12 Best Places(Regions) to Live or Retire in Italy

For many, Italy is an extremely attractive option to live or retire. It is famous for being a nation of art, fashion, history, and is seen by many as the cradle of European culture. In this video, we've mentioned some of the best regions to reside in Italy. All of these regions vary slightly from one another. Some of them are well known for their delicious food and wine, with imposing Alps and a vast countryside, while others boast plentiful of sun and rich culture, with amazing coastal areas on the Mediterranean Sea. What's more, the cost of living in some of these places is very budget-friendly. But of course, it all comes down to one's lifestyle choices. When it comes to visas in Italy, all EU citizens have the right to free movement, while US and Canadian citizens can stay up to three months without a visa. But if they wish to retire, they need to provide proof of annual income of at least $36,000, while those hailing from elsewhere can opt for long-stay visas, which comes with a lot of bureaucracy. Nonetheless, here are 12 of the best regions to live or retire in Italy. 12. Emilia Romagna Emilia Romagna is one of the wealthiest regions in Italy and considered to be one of the most developed regions in all of Europe. Its regional capital city is Bologna. It is reputed to have one of Italy's highest quality of life, with extremely modern and advanced social services. It's also home to the oldest university in the Western world. The famous renaissance cities of Modena, Parma, and Ferrara also add to the cultural wealth of the region. Additionally, there are several small towns dotted across the region, from mountainside towns that offer outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in hiking, sightseeing, and climbing, to 55 miles of coastline. There's a selection of wide sandy beaches to choose from. The region also has dozens of private and public hospitals and health clinics, offering excellent access to medical care. However, the overall cost of living in this region is on par with the rest of the country, which is around $1,600. 11. Sicily Sicily is one of the autonomous regions of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean. As a rich and unique culture, particularly in the arts, music, literature, food, wine, and architecture. It's also home to some of Italy's most pleasant weather, where winters are generally mild, while summers are hot. Another thing to note is that Sicily is a safe place to live. Hollywood has played a significant role in the perception of Sicily as being dangerous. However, in reality, it's not so. But there are certain areas in large cities, such as Palermo and Catania, which are better avoided, as is the case in other major cities. Furthermore, Sicily offers beautiful beaches and some of Italy's lowest living costs. For those wishing to stretch their retirement savings, or those who can work remotely, Sicily is an excellent option to live in the unspoiled Mediterranean. On top of all this, the Sicilian people are friendly and there's a real sense of community wherever you go. 10. Liguria Liguria is known as the Italian Riviera due to the large number of seaside resorts dotted along its coastline that stretch out from Tuscany to the French border. The capital of the region, Genoa, sits at the center of the curving coastline. In its prime, it was known as an important commercial port. It's generally divided into two areas or coasts. West of Genoa is where one will find the traditional wide, sandy beaches and towns that make this a great retirement spot. On the eastern side, the town is less developed and the coastal scenery is more rugged. Overall, it's filled with Italy's most charming small towns, all lined up within just a few miles of each other. Besides, the region is well-connected by train, giving many opportunities to embark on many adventures. On the downside, the cost of living in this region is expensive, even by Italian standards. 9. Piedmont Piedmont is a landlocked region in northern Italy that borders Switzerland and France. This is a region of great diversity, with everything from small hilltop towns to cosmopolitan cities set against the snow-capped Alps. The regional capital is Turin, which is simply underrated. It's home to some of the best sights, restaurants, and museums that mostly locals only flock to, which gives it a less touristy vibe. In recent years, this region has attracted a lot of foreign nationals to invest in its real estate because prices in its remote villages is affordable. But life in its small mountain village isn't for everyone. But if you want to get away from it all and be part of a small community, you can live very cheaply. In summary, Piedmont offers a good opportunity for those who want to live near the mountains. 8. Campania Campania is Italy's most densely populated region, rich in history with splendid villages overlooking the sea and the inland hills. Its city of Naples is the country's third largest city and is seen as the capital of not only the Campania region but of all of southern Italy. Plus, it's one of the more affordable cities with rental accommodation costing roughly half of what it would cost in Milan. Moreover, the coastal areas of this part of Italy are also very desirable. The most famous ones being Amalfi, Sorrento, and Positano feature dramatic cliffs, tiny pebble beaches, lovely fishing villages, impressive villas, terraced vineyards, and cliffside lemon groves. But bear in mind, the average monthly cost of living in its coastal area is high and the price of real estate is at its premium. 7. Sardinia Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's an autonomous region of Italy with a total population of 1.6 million. It offers some of the most sought-after and exclusive seafront destinations in Italy and the world, especially on the Emerald Coast to the north. But for those more interested in a quiet life, the south of the island provides quaint areas with properties at bargain prices. Getting to Sardinia is also very easy, with three different airports on the island. Many budget airlines operate direct flights from major cities of Europe on a regular basis. In general, it's a great place to retire or buy a vacation property with good healthcare and nature that encourages to remain active. 6. Lazio The region of Lazio is situated in the western-central area of the country. Its capital city is Rome, which is also the capital of Italy and a hotbed of culture, architectural wonders, fabulous food, vibrant nightlife, and incredible shopping. However, Rome is not the best place to live in Lazio when it comes to the quality of life. It's busy, overwhelmed with tourists, suffers from horrific traffic jams, and lacks efficient public transport. The costs of living, especially rent and property, are terrifyingly high. Nevertheless, there are many small cities and towns in its coastal areas that are equally appealing as Rome but come with a lower cost of living. Not to mention, Lazio is dominated by the central Apennine mountain ranges in the east, all set in beautiful countryside where one can truly immerse in history. 5. Puglia Puglia is a large region that extends into the Adriatic Sea, 50 miles from Greece, and is the ideal choice for retirees or remote workers craving beaches, waves, and seafood. It has virtually no rainfall and a rustic, easygoing lifestyle. Even better news, Puglia is among the cheapest places to live in Italy, making it a great choice if you're on a fixed income. It's also home to a number of towns and cities, such as Brindisi and the regional capital of Bari, as well as a beautiful coastline which is dotted with smaller towns and villages, each with its own beauty and charm. In addition to the low cost of living, real estate is also very affordable in this region, with homes starting at just $50,000. Of course, larger houses, country villas, and seaside homes run a premium, but even so, some deals can still be found. 4. Abruzzo Beautiful and wild, Abruzzo is a region which, in many places, remains relatively untouched by tourism. The landscape is varied with swaths of mountain plains, undulating valleys, historic hillside towns, and the southern Adriatic coast with its soft golden sand beaches. Like Puglia, the region does not attract as many tourists and is a good choice for people who are looking for a quiet life, with coastal areas being more popular than those inland. Cost of living in this region is low, as well as a monthly budget of $1,500 can cover all basic expenses. Housing prices are also affordable overall, and so are rentals. 3. Tuscany, Italy Tuscany is the best known out of all of the Italian regions, not only for its beautiful rolling landscapes and vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees, but also for its history, art, and world-famous wines and food. Besides, it's one of the most popular regions in Italy for foreign nationals to buy property. The region comprises the city of Pisa, with its infamous Leaning Tower, and the romantic city of Florence, with its incomparable art and architecture, stylish boutiques, and sensational restaurants. The coastlines are spectacular, rocky cliffs ideal for hiking and long walks. The region's landscape is the classic image of rolling Italian fields and forests. Many regions of Tuscany feature the best of both worlds, in that you can enjoy the lower cost of living in a small village of rural area and still have access to beaches, mountains, and nearby cities within a few hours of driving. Furthermore, public transports to popular destinations are available in most parts of Tuscany. 2. Lombardy Lombardy is the most populated and wealthiest region in Italy. It's situated in the north of the country, bordered by Switzerland. People who have moved to Lombardy rave about the lively cultural scene, the rich history, and architectural delights on offer, and of course the wide range of luxury shops to choose from in Milan, not to mention the spectacular areas of natural beauty close by such as Lake Como. The main advantage of living in Como, or nearby, is that you live in a beautiful and scenic area while all the major services are just 15 minutes away. You're also quite close to Milan and 5 kilometers away from Switzerland. On top of all this, there are many secluded areas nearby with abundance of real estate on offer. On the downside, the cost of living in this part of Italy is high. A couple would need at least $3,500 a month to reside here. 1. Veneto Once the center of the Venetian Republic, Veneto is today among the wealthiest, most developed, and industrialized regions of Italy. It's best represented by its capital city, Venice. Its popularity among tourists may repel some, but the Veneto region is a popular destination for European retirees. Apart from the sea and mountains, adding to the beauty of almost every Italian region, Veneto offers fascinating rivers and lakes, dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spas, countless historical towns, and cities telling the story of this region. After Venice, Verona is the second largest city in Veneto. It's a true medieval treasure. Given its compact size, reasonable cost of living, and the low crime rate, it's one of the best cities to stay in Italy.