Retiring in Italy is a dream for plenty of Americans, but deciding you want to live in Italy is the easy part. Deciding where in Italy can be much harder.
The right place depends on the lifestyle you want, how much you plan to travel, and what you hope everyday life in Italy will look like.
If you’re considering retiring abroad, here are some of the best places in Italy to put on your list.
First, What Visa Do Americans Need to Retire in Italy?
For many Americans who plan to retire in Italy without working, the Elective Residence Visa is the relevant long-term visa. It is intended for people who want to establish residence in Italy and can support themselves through qualifying financial resources without employment.
Requirements can vary based on your circumstances and the Italian consulate serving your area, so it’s important to check the current requirements before making plans. The Italian consulate provides more information about the Elective Residence Visa.
Once you have a better understanding of how you’ll legally establish residency, you can get to the more enjoyable question: Where do you want to live?
Tuscany: For the Classic Italian Lifestyle
When most Americans picture moving to Italy, Tuscany is probably what comes to mind: those rolling green hills, endless vineyards, beautiful old towns, and cities steeped in history. It’s easy to see why so many people start their search for the perfect place to retire right here.
Florence is the beating heart of the region, packed with museums, restaurants, shops, and everything you’d expect from a bigger city. But if you’re after something different, towns like Lucca, Siena, or Arezzo each have their own special flavor, some are quieter and full of old-world charm, while others offer a more bustling, local vibe.
If you’re thinking about living outside the larger cities, keep in mind that having a car can really come in handy. It makes exploring the countryside and checking out those postcard-perfect villages a whole lot easier, so think about how you want to get around as you plan your new life in Tuscany.
Good fit for: Retirees looking for history, food, countryside, and easy access to some of Italy’s most famous destinations.
Rome: For Retirees Who Still Want Big-City Life
Who says retirement has to be quiet? If you still crave the energy of a big city, Rome might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a place where history and culture are everywhere, plus you’ve got endless choices for restaurants, shopping, and public transportation, and it’s a breeze to travel to other parts of Italy and Europe.
That said, living in Rome isn’t quite the same as visiting on vacation. Picking the right neighborhood really matters. Maybe you want to be in the middle of the action near the historic center, or perhaps you’d rather settle into a more laid-back, residential area away from the tourist crowds.
One thing to keep in mind: apartments in Rome are usually smaller than what you might be used to back in the States. It’s a good idea to think ahead about what furniture and belongings you actually want to bring along for your new adventure.
Good fit for: Retirees who want culture, restaurants, transportation, and city life.
Puglia: For a Slower Pace Near the Sea
Let’s talk about Puglia, down in the heel of Italy’s boot. This region is getting more popular with retirees who want something a little different from the usual spots.
Here, you get the best of both worlds: beautiful coastlines along the Adriatic and Ionian seas, historic towns, endless olive groves, and lively cities like Bari and Lecce. You can go for relaxed coastal living, city excitement, or settle into a super quiet town if that’s more your style.
One thing to keep in mind if you pick a smaller town or something out in the countryside, having a car can make life a lot easier. It’s worth thinking about shipping your car to Italy.
Good fit for: Retirees looking for warmer weather, coastal living and a more relaxed pace.
Bologna: For Food, Culture and Convenience
Bologna doesn’t always receive the same attention from Americans as Rome, Florence or Venice, but that can be part of its appeal.
It is a lively, historic city known for its food and distinctive portico-lined streets. Its location in northern Italy also makes Bologna an excellent base for exploring other parts of the country.
For retirees who want the conveniences of city life without choosing one of Italy’s biggest tourist destinations, Bologna deserves serious consideration.
Good fit for: Retirees who want a walkable city, great food and convenient connections to the rest of Italy.
Sicily: For Island Living and a Warmer Climate
If warm weather and the Mediterranean are central to your vision of retirement, Sicily may be worth a closer look.
Italy’s largest island offers everything from busy cities such as Palermo and Catania to smaller coastal communities and historic inland towns. That variety means the experience of retiring in Sicily can differ dramatically depending on where you settle.
Transportation is another consideration. A car may make daily life and exploring the island considerably easier outside the major cities.
Moving to an island like Sicily means planning ahead is extra important. If you’re shipping furniture, personal items, or even a car from the U.S., it’s smart to line up your move so everything arrives when you do, and not weeks before or after. Coordinating your shipment with your housing and arrival plans will save you a lot of stress.
Good fit for: Retirees looking for warmer weather, Mediterranean scenery and a distinctly different pace of life.
Abruzzo: For Mountains, Small Towns and the Coast
Abruzzo is a particularly interesting option for retirees who aren’t looking for the Italy everyone else already knows.
Located east of Rome, the region includes mountains, national parks, historic towns and an Adriatic coastline. It can appeal to someone who wants a quieter setting while still having access to larger cities when needed.
Living in one of the smaller communities will likely feel very different from retiring in Florence or Rome. You’ll want to think about transportation, access to services, and how comfortable you are with a lifestyle that may be less centered around tourists and international residents.
Good fit for: Retirees interested in nature, smaller communities, and a quieter Italian lifestyle.
Liguria: For Life on the Italian Riviera
If your retirement vision includes the sea but you want to remain in northern Italy, Liguria offers another possibility.
The region stretches along Italy’s northwestern coast and includes Genoa as well as numerous smaller seaside communities. Its location also puts residents within reach of destinations in northern Italy and southern France.
The terrain and age of many Ligurian towns are worth considering when choosing a home. Steep streets, older buildings, and limited parking can all affect where you live and what you bring with you.
Good fit for: Retirees who want coastal living while remaining well connected to northern Italy and the rest of Europe.
Which Part of Italy Is Right for You?
There isn’t one best place in Italy for every American retiree. If you want museums, restaurants, and public transportation outside your door, Rome or Bologna might make sense. If you picture yourself driving through the countryside and living in a smaller community, Tuscany or Abruzzo could be a better fit. And if being close to the Mediterranean is non-negotiable, Puglia, Sicily or Liguria may rise to the top of your list.
Before making a decision, spend time in the places you’re seriously considering if possible. Visit neighborhoods, explore beyond the tourist areas, and think about what an ordinary Tuesday would look like, not just what you’d like to do while on vacation.
Planning Your Move to Italy From the US
Once you’ve chosen where you want to retire, there is another big decision ahead: what are you bringing with you?
An international retirement move may involve shipping furniture, household goods, personal belongings, and potentially a vehicle. Your destination can influence those decisions. A smaller city apartment may call for a very different moving plan than a home in the Tuscan countryside.
Schumacher Cargo Logistics has been helping people move internationally since 1977. As a full-service international moving company, we can help coordinate the shipping side of your move to Italy so you can focus on preparing for your new life abroad.
Learn more about moving to Italy from the US, including international household goods and vehicle shipping options, or get a quote for your move to Italy now.
