irish immigrant here. Feel the same.

[@BradsWorld]

Then Come Home! 🇮🇹💪🏼

[@sfstucco]

Sorry to you and josephmarshall - America is so embarrassingly foolish. I’m 63, so I have seen the changes over the decades. We have a weak system that allows money to buy our politicians and Supreme Court Justices, and that has eroded any good things we ever had.

[@arofibook]

US/Canada citizen here. Another issue is land ownership. Americans shout “Freedom!” all the time and talk about how ‘free’ America is. But it’s all just part of the silly mythology (that most Americans are blind to). How long would people own their land if they refused to pay property tax? The government will legally take your land in a couple of years if you don’t pay your property tax. That’s not freedom, yet many country’s around the world have that freedom. Another thing to consider is what you touched on - living in Italy gives you freedom from violence and freedom from not having the ‘gun thing’ hanging over your head. Anyway - excellent video….

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks for the thoughts. A friend of mine warned me about posting this video and that a “crazy” might come after me…. I said that is EXACTLY the point! 🤪

[@davidwhittle410]

Hi Brad, From New Zealand your spot on with getting more bang for your buck moving to Italy my wife and I are 60 i certainly dont want to work another 5 years to get a small pension from our government. We are currently looking at Italy or Thailand to retire to and we will have a way better lifestyle than here, our medical system is broken (Not like the US) but its gotten so bad people waiting to see a specialist in some areas are not even being put on waiting lists so end up living with alot of pain and pain medication this has been driven here by lack of investment by multiple governments over the years and a large migration to New Zealand.....enjoy your videos mate stay safe...David

[@BradsWorld]

People make fun and complain about Italian system but we have found it to be phenomenal. Good luck with the transition. NZ is so pretty but I imagine it is quite expensive now. Loved South Island.

[@Bwahzehdezooner]

Austin and Lake Travis are now farrrrrr too expensive. You are smart to bolt. I'm from Texas, but I live in France. I watch your channel because I'm thinking about moving to Italy.

[@BradsWorld]

We will see you down here. Only 7 hours driving from Nice to Tuscany!

[@dellavalledesign]

Excellent 👌 all the right reasons for making a move. Having lived in the USA and EU, it's great to be able to have the choice. The USA has been a good place to work, but Italy is definitely a better place to retire. You can't compare lifestyle, culture, and experience. In addition, cost of living, taxes, insurances, all less in Italy. No contest. Love watching your videos. Grazie tantissimo

[@BradsWorld]

Absolutely! And I agree. USA is great for making money but not keeping it.

[@Klaudine-u1b]

Brad, please realise that the social/health care systems throughout Europe work like this because people are paying for it thoughout their life with their taxes. So what dying cities/villages/EU need is not Expats profiting from it all but paying low contribution, but young people contributing their share to it all. So with too many retirees these system will collapse in the future.

[@BradsWorld]

Ummmm…. People contribute all their lives and use it all their lives. We pop in and contribute a lot in taxes. This year I’ll pay more in tax than the per capita income in Italy. In other words like 2.5X or more than the average tax bill here. Plus we paid an additional fee to get in the program.

[@dgasmd1]

Not sure what to say that you didn’t, and I’m not even there yet!! It’s not something most of us can do overnight, but most see it as an impossibility. Most also see it as for those with mega bucks. All wrong, but fear is a powerful thing!!

[@BradsWorld]

Money part is not true at all. You have to have some funds because it takes some cash to make the transition. But the living here is very reasonable. I hope you find a way.

[@pennypeyton1908]

Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen!!!!!!!!

[@maniizz]

1000% agree with your reasons for leaving the US!! I just got a bill for an MRI of $2000 after my PPO paid them $950 😤😖😩

[@BradsWorld]

Jesus. What a scam.

[@francolassola326]

Ciao maniizz I did a MRI of 30 usd after 0 usd after my PPO Franco from Italy

[@maniizz]

@@BradsWorld Outrageous!

[@maniizz]

@@francolassola326 A bargain!

[@AvalonsLady]

I want to move away from the USA..ive thought about it for a long time. However I live on social security alone.,so moving abroad is difficult at best. If you have any suggestions , they would be greatly appreciated. I enjoyed watching your video and pray that you and your family have a beautiful life abroad. Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year..

[@BradsWorld]

Probably tough doing it on just SS. Do your best in US and maybe come and visit. Good luck and Happy Holidays! BRAD

[@semsemeini7905]

I love that pool.

[@BradsWorld]

I gotta say we miss the hell out of that pool. Sunset with a cocktail on hand floating in that pool. That was heaven. Then I would remember the tax bills…. Prefer my wine in hand here and less than €2000 a year on all FOUR investment properties we have.

[@lisac9519]

That all sounds great but how did you get a resident visa? Seems next to impossible to get one

[@kbourke123]

Hi Brad! Thank you as always for great content. I’m quite curious to see what you get for 700 Euro per month in rent. Are you in the town of Montepulciano proper? Or in the country? If you and Olivia felt like sharing a video I’d be interested as I’m sure many others would also. Or perhaps you already have? I’ll double check.

[@BradsWorld]

You can search my videos on my channel just use the search word “rent”. That should narrow it down. Posted about 8 months ago. I believe I even did an inside tour.

[@kbourke123]

@ I’m not surprised you’re ahead of me. Thank you for your valuable work!

[@Artlover-p5w]

Brad, will you have to pay large capital gains on your home sale? I mean to Italy.

[@BradsWorld]

No. That requires an equity jump. 🤦🏼. Austin’s higher end market is taking a beating. Plus it was a primary residence and we rent still in Italy and we lived more days in house than not so according to our Italian accountant not a taxable sale.

[@dannolawson263]

I totally agree... I recently returned from a fact finding tour in northern Italy (my 3rd visit) and I thoroughly loved Italy. I am strongly disappointed with the direction that I see the United States heading. The best description that I can offer is that the United States no longer aligns with my personal values nor does it fit my reality it comes to affordability. Like the saying goes, "When you find yourself in a hole stop digging."

[@BradsWorld]

Totally agree! Good saying too!

[@ThePlomplomplom]

Thanks Brad, very good video and by the comments below, seems there is a lot of viewers agree with u, as do I. My wife and I live in NW Italy, on the Ligurian coast and I am a US/Italian dual citizen. What u are saying is almost exactly what I think of the US now. It's kind of sad, but nothing any of us can do about it. So I am back to the country of my grandparents,(both sides of my family) as they left for a better life to the US 100 years ago, and now their grandson, has returned back to the home country for a better life. They would have never thought this would happen. A quick question on what u said about taxes that u filed for 2023? As u were only in Italy for half of 2023, why did u need to do taxes last year, as I presume u lived there less than 183 days? If it was more than 183 days, then I guess u had to file. Please clarify . Thanks again.

[@rus103]

Hello there! Good and ornest video I did saw on youtube which do go in trouble of US. Yes, I am thinkinking to move in Italy, Spain area from Finland in next 16years so looking for property. I wish my bests to a channell and will see…

[@BradsWorld]

Go for it! Loved Helsinki when I visited. You need a place here too.

[@ellmiller2013]

Now, with all that, did you take any firearms with you? How long did it take for you to get your citizenship?

[@BradsWorld]

No I didn’t take firearms. I don’t hunt although I enjoy most meats! You can get guns here. No need to import and I doubt it is legal too. I don’t want citizenship here. We have our residency and that is good enough for me!

[@ellmiller2013]

Did you take anything with you, vehicle etc? Do you have to pay taxes for bringing belongings?

[@Sagi56668]

Loved the video! Just curious why you chose Shekel specifically? 😅 love from Israel 🇮🇱

[@BradsWorld]

Who knows with my mind. I don’t write anything down in advance it’s all free flowing. Shekel comes into my mind and pops out of my mouth…! 🤷🏼‍♂️🤣

[@gregorysteele718]

THE AMERICAN DREAM IS TO LEAVE! LEFT 20 YEARS AND NEVER LOOKED BACK!

[@BradsWorld]

Good point!

[@johncooke8173]

Hi Brad, presume you’ve seen the KZbin vid by David Cross;Why America sucks…which talks to all your points. The only issue I would raise is your pet hate “Italy is a dying country” because I know you know what that really means, it’s an ageing population, young Italians leave and in droves at times and the population is in decline, as is the housing market with the odd exception, whilst italy attracts retirees and holiday makers. Don’t get me wrong it’s a beautiful country & language that I love to visit and speak, they have delicious food(mostly) & are lovely people and I wish you both and your dogs a beautiful life in Italy, but it need highlighting what attracts you is also why its failing, apart from healthcare which is the same in most civilised countries except US. You know Italy based its health care on the UK system, just saying. TVB

[@sfstucco]

Well, he isn’t experiencing any “failing” that has changed his mind or level of satisfaction. So what terrible thing are you thinking is going to happen that would start making it intolerable?

[@johncooke8173]

sfstucco; good and nothing, maybe you misinterpreted.

[@KlaustheGreat]

WOOOOOOW!!! It seems that the whole world is moving to Italy! Germans, US citizens, UK, Dutch, Brazilians, Belgians....completely obliterating that the country is NOT an immigration country, by size it's in fact one of the smallest European countries. All these Dolce Vita immigrants are ruining the real estate prices for the native Italians, which does not really contribute to a immigrant friendly feeling. When you rave about the lower taxes in Italy, you forget to mention the pretty high energy and fuel prices, the higher prices of living in general, especially for daily living. Don't be mischievous, please. Be real! Italy has the highest energy prices in Europe. So, stop telling half truths. Italy has a very impressive history. Learn from it!!! Have a look to what happened to all the Dolce Vita immigrants from the 1800 and 1900 when the Italians got fed up of the sould out of their homeland. All properties of immigrants were confiscated, the immigrants had only 6 month of time given to sell their properties (to Italians!) and leave the country, otherwise, as mentioned, confiscation and total loss. If you are not married or related to an Italian citizen, you have no business there. Be aware of the boiling hot political situation that is getting worse from day to day. Italians are very patient. But when the patience is done..... better run! Punto e basta! That from a German who spents each year his holidays in Italy since 1968. 😉

[@BradsWorld]

Really? My electric bill for a 3 bedroom house is €100 per month. Gas for car is high but we don’t drive that much and my suv gets about 1100 km per tank that is €100 to fill. Not cheap but €.10/km isn’t exactly expensive. Italy has tons of available real estate, but I don’t think any amount of experts will ever fill. Literally millions of houses. I live next-door to a 600 m² vacant house that’s in very decent shape. I don’t even know where to begin with your statement about not being Italian or married to an Italian citizen we shouldn’t be here. What a weird worldview outlook you have. Especially coming from Germany…

[@sfstucco]

So, I guess you’ve been one of the Dolce Vita vacationers, then. And, by the way, Brad provided his monthly energy costs in the video, so he was not hiding that info.

[@giusepperoselli4810]

A lot of nonsense …

[@KlaustheGreat]

@@giusepperoselli4810 Ripasso di storia e mano sulla coscienza. Almeno che non ha piacere a vedere la propria patria svenduta a stranieri di tutto il mondo. Allora va benissimo rimanere nel menefreghismo più assoluto. Gli avi ringraziano! Ogni uno è libero di pensare a modo suo.

[@giusepperoselli4810]

@ Complimenti per il suo italiano ; ma veniamo al punto : a) la popolazione italiana ,ad onta delle politiche dissennate della sinistra , è tuttora omogenea. L’immigrazione di anziani che vengono in Italia a trascorrere l’ultimo scorcio della propria esistenza non è un problema perché è gente di cultura compatibile con la nostra.Il vero problema è l’immigrazione islamica,totalmente incompatibile, cui dovrà porsi un freno.In ogni caso non siamo messi nelle drammatiche condizioni di paesi quali UK, Belgio,Francia, Germania, etc. b) vivere decorosamente in Italia non è un privilegio riservato a pochi.Se si escludono i grossi centri dove beni e servizi hanno costi relativamente più alti far quadrare i conti non è impresa difficile. A mó d’esempio qui al sud , se si è oculati , con 2000 € mensili si vive da papi.Io e mia moglie abbiamo raggiunto la bella età di 88 anni in piena forma ed autonomia senza farci mancare nulla,pur non essendo dei privilegiati.Le auguro buone festività … in questo magnifico paese .

[@ConanNYC]

Now that you have sold your American home. Please let us know if Italy will charge income taxes on your sale Because as an Italian resident Italy has a right to tax all your world wide income.

[@JosephLombardelli]

Excellent presentation.. I have a place in the canaries but return to Toscana. for the spring and fall. Right now I stay in Empoli and use the trains. I have Italian citizenship, speak Italian fluently and studied at the University of Firenze in my 20's. I got Italian citizenship for my son. Thanks

[@usefulcommunication4516]

That's capital gains. I guess it depends if it's seen as his primary residence or not. Maybe that's why he lives in a rented house in Italy. It keeps the US place as a primary residence. Usually, countries don't charge capital gains on the sale of a primary residence as they figure you'll be buying another place to live in that has increased in price as much as the one you're selling. Though, up here in the tax nightmare that is Sweden, they hit you with capital gains on the sale of a primary residence. Don't know about Italy.

[@ConanNYC]

@ but i still don't see how Italy will view it as his primary home when he lives full time in Italy. I've heard in France he would get charged taxes. I don't see how Italy would be different.

[@BradsWorld]

First of all, it’s nice that everyone thinks I had a huge equity jump. But we missed the boat for a big win because we held it during the craziness of 2022-23. 🥲. We aren’t going to have a huge windfall. Since it is our primary and we rent in Italy and we lived in US house more days than not while we owned it the Italians won’t tax it according to our Italian accountant.

[@lorisrosu9179]

Nice words Brad 👍 right

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks for listening