Moving to Rural Italy - Where, How and Why I Made the Leap!

[@georgewidich6076]

Lots of great info packed in this short video. Thank you

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful 😃

[@lalva2024]

I stumbled upon your channel and appreciate your providing some of the administrative obstacles in your relocation. I only wish I could have seen your home interior and exterior, but maybe you’ve already provided this in other videos. I live in the states, but contemplating relocating to a Mediterranean country, but not yet sure where that might be. Italy, Spain, and Portugal are my top three. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thought provoking ideas.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Hi and thank you so much for watching! I am going to do a tour of the property and land soon so keep an eye out for that. If you have any questions about life in Italy that might help with your decision, let me know! ☺️

[@lalva2024]

@ Thanks for the response. My major concern about Italy is the snail pace of the bureaucracy. It seems to always be a point of contention with regard towards relocation to Italy and less problematic elsewhere. I suppose it is to be expected most anywhere we desire to go. My observation is based on many KZbin channels I watch somewhat regularly. I plan to take the leap by mid-year 2025. Thanks again 🩷

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Unfortunately everything you have heard from others is true! Even with Italian nationality, it has taken a long time to complete all the necessary administrative processes. Now, nearly 2 years in I am pretty much there (although I haven’t got round to opening a bank account yet and I still use my English phone number 😂) and so weighing it all up, I can say it is worth the inconvenience when Italy offers me everything else on my wish list but there is a lot to consider. Best of luck with your decision! 😊

[@luisaleonardi666]

Best wishes for your new Italian style living.and ,yes,again,for having a look at what you bought in the lobely region of Abruzzo❤

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much! I look forward to doing a property tour 😊

[@Fabiana-pq9qw]

New subscriber. Hi Bella. A video of your house tour would be great! I love Italy and everything about it. Thank you for the information! 😊

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Hi Fabiana, welcome to my channel and thank you so much for subscribing! I will definitely record a house tour for you. It might be in the New Year as I’ll be focusing on Christmas content for the next few weeks but it is on the list 😊

[@stevestone4346]

Good luck to you. The wife and myself are looking at Abruzzo after we fell in love with the place after visiting there twice. Wonderful people, beautiful landscapes and low tourism are the main attractions for us. Thanks for the advice!

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Ah that’s amazing to hear! Where did you stay when you visited? If you have any questions or need help, let me know!

[@stevestone4346]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead Thank you very much. The first time we stayed in San Benedetto in Perellis in December 2023, and last December we stayed in Sulmona. I had a very nasty heart attack last year and hope that doesn’t scupper our plans to buy our dream home in Abruzzo. We absolutely love it there so your videos are so enjoyable.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

I’m so sorry to hear that and I hope you will still be able to move here - if you need any info about the healthcare system here, please let me know and I will try and find out for you.

[@stevestone4346]

@@MyLittleItalianHomesteadthank you so much that’s very kind of you. Take care and keep the videos coming.

[@robertrosini762]

Very reassuring video for me! I'm an Italian American and I recently had a successful appointment at an Italian Consulate. I should be registered in ARIE in about 10 months. I also recently visited Abruzzo. I plan to buy a place with cash and eventually move there. Big hurdles for me will be employment, and a driver's license. Americans have to go through the driver's license process just like any new young Italian would. My Italian language skills will need to improve for that. If I wait until I'm retirement age, I'll have enough income to get by. However, I don't think I can wait that long lol. I too prefer to be up in the mountains. How far is still to be determined. My grandfather was from Gioia dei Marsi. I stayed there for a couple of days and loved. It may be a little too secluded and small however. Penne is definitely on my short list. I'm planning on coming back in the spring for a few weeks and visiting more towns to hopefully help me to decide on a landing spot!

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Many congratulations! It will make the whole process much easier for you. Where did you stay when you visited Abruzzo other than Gioia dei Marsi? Did you visit Sulmona? I would definitely recommend trying to get ahead with the language before you move so that you’re ready to steam ahead with the driving licence conversion as it would be tough here without a car!

[@CatherineFranco-hf2sy]

Another brilliant video! Very interesting and informative and comprehensive in all the useful aspects of moving to Italy. Really enjoyable and I hope it gives lots more people the incentive to move to beautiful Abruzzo

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much! I really hope it puts Abruzzo on the map for people that hadn’t considered it before ❤️

[@8020HandF]

Thank you for a very informative and entertaining video, we've been looking at northern Puglia, I think we need to consider Abruzzo now too. :)

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much for watching and it makes me so happy that you are considering Abruzzo! You’ll have to keep me posted on your search (I think Puglia is amazing too!) and if you have any questions about living in Abruzzo, just let me know ☺️

[@shirlrowsome2692]

Thanks so much for your informative video. My husband and I have worked hard all our lives and want to retire in Italy in about 5 years and are exploring where to settle down. We appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

I really hope you are able to make that dream a reality and if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know! Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@annaharpster5664]

Grazie mille Isabella! Very informative video and good perspective of things to consider when moving.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much for watching, I’m glad it was helpful ☺️

[@movingtoitaly]

Lovely to hear about your experience. Ours was pretty similar, although our house was fiddly to buy because we were acquiring a portion from a feuding family which I think is standard around here. And the photos posted on the house sale websites are spectacular - featuring dilapidated toilets, abandoned tools and even people! Being nosy, I would love it if you could make a video about your house and land. We are in Piemonte, but am always looking for inspiration as we renovate our property.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

That description of the photos made me laugh out loud 😂😂 It’s crazy how bad they can be! I am also trying to buy a small room that is attached to my wall but isn’t mine so I understand the difficulties! I will absolutely do a full tour of the house and land in the New Year 😊 Thanks for always watching and giving feedback, I appreciate it so much 🩷

[@Vr6324]

My parents are both from Abruzzo. One is from Popoli and the other from Caramanico. The mountains in Abruzzo are fabulous and although I have been to many places in Italy, I still prefer the charm that Abruzzo offers . I have all my immediate family in London and the suburbs but intend to do a full year when I retire in Tocco da Casauria which is below the Maeilla and within 1hr to the coast. It still has 4 seasons and you can smell the rain and feel the sun on your back. Traditional food is porchetta, arosticini, pizzette, pasta e fagioli, and I could go on.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Wow, 2 stunning places! I’m actually off to the Christmas markets in Caramanico this weekend so will definitely be making a video of that. I know exactly what you mean about being able to enjoy all 4 seasons! Each one has its own unique qualities and produce to appreciate. Will that year be a test to see if you want to live here full-time?

[@ConnieCarreiro]

thank you so much for this video.. it really gives us hope that we to can make Abruzzo our home!!! I really love watching your videos. It’s inspiring!! ❤

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thanks Connie and sorry it took me so long to get to Atri and Penne to put this video together for you ☺️ I really hope you make it to Abruzzo too! ❤️

[@ConnieCarreiro]

@ Thank you so much!! We can’t wait to come back to Abruzzo this upcoming summer. we are looking for our home remotely but it’s not easy..

[@ConnieCarreiro]

@@MyLittleItalianHomesteadHi Isabella. would you be interested in providing us more info on your house hunt search… ❤ It might help us who want to purchase there.. and any advice you can provide us.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

No, especially with the awful photos! If you’re looking at any places in the Penne area I may be able to take a look for you - just let me know 😊

[@TraveltirementItaly]

Great video! Keep them coming. 🎉

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback!

[@luellajonk]

I would love to see what you bought and yes, the AirBNB you stayed at - thanks

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you for watching! I will definitely do a full house tour as soon as I can. The airbnb was: www.airbnb.com/slink/TcFidQgU

[@luellajonk]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead Thank you but that link just leads to Airbnb site - not a specific place in Italy. Please resend? Are you close to Arezzo? or Siena?

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

@@luellajonk Sorry I don’t know why that didn’t work. It’s called The Deer House and it’s in San Martino Sulla Marrucina. I’m a 4 hour drive from Arezzo and Siena

[@BryanValerio-vx9yb]

Aspettiamo il prossimo video questo è stupendo. Aspettiamo un video sul cibo abruzzese voglio sapere il tuo menu preferito ❤️

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Grazie amore! Sarà difficile scegliere il menù perché mi piace tutto, però ci provo 😂

[@irisessex7863]

Thanks for vlog ❤

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much for watching! 😊

[@camus5477]

Nice reading skills !

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you! ☺️

[@Cheujabe544]

Wow very beautiful!desire one day will visit Italy.love from Kenya and a new sub❤❤

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much for subscribing! I hope you are able to visit one day 😄

[@Cheujabe544]

@MyLittleItalianHomestead yes🙏🏽

[@deanmoncado226]

My partner is curious where you ended up buying. We were in Abruzzo this summer to explore. We did look at a few properties in Penne but also looked at castelbordino as well.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

That’s exciting, are you thinking of moving soon or in a few years’ time? I ended up buying in a small village about 20 minutes from Penne (Nocciano direction). I also think Loreto Aprutino is a good option - absolutely beautiful and with all the essential amenities 😊

[@Chris-e3y]

Great video. Do you speak Italian? I'm trying, but it's so hard. I fell in love with Florence. You seem to have a great setup. Brava!

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much for watching! Yes I do speak Italian which massively helps. Are you having Italian lessons or just learning yourself?

[@Chris-e3y]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead Oh, that's great that you speak italian.Yes, I study it and take lessons with someone each week. It helps but I'm finding it very hard because I live in New York and I can't speak it with anyone. So the learning process is slow. But its fun!

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

It’s so much harder when you’re not immersed in the language full-time. Do you ever try watching things with Italian subtitles or vice versa? I find that quite useful when learning a language. In Penne there is a language exchange group where Italians and English-speakers meet every week and spend half an hour in each language on a rotation. I’m sure there must be similar set-ups in other parts of Italy that could be useful when you make the move ☺️

[@Chris-e3y]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead You are 100% correct. Yes, I try to watch Italian shows on Netflix. I like them much better than American shows, which are terrible. But I just have to keep studying! The dream is Florence!

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

I hope you get your dream life in Florence! My niece is studying there, such a beautiful city 😊

[@Ricardo-o7z]

We did the move to Abruzzo from overpriced out of control Florida.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Ah amazing! How long have you been here and which province?

[@rod1167]

Isabella, after La Gioconda another beauty stolen from our homeland.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Grazie ☺️

[@ddmmalibu]

Bella you’re a godsend. I’m in Florence figuring out what to do next to find a place! I’ll follow your leads. Who was your agent? You’re awesome. Love to see what you bought. I want the same! Salve! David from Cape Town.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Love Abruzzo Property: www.loveabruzzoproperty.com

[@christianhendry7136]

This is something my family and I want to do but coming from Australia and not having any Italian heritage it seems there is a bit more red tape to get through. Still something we will be hoping to achieve soon

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Yes definitely more of a challenge but one that I think will be totally worth it!

[@enricacantori2984]

Che meraviglia, tutti ignorano le Marche! ...poverini.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Non ci sono mai stata, ma piano piano girerò tutto il paese e spero di poter fare qualche consiglio per chi vuole visitare o vivere nelle Marche 😄

[@langheproperty]

Nice video!! And well done for leaving the UK. We did it 23 years ago and never once regretted it. I'm just sad you didn't mention Piemonte!! OK, you have to come and visit. I can set everything up. Richard

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Ah I’m sorry, I haven’t made it to Piemonte yet but will definitely explore and post a video about it at some point! Happy to hear you also have no regrets about leaving the UK. Do you go back much?

[@PacDarRelaxation]

Very good video. New friend 745. Saw your comment on Dan's. Greetings from Malta

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

That’s amazing, thank you so much! I’ve subscribed to you too 😊

[@PacDarRelaxation]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead Welcome dear new friend.❤

[@michaele4398]

Would love the link for that Airbnb

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Here you go: www.airbnb.com/slink/TcFidQgU 😊

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

@@michaele4398 Apparently the link doesn’t work but if you search for the Deer House or just for property in San Martino Sulla Marrucina, you should find it!

[@lindawalker6657]

I couldn’t quite make out the towns to google please is there any chance if you have a moment if you could spell the towns for me to google them Thanks 💕

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

I’m so sorry, I meant to add a title and then forgot! The first town was Penne in Pescara and the second was Atri in Teramo ❤️

[@vid95able]

Do you believe it would be wiser to move there as you did and then find a house versus looking online and being limited to only what is posted online for sale?

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

I think it’s definitely wise to spend a decent amount of time in the area to work out the places you like, the surrounding areas and distances to places (for example when I saw I was only 15 miles from the beach I thought it would be 20 minutes away but because of the roads, it’s more like 45!). I think if you only come for a couple of weeks it’s hard to immerse yourself in the environment and the community. Renting for a while definitely seems to suit most of the people I’ve met that have moved here from abroad ☺️

[@sfstucco]

Another vote, here,for a house/property tour of your place!

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

@@sfstucco Thank you! Will arrange that as soon as I finish filming Christmassy things ☺️

[@Jo.King_]

Ciao Isabella.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Ciao! How are you?

[@Jo.King_]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead very well. Its a beautiful day,

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

We’ve got hail today so not so lovely but I can’t complain as we haven’t had much rain this year

[@pensionnewschannel5176]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead ogh. Sorry to hear that. Better stay indoors then. It’s grey too here in south Portugal today but it’s 3 weeks to Christmas, 😄

[@europainvicta3907]

The car costs are all down to brexthick. Obviously, if you don’t have EU citizenship practically everything you mentioned is complicated by brexthick. Not least, the 90 day rule. You can’t live in Italy until you have citizenship if you only have a brexthick passport.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Yes everything is so much more tricky now! They are slowly bringing back the “digital nomad” visa now which would be great for others like me that work from home 🤞🏽

[@Seeker-p1q]

You did the wisest thing by selling your home in the UK while the property prices are still high. Unless there is some revolution, the UK will continue to go down. All the money gathered through the high taxes are going to illegal migrants' care and their policing at the expense of the citizens. Italy is gorgeous and for someone with your background it's the best place to live.Wish you the best. 🙏👍

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Thank you so much! I’m so pleased I left when I did. Are you thinking about moving to Italy yourself one day?

[@Seeker-p1q]

@MyLittleItalianHomestead You did absolutely the right thing. A lot of people are doing the same now, escaping to everywhere they can. Life will be much more miserable in the days to come in the UK. I was at a time but the cost of living is quite high. So instead I moved to Turkey and in a very nice area, so quite happy. The cost of living is one third of the UK and a much better quality. 🙂🙏

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

That’s fantastic, I’m very happy for you! It’s just sad for those that are left in the UK and struggling. I hope the situation will improve soon.

[@Seeker-p1q]

@@MyLittleItalianHomestead True. Maybe Farage and Co can come to power in the next elections and can it around. Otherwise there seems no chance. Fingers crossed 🤞. 🙏

[@layaalibabaie1758]

Slow reading your note would be much appreciated

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Do you mean that when I add titles they go too quickly? Or that I speak too quickly? I will definitely try and slow down for you. Also if you want subtitles in a particular language please let me know and I will try my best 😊

[@robcass52]

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, the problem to work there and if you work you pay to much tax there

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

I have been really lucky because I fall under a scheme for repatriated Italians that have gained a certain level of education abroad and then gone back to Italy so I actually only pay tax on 5% of my earnings which is less than I paid in one month in the UK!

[@AlbertoZge]

Lei buca lo schermo, mi proporrei a Mediaset fossi in lei.

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Grazie ☺️

[@simonedylan6581]

Next step an abruzzese man??

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

I have one already ☺️ That could be a whole other video in itself 😂😂

[@alessiorenzoni5586]

Ecco perché l'Italia è il paese migliore al mondo 🇮🇹💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 (Here's why Italy is the best country in the world) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7cqGSKqNytiKcsi=c5KCqDwSXMBaWY0F&t=127

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

@@alessiorenzoni5586 E vero!

[@costante_3196]

Il Paese perfetto non esiste neanche lo è l'Italia, meglio valutare bene tutto prima...

[@MyLittleItalianHomestead]

Hai ragione, il paese perfetto non esiste ma io ho trovato il paese perfetto per me ☺️