L'Italo-Americano

www.italoamericano.org 8 THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024 L'Italo-Americano p e r m o n t h . H o w e v e r , t h e region offers excellent health- care, infrastructure, and a vibrant cultural scene. Small- er towns around Lake Como provide more affordable liv- ing options with stunning natural surroundings. The r e g i o n c o m b i n e s u r b a n sophistication with natural beauty: Milan is a hub for fashion, finance, and culture, offering a dynamic urban lifestyle. Liguria Liguria offers a moderate to high cost of living, espe- cially in popular tourist areas like Genoa and Portofino. R e n t i n g a o n e - b e d r o o m apartment can cost around $800 to $1,200 per month. The region's mild climate and scenic coastal towns make it an attractive destination. Overall, the quality of life is high, with a good healthcare system to boot. Utilities, gro- ceries, and dining out are reasonably priced compared to other coastal regions in Europe but can be higher t h a n i n t h e S o u t h o f t h e country. Liguria is known for its stunning coastal beauty and Mediterranean charm. Genoa, a historic port city, offers a vibrant cultural scene w i t h n u m e r o u s m u s e u m s tecture, all factors to consider w h e n t h i n k i n g o f m o v i n g there. Tuscany Living in Tuscany can be more expensive than in other regions like Puglia or Sicily; however, it offers a high qual- ity of life with its rich cultural heritage and beautiful land- scapes. Renting a one-bed- room apartment in Florence c o s t s a r o u n d $ 1 , 0 0 0 t o $ 1 , 5 0 0 p e r m o n t h , w h i l e smaller towns and country- side areas offer more afford- a b l e o p t i o n s . M o n t h l y expenses for utilities, gro- ceries, and dining out are moderate compared to other European regions. Tuscany is famous for its iconic land- scapes, historic cities, and artistic heritage. Florence, t h e c u l t u r a l c a p i t a l , i s renowned for its art, history, and architecture. Pisa, with its famous Leaning Tower, offers a rich cultural experi- ence and more affordable liv- ing options compared to Flo- rence. Lombardy Lombardy, particularly in cities like Milan, is one of the more expensive regions in Italy. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Milan can cost between $1,200 and $2,000 and historical sites. Camogli, with its colorful houses and serene shores, provides a peaceful living environment. Closer to France, Sanremo, famous for its music festival, offers beautiful beaches and a lively cultural scene, perfect for retirees who enjoy cultur- a l a c t i v i t i e s a n d s o c i a l engagement. Abruzzo Abruzzo is one of the most affordable regions in Italy, making it ideal for retirees. R e n t i n g a o n e - b e d r o o m apartment in a city center costs around $400 to $700 per month, with utilities and groceries being relatively i n e x p e n s i v e . T h e r e g i o n offers a high quality of life at a lower cost, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experi- ences. The region is celebrat- e d f o r i t s n a t u r a l b e a u t y , offering a blend of coastal, mountainous, and cultural e x p e r i e n c e s . P e s c a r a i s known for its modern ameni- ties and beautiful beaches. L'Aquila, with its rich histori- cal charm and scenic moun- tainous backdrop, provides a quiet environment. Schiavi di Abruzzo offers a peaceful and authentic Italian experience, ideal for retirees looking for tranquility and a close-knit community. Some More Considera- tions Retiring in Italy involves navigating several factors, such as visa requirements, cost of living, and healthcare. Non-EU retirees typically need an elective residence visa, which requires proof of sufficient income and accom- modation in Italy. As this brief outlook demonstrates, the cost of living varies signif- icantly across regions, with southern areas like Sicily and Apulia generally being more a f f o r d a b l e t h a n n o r t h e r n regions like Lombardy and Tuscany. When it comes to h e a l t h c a r e , t h e I t a l i a n national health system (san- ità pubblica) is highly regard- ed, with the country having one of the best healthcare systems globally. Retirees can benefit from both public and private healthcare services, which are also widely avail- able and affordable. ly inexpensive, contributing to the overall affordability. Beyond affordability and beautiful locales, Sicily offers a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. T h e l o c a l s a r e k n o w n f o r their hospitality, and the island's slower pace of life is perfect for retirees seeking a r e l a x e d a n d f u l f i l l i n g lifestyle. The island's mild M e d i t e r r a n e a n c l i m a t e allows for outdoor activities year-round, and its rich culi- nary traditions ensure that food enthusiasts will always h a v e s o m e t h i n g n e w t o enjoy. Puglia Puglia offers an affordable cost of living, making it a g r e a t o p t i o n f o r r e t i r e e s . R e n t f o r a o n e - b e d r o o m apartment in city centers ranges from $535 to $852, while outside the city center, prices drop to around $385 to $664. Utilities are relative- l y i n e x p e n s i v e , c o s t i n g between $102 and $157 per month. Groceries and dining out are also affordable, with a cappuccino costing around $1.54 and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant around $56.60. Puglia is known for its stunning coastline, histor- ical towns, and unique archi- I t a l y ' s b l e n d o f r i c h cultural heritage and varied cost of living makes it an appealing d e s t i n a t i o n f o r retirees. Travel + Leisure conducted extensive research, including interviews with local residents and frequent travelers, and engaged with online communities such as the Retired Expats in Italy Facebook group, where mem- bers share invaluable insights on topics like taxes, housing, and healthcare. In 2023, Expatica report- ed that approximately five million foreigners, making up about 8.8 percent of the pop- ulation, were living in Italy. EU citizens can retire in Italy without a visa and access the public healthcare system, while non-EU citizens require a residence visa and proof of s t a b l e i n c o m e f o r s t a y s e x c e e d i n g 9 0 d a y s . H i g h - quality healthcare is available for residents, and a private policy is advisable during the transition. Pension income is subject to tax, though some regions offer a flat seven per- cent tax rate for qualifying residents. Choosing the right place to retire in Italy involves consid- ering factors such as climate, h o u s i n g c o s t s , l i f e s t y l e , healthcare, and local activi- ties. Decisions about renting, buying, or renovating proper- ty also play a significant role. Let's look deeper into some of the regions chosen by Travel + Leisure and see what pros and cons we should consider. Sicily Sicily, with its rich history, d i v e r s e l a n d s c a p e s , a n d affordable cost of living, pre- sents a compelling option for retirees. The region offers one of the most affordable living options in Italy: the average cost of living in cities like Palermo and Catania is signif- icantly lower compared to other major Italian cities. For example, monthly expenses for a single person in Palermo can be around $860 without rent, while a family of four might spend approximately $2,988 without rent. Housing costs are also reasonable, w i t h o n e - b e d r o o m a p a r t - ments ranging from $400 to $800 per month, and proper- t y p u r c h a s e s a v e r a g i n g b e t w e e n $ 1 2 5 , 0 0 0 a n d $250,000. Utilities, groceries, and dining out are all relative- CHIARA D'ALESSIO Retiring in Italy: a dream that can become true Many people decide to retire to Italy because of the good quality of life (Photo: Prostockstudio/Dreamstime) LIFESTYLE ACTIVITIES WELLNESS TRENDS ADVICE

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