A New Life in Italy

Is Italy becoming a more dangerous place to live, or are we becoming more frightened by what we see online?

Recent protests, dramatic social media videos and headlines ranking Florence among Italy’s highest-crime provinces have raised questions about safety. But what do the numbers actually tell us, and how different is everyday life from what we see on our screens?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, host Samantha Wilson looks beyond the headlines to explore what safety really means when you're considering making Italy your home.

She shares her perspective from living in Florence, where recent demonstrations made international headlines while much of the city continued with its usual weekend routine. She also explores why people are protesting, the economic pressures facing younger Italians, and how social media algorithms can distort our perception of danger.

Italy isn't perfect, and understanding its challenges is part of making an informed decision about moving here. But a few dramatic headlines don't tell the whole story.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Recent protests in Florence and other Italian cities
• Why younger Italians are frustrated by wages, housing costs and limited opportunities
• How social media algorithms influence our perception of crime and danger
• What Italy’s latest crime statistics reveal, including Florence’s ranking
• How serious violent crime rates compare across Italy, the US, Canada and the UK
• What everyday safety and community can look like when living in Italy
• How to evaluate a potential new home beyond the headlines

If you're planning a move to Italy, already living here, or simply trying to understand what’s happening, I hope this conversation gives you a little more perspective.

Thinking about moving to Italy? Visit Smart Move Italy to explore our resources and support available to help you plan your move.

Subscribe to A New Life in Italy for more honest conversations about what it takes to build a life here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

For years, we've advised foreign buyers to be prepared to pay cash when buying property in Italy. Getting a mortgage as a non-resident has historically been difficult, and even buyers with substantial assets and strong incomes have struggled to meet Italian banks' requirements.

But our advice is evolving. Through ongoing conversations with Italian banks and mortgage professionals, we're learning more about financing options worth exploring for foreign buyers, including those who don't live in Italy or earn their income in euros.

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson explains what's changing, who may qualify for an Italian mortgage, how much you might be able to borrow, and what banks need to see before approving an application.

Sam also explores why paying cash isn't automatically the best financial decision. Keeping some of your capital available could give you more flexibility to cover relocation costs, unexpected expenses, and the life you want to build in Italy.

You'll also learn why property valuations and documentation matter, what additional mortgage costs to consider, and why it's essential to understand your financing options before making an offer.

Plus, Sam answers three listener questions:

• Will you pay Italian property taxes if you own a home here but live abroad?
• How long does it take to get an Italian mortgage?
• Could selling your home and moving into a rental affect your elective residency permit renewal?

Thinking about buying property in Italy?

You don't need to have found your dream home to start exploring your financing options. In fact, understanding what you can realistically borrow before you begin your search can help you make more informed decisions.

To take the first step, complete the mortgage information form mentioned in the episode: Mortgage inquiry form.

Seeking property purchase assistance? Learn more about our service via the following link and set up a call with our team: Smart Move Italy Property.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

How do the values passed down through generations shape the way we think about quality, the products we use every day, and how we spend our time? And what can we learn from Italy’s approach to slowing down and enjoying life?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Host Samantha Wilson speaks with Seth Spears, entrepreneur, product designer, father of six, and founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Wellnesse. Raised in a large Italian American family with Sicilian roots, Seth grew up appreciating quality and ingredients. A recent trip to Sicily with his mother brought him closer to his heritage, including a visit to the home where his great-grandfather lived before emigrating.

Seth and Sam discuss how Italian culture has shaped his views on quality over quantity, slowing down, and making time for the people around us. They also explore Wellnesse, the oral care company Seth founded, and his approach to questioning the ingredients in everyday personal care products.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Italian roots and family: Reconnecting with his Sicilian heritage and discovering his great-grandfather's home.
• Quality and everyday choices: From craftsmanship and product ingredients to why Seth founded Wellnesse.
• Slowing down: What spending two weeks in Cefalù taught Seth about letting go of productivity pressures and enjoying the moment.

Listener questions

Sam also answers three questions about everyday life in Italy: why Italians rarely take coffee to go, whether people still shop at several food shops instead of doing one large grocery shop, and how to organize your day around afternoon shop closures.

Connect with Seth and Wellnesse

Seth Spears

• Website: https://sethspears.com/
• Instagram: @spearsmarketing

Wellnesse

• Website: https://wellnesse.com/
• Instagram: @mywellnesse

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Finding an apartment in Italy is only the beginning. For foreigners, especially those searching from abroad or needing a rental contract for a visa, getting from an online listing to actually signing a lease and getting the keys can be much more complicated than expected.

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson explains why renting in Italy works differently from what many foreigners are used to. She discusses how landlords evaluate foreign tenants, why your savings or credit score may not tell the whole story, and how to present your financial situation in a way that makes sense to an Italian landlord.

She even talks about the timing of your rental search, the possibility of paying rent before you arrive, and the importance of understanding contracts, deposits, fees and other details before you commit.

Samantha also explains why your first Italian rental doesn't have to be your forever home. It can simply be your starting point while you get settled and discover what kind of home and lifestyle actually work for you in Italy. Plus, she answers listener questions about rental deposits and visas, cleaning when you move into a long-term rental, and who is responsible for repairs.

Planning to rent in Italy? Smart Move Italy Property offers rental assistance to help you navigate the search and secure a home. Learn more about the service and submit your rental search criteria through the following link: www.smartmoveitalyproperty.com/rent/ 👈

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Learning Italian can feel like one of the biggest hurdles when you're planning a move to Italy.

You can study for months or even years, understand quite a bit, and still find yourself stuck when someone asks you an unexpected question in Italian. In this episode, Samantha sits down with Clara and Martina, co-founders of My Italian Room, to talk about what learning Italian really looks like, especially as an adult.

They discuss why mistakes are such an important part of learning, how small wins can build confidence, and why speaking shouldn't be something you leave until you feel "good enough." They also get practical about what you can accomplish with 15 or 20 minutes a day, active versus passive learning, apps like Duolingo, grammar, and how long it really takes to learn a language.

If you've been putting off speaking Italian because you're waiting to feel ready, this conversation is a reminder that making mistakes isn't a sign that you're failing. It's part of the process.

Guests:

Clara and Martina are the co-founders of My Italian Room, an online Italian school helping learners move beyond studying Italian to speaking it with confidence. Through practical, conversation-focused programmes, they've built a global community where learners combine structured learning, authentic Italian, and regular opportunities to speak.

Resources:

As part of A New Life in Italy, Martina and Clara lead monthly live Italian lessons created specifically for members. These relaxed, practical sessions focus on the language you'll actually use in everyday life in Italy, from useful phrases and cultural context to building confidence when speaking with locals. Lessons are also recorded, so you can revisit them whenever you need.

Learn more about A New Life in Italy.

Join their Sunday newsletter

Explore My Italian Room

Follow My Italian Room on Instagram

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy. Learn more and start planning your move to Italy today.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for people who are curious about life, open to change, and haven't decided that the most interesting part of their story has already happened.

http://www.vivacenetwork.com

Ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

What happens when La Dolce Vita becomes real life?

Samantha is joined by the hosts of Two Voices No Filter, Georgette Jupe and Valentina Dainelli, for a fun and candid conversation about the gap between the Italy we dream about and the Italy we actually live in.

They talk about what happens when Italy becomes everyday life, the realities of building a life here, and why Italy doesn't have to be perfect to feel like home.

Guests:

Georgette and Valentina are hosts of the podcast Two Voices No Filter where they discuss the topics we're all thinking about but don't always have the courage to say out loud.

Listen toTwo Voices No Filter

FollowTwo Voices No Filteron Instagram

Georgette Jupe is a Texas native who has called Florence home for more than 18 years. She is the creator of Girl in Florence and the Managing Editor at Vivace Media.

Learn more about Georgette

Read Georgette's Substack

Follow Georgette on Instagram

Valentina Dainelli was born in Tuscany and raised in Florence, and spent time living in New York and London. She is a communication consultant, educator, project coordinator, and the creator of TooMuchTuscany.

Learn more about Valentina

Resources:

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy. Learn more and start planning your move to Italy today.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for people who are curious about life, open to change, and haven't decided that the most interesting part of their story has already happened.

http://www.vivacenetwork.com

Ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Moving to Italy changes a lot more than your address.

It changes your routines, your relationships, your sense of belonging, and even the way you see yourself.

In this episode, Samantha sits down with psychotherapist Camilla Jackson to talk about the emotional side of building a life abroad. They explore why expectations can make adjusting harder, why it's normal to feel out of place even when you've achieved your dream, and how understanding Italian culture, building community, and giving yourself time can make all the difference.

If you're planning your move, or you've already arrived and are wondering why it feels harder than expected, this conversation will remind you that you're not doing it wrong. You're simply doing something that takes time.

Guest:

Camilla Jackson is a UK-trained psychotherapist who has called Italy home for more than 16 years. She works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, relationships, major life transitions, and the emotional challenges of living abroad.

Learn more about Camilla

Find Camilla on Facebook

Follow Camilla on Instagram

Resources:

Samantha's free Move to Italy Bootcamp takes place September 15, 16, and 17.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com/movetoitalybootcamp

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy. Learn more and start planning your move to Italy today.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for people who are curious about life, open to change, and haven't decided that the most interesting part of their story has already happened.

http://www.vivacenetwork.com

Ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

If you want to move to Italy in 2027, now is the time to start figuring out what would actually have to happen to make that possible.

In this episode, Samantha breaks down the five things you need to figure out first, and what you can leave for later.

Because you don't need to know everything. You just need to know what to figure out next.

Resources:

Samantha's free Move to Italy Bootcamp takes place September 15, 16, and 17.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com/movetoitalybootcamp

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy. Learn more and start planning your move to Italy today.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for people who are curious about life, open to change, and haven't decided that the most interesting part of their story has already happened.

http://www.vivacenetwork.com

Ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Twenty-two years ago, Samantha came to Italy with her mother, who was turning 60. She had no idea that the trip would change the course of her life.

Now, one week away from turning 60 herself, Samantha is thinking about that first trip, the life she built in Italy, and what it means to reach an age you once thought meant you had already lived most of your story.

Because she doesn't feel finished. Not even close.

In fact, this is only just the beginning...

Resources:

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy. Learn more and start planning your move to Italy today.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for people who are curious about life, open to change, and haven't decided that the most interesting part of their story has already happened.

http://www.vivacenetwork.com

Buon Ferragosto, friends. And happy birthday, Sam!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

What does it really mean to experience Italy through a local lens?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha speaks with Martina Arezzini, a licensed tour guide and founder of SunFlorence Tours, about the people, customs, and everyday moments that reveal the character of Italy.

Born in Tuscany and based in Florence, Martina shares why Italy cannot be understood from the outside alone. She explains how local knowledge, cultural context, and personal connections help us see a deeper side of everyday life in Italy.

Together, Samantha and Martina explore how understanding the character of a place can change the way we experience it, from the traditions that shape daily life to the small interactions that help us feel more connected.

They also discuss why slowing down, returning to familiar places, and building relationships with local people can reveal a different way of experiencing life in Italy.

In This Episode:

• Why Italy is shaped by many different local identities and ways of life
• What a local perspective can reveal that we might otherwise miss
• Why understanding customs and everyday interactions changes the way we experience a place
• How relationships with local people create a deeper connection to Italy
• Why slowing down and creating routines can transform your relationship with a city
• The difference between a licensed tour guide and a tour operator

Resources:

Explore Italy through a local lens with Martina Arezzini and SunFlorence Tours, offering private tours and customized experiences throughout Italy.

https://www.sunflorencetours.it/

@sunflorence_tours

@martina_sunflorence

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy. Learn more and start planning your move to Italy today.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for stories, ideas, and connections that inspire a life lived fully.

http://www.vivacenetwork.com

Ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Italy has a way of making us see our own lives differently.

People visit for a week and come home asking questions they weren’t asking before.

Not just about Italy, but about themselves.

Why am I always in such a hurry?

Is this really how I want to spend the next twenty years?

When did life become something to manage instead of something to experience?

In this episode, Samantha explores why Italy has a way of making us reflect on time, success, connection, and the kind of life we truly want to create.

Maybe Italy doesn’t change us. Maybe it simply introduces us to the person we’ve been too busy to become.

If you’ve ever returned home from Italy feeling a little different, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• Why Italy seems to stay with people long after they leave
• The two competing philosophies of time: efficiency versus experience
• How Italy challenges the invisible rules we inherit about success and adulthood
• Why seeing another way of living can make us question our own choices
• How travel can reconnect us with curiosity, adventure, and growth at any age
• Why people often fall in love with the version of themselves they discover in Italy

Resources:

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy.

http://www.smartmoveitaly.com

Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for stories, ideas, and connections that inspire a life lived fully.

http://www.vivacenetwork.com

Ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Most people don’t start by making a plan to move to Italy. They start with a Google search.

Questions about Italian visas, cost of living in Italy, healthcare, residency, and whether moving to Italy is actually possible. But those aren’t the real questions.

In this episode, Samantha breaks down the stages people move through before deciding to relocate, and what they’re actually trying to figure out at each step.

If you’re somewhere between dreaming and doing, this will help you understand where you are and what comes next.

In This Episode:

• The question behind every search: “Can someone like me actually do this?”
• Why visa research feels confusing (and what’s really happening behind the scenes)
• What people are really asking when they focus on cost of living and money
• The shift from logistics to lifestyle: “Will I be happy and belong there?”
• The fear stage: worst-case scenarios, Reddit rabbit holes, and decision paralysis
• Why choosing a visa starts with choosing the life you want

Resources:

Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, residency, healthcare, and building a life in Italy.

https://smartmoveitaly.com/

Ciao for now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Can You Grow Old in Italy? The Question Nobody Wants to Ask

Most people spend years planning how to move to Italy.

They research visas, property, healthcare, taxes, and where they want to live.

But very few people ask the question that may matter most:

What happens twenty years later?

In this episode, Samantha tackles a topic that is rarely discussed among expats and future retirees: growing older in Italy.

What happens if you can no longer drive? What if your spouse passes away? What if your children live thousands of miles away? What options exist if you eventually need help at home or long-term care?

You'll learn how Italy approaches aging differently than many English-speaking countries, why community may be your most important retirement asset, and the practical steps you can take today to ensure your Italian dream remains sustainable for decades to come.

Whether you're planning a move, already living in Italy, or simply thinking about your long-term future, this is a conversation worth having.

In This Episode:

• Why most foreigners focus on moving to Italy but rarely plan for aging in Italy

• The surprising ways Italy is designed to support older adults

• What a badante is and why many Italians prefer home-based care

• The different levels of elder care available in Italy

• Assisted living, Casa di Riposo, and RSA facilities explained

• Typical costs of caregivers, assisted living, and long-term care

• Why location matters more than you may think as you age

• The four things Samantha would plan before retiring in Italy

• How to build a support network when family lives abroad

• The legal documents every foreign retiree should consider

• What happens to your residency if your spouse passes away

• The regions of Italy that offer some of the strongest healthcare systems

• Why community may be the most important retirement plan of all

Audience Questions Answered:

• Can I access assisted living facilities in Italy as a foreign resident?
• What does a badante cost in Italy and how do I find one?
• Can I remain in Italy permanently if my spouse passes away?
• What legal documents should every foreign retiree have in Italy?
• Which regions of Italy are best for retirees who may need healthcare and support later in life?

Resources:

Looking for help planning your move to Italy?

Visit Smart Move Italy for guidance on visas, residency, healthcare, property, and creating a sustainable life in Italy for the long term.

Connect With Us:

Website: Smart Move Italy

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who dreams of making Italy their forever home.

Ciao for now.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Thinking about retiring to Italy in 2026? Before you sell everything and book the one-way ticket, this episode is your reality check.

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson breaks down what she would personally do right now if she were planning a retirement move to Italy from scratch today.

Not the fantasy version.

Not the Instagram version.

And definitely not the “figure it out later” version.

After a recent situation where a client became completely derailed by misinformation they read online about the Elective Residency Visa, Samantha dives into one of the biggest hidden challenges people face during this process: panic, overwhelm, and emotionally reacting to bad information.

Inside this episode:

• The real financial conversations you need to have before applying for the ERV

• Why passive income matters more than savings

• The exact spreadsheet Samantha would create before planning a move

• Why waiting another year could actually protect your dream

• The “February Test” every retiree should do before choosing where to live

• Why renting first may save you financially and emotionally

• The biggest mistakes people make after reading Facebook advice

• How misinformation creates panic and bad decision-making

• The practical documents you should begin preparing now

• Why Italy is not just a lifestyle move in the beginning… it’s an administrative project

• How to prepare emotionally, financially, and realistically for life in Italy long term

If you have been researching the Elective Residency Visa, the 7% tax regime, retiring in Italy, or simply wondering if your dream is still realistic… this episode is for you.

This is not about fear.

It’s about creating a move that actually survives real life.

Questions answered in this episode include:

• How much passive income do I realistically need for the Elective Residency Visa?

• Can investments count toward the ERV?

• Should I rent or buy first in Italy?

• Is the 7% tax regime really worth it?

• What are the biggest mistakes retirees make when moving to Italy?

• How do I avoid misinformation and panic online?

Want more help planning your move to Italy?

VisitSmart Move Italy for resources, support, consultations, and guidance for visas, relocation, property, and retirement planning in Italy.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

The world feels uncertain right now, and for many people dreaming about Italy, that uncertainty is creating one very big question:

Is this actually a smart time to buy property in Italy?

In this episode, I’m taking a realistic look at what’s really happening in both the U.S. economy and the Italian property market, why foreign buyers are still purchasing homes in Italy despite global uncertainty, and how buying property in Italy is often more about lifestyle than speculation.

We’ll talk honestly about:

• the current Italian real estate market
• why Italy behaves differently than North America
• the reality of mortgages for foreigners
• whether renting first is the smarter option
• currency exchange risks many buyers overlook
• what smart long-term buyers are focusing on right now
• why there may never be a “perfect” time to buy

I also answer listener questions about mortgages in Italy, renting vs. buying, and whether Italian real estate is actually “safer” than buying in the U.S. right now.

This episode is not about panic buying or chasing trends. It’s about making grounded, realistic decisions if Italy is truly part of your long-term plan.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Well hello there, and welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy. I’m your host, Samantha Wilson.

Today’s episode is one of those that might completely change how you see Italy.

Because if you’ve ever tried to apply for a visa, buy a home, or deal with a comune… and walked away thinking “what is going on here?”… you are not alone.

So today we are unpacking why Italy feels so complicated and what is actually happening behind the scenes.

This episode is for anyone who is planning a move to Italy, already living here, or feeling stuck in the process and wondering if they’re doing something wrong.

My goal with this episode is to give you a completely new lens so you can stop fighting the system… and start understanding how to work with it.

So whether you are just starting to explore your move or already deep in the process, you are in the right place. Let’s get into it.

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood parts of living in Italy… the system itself.

You’ll learn why Italy, despite being a major global country, often behaves like a collection of small communities.

We talk about:

Why Italy feels slow, fragmented, and sometimes inconsistent

The historical reason behind regional differences and local decision-making

The “Calimero mindset” and how it shapes how decisions are made

Why you rarely get a straight answer and what that actually means

How bureaucracy, property, and visa processes really work behind the scenes

Most importantly, we shift the way you approach Italy so you can move through it with more ease, more confidence, and far less frustration.

Because this is not about finding the perfect checklist.

It’s about understanding the environment you’re operating in.

And once you do that…

Everything changes.

If Italy has ever made you feel confused, stuck, or like you’re doing something wrong… this episode is your reset.

Italy is not broken.

It’s not disorganized.

It’s operating exactly as it was designed… shaped by history, local identity, and a culture of negotiation over control.

And when you understand that, you can:

Ask better questions

Build the right relationships

Stay flexible in your approach

And ultimately… get where you want to go

If you’re planning your move to Italy and want support navigating visas, property, or the relocation process, this is exactly what we do every day at Smart Move Italy.

And if this episode helped you see things differently, make sure to follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear this.

Because the more you understand Italy…

the easier it becomes to build your life here.

Audience Questions Segment

Why does my visa process look completely different from someone else’s, even when we’re applying for the same thing?

How do I know which information to trust when I’m getting different answers from the consulate, the comune, and online?

Is there a way to speed things up in Italy, or is it really just about patience?

Why does it feel like things only move forward when you know the right person?

How do I handle being told “no” when I’ve seen someone else get a “yes”?

RESOURCES: Smart Move Italy

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Thinking about retiring in Italy or reducing your tax burden? Italy’s 7% tax regime sounds almost too good to be true… and for some people, it is incredible. But for others, it can lead to the wrong move for the wrong reasons.

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson breaks down exactly how the 7% flat tax works, the recent expansion that added 74 new towns, and the lifestyle trade-offs most people don’t consider until it’s too late.

This is not just about saving money. This is about choosing a life that actually fits.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What the 7% tax regime in Italy actually is and how it works

Who qualifies and the key eligibility requirements

What counts as foreign income and how it is taxed

Why there is no wealth tax on foreign assets under this regime

The recent change increasing town population limits from 20,000 to 30,000

How this expansion added 74 new qualifying towns

Examples of newly eligible locations like Ostuni and Noto

The reality of living in smaller towns in southern Italy

Who this tax incentive is really designed for

Common mistakes people make when choosing this option

What happens in couples where only one person qualifies

Why timing and residency setup are critical

Resources Mentioned:

Our top pics in qualifying regions and newly added towns

Smart Move Italy resources for visas, relocation, and property

Commercialista consultations for tax planning

Who This Episode Is For:

Retirees with foreign income considering Italy

Individuals looking to reduce tax on investments or pensions

Couples planning a move and needing clarity on tax implications

Anyone exploring a slower lifestyle in southern Italy

If you’re considering this move, don’t just focus on the 7%.

Look at the lifestyle.

Look at the location.

And make sure the decision fits your life, not just your spreadsheet.

Subscribe to A New Life in Italy for weekly insights, real stories, and expert guidance on moving, living, and building your life in Italy.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Thinking about moving to Italy but not planning to retire?

Then at some point, probably soon, you'll face the question: what am I actually going to do for work?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson sits down with Aisling, an Irish expat who moved to Italy, changed careers in her late 30s, and built a successful freelance business teaching English to corporate clients.

If you’ve ever considered teaching English in Italy, freelancing, or starting over in a new country, this episode gives you a real, honest look at what it actually takes.

Because the truth is… it’s not just about speaking English.

It’s about qualifications, bureaucracy, relationships, and building something sustainable over time.

Aisling shares her 10-year journey from working in the arts in Ireland to teaching business English in Milan, and eventually creating a flexible, location-independent career from her home in Tuscany.

You’ll learn how she got started, what surprised her most about working in Italy, and why relationships matter more than resumes in the Italian business world.

This episode is essential listening if you are planning your move to Italy and want to understand how to realistically support yourself once you arrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to teach English in Italy and what qualifications you actually need

The difference between working for a language school and freelancing

How to set up a freelance business in Italy, including Partita IVA

Why you need a commercialista and how taxes work for freelancers

How to find clients in Italy and why networking is everything

The reality of Italian bureaucracy when starting a business

How long it takes to build a stable income as an expat

Why business English is one of the biggest opportunities in Italy

How COVID changed remote work opportunities across the country

What it really takes to build a sustainable career in Italy

Who This Episode Is For:

Anyone planning to move to Italy and needing to work

Expats considering teaching English in Italy

Freelancers and remote workers looking to relocate to Italy

People changing careers later in life and starting over abroad

Listeners who want a realistic view of working and living in Italy

Resources Mentioned:

Aisling’s book: Freelance English Teaching in Italy: How to Find High-Paying Clients and Build a Sustainable Career

If you’re serious about moving to Italy and want expert guidance on visas, relocation, or building your life here, you’ll find everything you need at Smart Move Italy.

And if this episode helped you, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who’s dreaming about their own life in Italy.

Because this move is possible… when you know how to do it right.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

You’ve planned it, dreamed about it, and finally made the move to Italy.

But what happens next?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson shares the real experience of the first 30, 60, and 90 days after arriving in Italy. This is the phase no one fully prepares you for and where most people feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure if they made the right decision.

If you are planning your move to Italy, currently applying for a visa, or have recently arrived and feel like things are harder than expected, this episode will help you understand exactly what is happening and how to move through it with clarity and confidence.

This is not about the dream. This is about building your life in Italy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What the first 90 days in Italy actually feel like beyond the excitement

Why emotional ups and downs are completely normal after moving abroad

How Italian bureaucracy really works and why nothing seems to happen in a straight line

The biggest mistakes foreigners make after arriving in Italy

How to approach your first 30, 60, and 90 days with a clear and simple plan

Why loneliness can show up even when you’re living your dream

How to stop feeling behind and start building your life with confidence

Topics covered include:

Moving to Italy for foreigners

Living in Italy after relocation

Permesso di soggiorno process explained

Italian bureaucracy and settling in

Expat life in Italy

Emotional challenges of moving abroad

Renting vs buying property in Italy

Cost of living in Italy for newcomers

Public transport vs owning a car in Italy

Listener Questions Answered:

Should you buy property in Italy before moving or rent first?

How much money do you need for your first year living in Italy?

Do you need a car to live in Italy or can you rely on public transport?

If you’re in that in-between phase where the dream has become real life and things feel harder than expected, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward.

Ready to move to Italy with clarity and support?

Download our free visa guide or explore how we can help you with visas, relocation, and property at Smart Move Italy.

If this episode helped you, share it with someone who is planning their move to Italy.

And don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Have you ever noticed something strange when you visit Italy?

You eat pasta.

You eat bread.

You eat pizza.

And somehow… you feel better.

People say this to me all the time. The bread doesn’t bother their stomach. The pasta doesn’t leave them bloated. They feel healthier even though they feel like they’re eating more.

So what’s going on?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha talks with Dr. Anna Toker, a board certified colorectal surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience studying digestive health. Dr. Toker recently traveled to Italy to explore why people here eat foods many people fear, yet still maintain better gut health and longevity. Dr. Anna Toker-transcript

Together they explore the real reasons behind the “Italy effect” including slower meals, better ingredients, smaller portions, more walking, and less stress around food.

You’ll learn why the Mediterranean lifestyle may be just as important as the Mediterranean diet and why slowing down might be the most powerful ingredient of all.

Listener Q&A

At the end of the episode Samantha answers three listener questions:

• What surprised you most the first time you visited Italy?

• Should you rent or buy when you first move to Italy?

• What is one mistake people make when planning their move?

If you’ve ever wondered why food feels different in Italy, this episode explains why.

Resources Mentioned

Dr. Anna Toker: Find her insights and educational content on Instagram and online.

Connect with Smart Move Italy

If you’re dreaming about your own new life in Italy, Smart Move Italy can help guide you through the process.

From visas and relocation planning to buying property in Italy, the team works with people from around the world who are ready to start their next chapter here.

Subscribe to A New Life in Italy

If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

And if you know someone who dreams about living in Italy, share this episode with them.

Because sometimes the journey to a new life begins with one small idea… and a great conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network