Is It Worth Buying a Home in a "Dying" Italian Town?

PART 139: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.

We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!

We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).

Step 1: As we explore areas in Italy, we discover some gems worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing. 

This week, let's explore our experience of deciding whether to buy a house in a dying Italian town.

Step 2: What is a dying Italian town?

With the emergence of "1 euro homes" for sale, reflecting on the advantages and disadvantages may be worthwhile.

The first step to gaining clarity is to define our terms:

A "dying town" may refer to several factors, including:

- Population decline

- Economic decline, such as the loss of jobs and businesses

- Deterioration of infrastructure, including roads

Thus, the definition of a "dying town" can encompass all or just one of these characteristics.

Step 3: My experience

In my experience, the most common reason for an Italian town's decline is a decrease in population, often linked to economic factors. A town that may appear charming to an American can feel like a dead end to a local young person seeking career or job opportunities. So they move away.

Another phenomenon is a lively town with a declining historical center. Locals might shy away from living in the historical area due to narrow streets and other inconveniences. In contrast, foreigners may be drawn to the historical center's history and charm.

Step 4: Plus factors

Suppose one is a foreigner looking to establish a life in Italy. In that case, whether full-time or part-time, there are several advantages to renting or buying property in areas with declining populations. These advantages include:

1. More affordable housing options

2. Economic incentives offered by the local government

3. The chance to live in a historic and charming area

4. Greater opportunities to connect with locals in smaller towns

5. Many smaller historical towns feature beautiful centers and houses full of character

Step 5: Negative factors

What may be a negative factor for me might not be for someone else.

Positive and negative aspects depend on what one is looking for in establishing a life in Italy. For example, some might prioritize enjoying wine on a balcony every evening, or having easy access to cultural and historical sites, or mountain biking along the rolling hills.

For me, some of the negative factors of living in a declining town include:

1. There isn't anything going on.

In some towns I have visited, there hasn't been much going on. Years ago, I stayed in one such town while looking at housing. It was a beautiful, charming historical area. However, after a few days, I realized the place felt deserted. I was often the only person on the streets, and if we moved to a town like that, we would likely just spend our evenings watching TV—something we can already do in California.

2. Lifestyle challenges.

We desire a more active lifestyle, whether in California or Italy. Whether it involves going to the gym, hiking in nature, or exploring new areas, we want to be near these opportunities. Some of the places I have researched and visited lack some of these options nearby.

3. Accessibility to cultural and historical sites

Both of us are interested in history and culture, so being within a short distance of multiple historical and cultural sites is important. Some (not all) charming villages in decline can feel isolated from these attractions.

4. Accessibility

Some declining towns require comfort when driving in Italy and might not have nearby train connections.

5. Abandoned or empty houses

Abandoned houses are a sign of decline, which may or may not be an obstacle, depending on what one is looking for.

Step 6: Big city or smaller town

Many expats or individuals looking to establish a life in Italy often consider living in large cities like Rome or Florence. However, some may find themselves priced out of these metropolitan areas. This leads to an important decision: what type of town should I consider for living within my budget?

That was our experience as well. We were priced out of the larger cities, and my partner doesn't enjoy city living. As a result, we shifted our focus to smaller towns that offer charm and a sense of community.

Step 7: What we found

We settled in Arcidosso, a lively town with a fascinating historical background. It is linked to the Knights Templar, the Via Francigena pilgrimage route, and features an 8th-century castle. Arcidosso is a vibrant community with schools, shops, festivals, easy access to cultural sites, and various sports activities. Additionally, we are located next to Mount Amiata, which offers skiing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities.

Before finding the right fit for our lifestyle, we visited many towns, some in decline and others not. We started in Puglia and had a great time there, but we felt the lifestyle was too similar to Southern California for us. Ultimately, we ended up in Tuscany because of our love for the outdoors and the easy access to historical and cultural sites. Our town, Arcidosso, is ideally situated for exploration, new experiences, and starting a new life.

Insights:

Finding a place to live in Italy can feel like taking a personality test; it largely depends on your interests and desired lifestyle.

Determining what constitutes a "dying" town versus a vibrant one also relies on the experience I seek.

Being close to cultural landmarks and historical sites may attract some people to areas where the towns are small and picturesque, with museums and history within driving distance.

Quiet evenings on the terrace and the opportunity to connect with locals might entice someone to another town experiencing population decline, even if it lacks vibrant street life, as that might not be what they seek.

Being close to hiking trails, biking paths, and stunning views may attract nature lovers to a different, less populated, town.

Some people are attracted to the historical center of a town, even when a newer and more vibrant area is nearby. They often appreciate the charm and history of the old buildings despite the presence of abandoned houses and signs of decline. For many, the appeal of the past and the excitement of taking on a renovation project in a historical area outweigh the challenges involved.

As we explored more towns, we began to understand the unique vibe of each place, which helped us clarify what we were looking for.

This journey happily led us to our current home.

I hope your journey leads you to a town that fits what you are looking for.

More next time.

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