Tuscany is captivating. Whether you’re sipping wine in a Medieval piazza or savoring the quiet rhythm of the countryside, living in Tuscany offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. For Americans interested in retiring overseas, it provides a rich, idyllic lifestyle, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a warm, vibrant community. Whether you’re opening a new chapter or searching for a fresh adventure, here’s why you ought to consider moving to Tuscany.
Housing
From its cozy apartments to its hilltop villas, Tuscan homes are full of charm and character. Housing here is not always cheap, but the wide range of options helps ensure buyers find something in their price range. Homes in Florence, the region’s capital, are the most expensive. Many are situated in historic buildings with marble floors, iron balconies, and frescoed ceilings. There are also penthouses and grand palazzos dating all the way back to the 15th century, as well as modern apartments with contemporary styles and floorplans.
For something more affordable, consider purchasing a home farther out in Lucca, Arezzo, Pistoia, or Volterra. Though smaller than Florence, their architecture is equally dazzling, with houses, churches, and piazzas from the Renaissance and Middle Ages. Farmhouses are also a popular choice for many Americans. Situated amid rolling hills and cyprus groves, they offer inspiring views of the towns, vineyards, and castles that dot the Italian countryside.
Quality of Life
Though Italy has a reputation for luxury, its prices are surprisingly low compared to the United States. With careful budgeting, most Americans can afford to live quite comfortably here, even if they’re no longer working. Other benefits include:
- Excellent Healthcare. Italy’s universal medical system provides comprehensive care to citizens. Hospitals are not only efficient and clean. Some doctors still make house calls! Foreign residents are eligible to join once they’ve received a valid residence permit. Private insurance is also available for those seeking faster treatment or help with a specific condition.
- Convenient Transportation. While cars are a necessity for people living out in the country, Tuscan cities are remarkably compact, making it easy to travel on foot or bicycle. For long trips, the train system connects you to regions and cities up and down the Italian Peninsula. Some travel as far as Spain, allowing residents to branch out and explore the rest of Europe for relatively little cost.
- Mediterranean Climate. Tuscany enjoys warm summers and mild winters, making it possible for residents to embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle for the majority of the year, whether it’s dining al fresco, strolling along the beach, or hiking through the Apennine Mountains.
Tuscan communities are also noted for their strong social connections. Italians are very welcoming, especially if you speak their language. Streets and squares are frequently buzzing with activity as friends, neighbors, and families eat, play, and talk well into the night, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Food and Wine
Food in Tuscany is renowned, both for its taste and health benefits. The region’s traditional dishes rely heavily on fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood, which are rich in nutrients and healthy fats that reduce cholesterol and help lower your risk of chronic disease. Hungry residents can choose from over 400 types of pasta, as well as a wide variety of meats, stews, and grains, including:
- Tuscan Black Croutons. A dark, flavorful cream made from chicken livers, capers, and anchovies, eaten with slices of crisp bread.
- Colonnata Lard. A Tuscan delicacy made from pork fat that has been seasoned with a layer of salt, herbs, and spices such as rosemary, garlic, and pepper, and cured for up to ten months.
- Ribollita. Bread stew made from a medley of cannellini beans, lacinato kale, cabbage, and other assorted vegetables such as carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Thick T-bone steak seared over a flaming hot grill and seasoned with a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and olive oil. Known for its brown, crispy exterior and red, juicy interior.
- Castagnaccio. This distinctive cake is made with chestnut flour, water, and olive oil, as well as pine nuts, raisins, and rosemary for extra flavor.
In addition to its food, Tuscany produces some of the best wine in the world. The region’s rolling hills, warm sunshine, and fertile soil create a wide range of famous varietals, including chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Their bold, complex flavors are the perfect complement to any meal.
Art and Culture
Tuscany was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, home to some of history’s most celebrated artists and intellectuals such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Many of their greatest works have been preserved here, including the Statue of David, the Birth of Venus, and the Annunciation. You can also visit the home of Dante Alighieri, author of The Divine Comedy, and the library of Niccolò Machiavelli, best known for writing The Prince.
But while museums let you explore Tuscan culture, its festivals let you participate in it. Many of its most famous celebrations honor people and traditions from over a hundred years, including:
- Puccini Festival. Celebrates the legacy of Giacomo Puccini, a Tuscan native who composed La Bohème and Madame Butterfly. Held every summer at the Gran Teatro all’Aperto, an open-air theater that offers stunning views of Lake Massaciuccoli.
- Palio di Siena. Horseback races dating back to Medieval Europe. The action transpires every year in July and August. Though the competition lasts only a few minutes, the celebrations begin several days ahead of time and last several days afterwards.
- Calcio Storico Fiorentino. One of the oldest football games in Europe. Every June, the four Tuscan districts compete against each other in an ancient sporting event that actually predates the game as we know it today. Played on a field of sand, it’s similar to rugby, mixed with elements of boxing and wrestling.
- Carnevale di Viareggio. Though every city celebrates carnival, few do it with as much flair, creativity, or enthusiasm as Viareggio, a coastal village near Pisa. For five weeks, the city is bursting with fireworks, parades, and costumes. The centerpiece is a series of ornate paper mache floats marched every weekend, some over twenty feet high!
Moving to Tuscany
North American Van Lines helps people move all over the world, with on-the-ground support in dozens of countries. Our full-service relocation teams coordinate every step of your journey, from planning to packing to shipment, delivery, and setup. We even help you navigate customs, ensuring your belongings arrive without any unnecessary complications. Make your overseas move as stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free quote!