Why do people move to Italy?
When we asked people why foreigners move to Italy, they responded...
"I am in the region of Abruzzo east of Lazio (Rome) and I specifically live on the Adriatic coast in Alba Adriatica. I arrived in June 2021. When people ask me where I'm from and I tell them California 100% of them say why are you here? They clearly have a vision of California that is no longer the California I know. And that is why I'm here. They are fascinated with me because I am from California. Initially some may exercise caution but many of the folks have embraced me (possibly as a curiosity). I think I am the only Californian possibly the only American in Alba Adriatica. I do a lot of cycling and the region is extremely conducive to cycling. The Italians have a love-hate relationship however with cyclists. They love to see an Italian cyclist do well on TV and are very passionate about that! But when they’re behind the wheel and you’re riding your bike on the road you have to be vigilant about keeping your eyes open because they are incredibly impatient and do not care for cyclists. The food is great and it is a lot less expensive here than it is in California. Coming from Napa Valley I'm a little partial to the Bordeaux blends/heavy red wine and the wines featured in Abruzzo are great but it has taken some getting used to. As the only Californian in a relatively small community you have to be extra careful to make sure there are no misunderstandings or unintended offensive remarks made. News travels fast and everybody knows everybody's business. The proximity to the European continent is fantastic. August at the beach is hot, humid and full of tourists so this August I will spend the whole month in the French Alps with my bike. The "dolce vita" in Italy is ever present!," said another in Abruzzo, Italy.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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"Italy is renowned for its rich culture, timeless architecture, exquisite cuisine, diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, unique lifestyle, and vibrant cities. Expats are often lured by the country's relaxed pace of life and reputation for good living, which pairs so well with its ancient yet modern cities. The country's excellent healthcare system and strong healthcare infrastructure also appeal to expats. Italy also boasts excellent transportation infrastructure, making it easy for expats to get around independently. Other advantages for expats in Italy include multiple job opportunities, a strong economy, and affordable housing," explained one expat who made the move to Italy.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Italy?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Italy?
- Will I be able to find a job in Italy?
- What is life like in Italy?
- What do expats in Italy appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Italy?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Italy accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Italy like?
- What are healthcare services like in Italy?
- What are medical services in Italy like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Italy?
- What are emergency services like in Italy?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Italy?
- How are local medical facilities in Italy?
- As a foreigner living in Italy, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Why do people move to Italy?
If you live in Italy, newcomers to Italy would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.