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Posts by: Lara Bianco

Lara Bianco

Lara is an Italian-American senior writer and content manager at My Dolce Casa. Lara splits her time between Chicago, United States and Puglia, Italy, sharing la dolce vita with her adorable beagle Goldie.

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Italy Abruptly Stops Citizenship by Right of Blood

by Lara Bianco on March 31, 2025
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The dream of becoming an Italian citizen just got a harsh reality check for many. On March 28, 2025, the Italian government enacted Decree-Law No. 36, introducing significant reforms to the nation’s citizenship by descent policies, reports Reuters. This legislative…

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Hallstadt Austria
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The Most Expensive Countries to Buy a House in Europe (Ranked)

by Lara Bianco on March 30, 2025
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Ever wonder where in Europe you’d need a millionaire’s salary just to afford a decent home? While Europe is rich in charm, history, and quality of life, it’s also home to some of the priciest real estate markets on the…

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Bari Italy
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Old Town Magic & Seaside Views: Why Bari Italy Should Be on Your Radar

by Lara Bianco on March 29, 2025
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Bari is the largest city and the capital of the Puglia region in southern Italy. A captivating port city, Bari boasts charming buildings weathered by centuries of history, lively streets with musicians and vendors, and a nice seaside promenade with…

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Best cities to live in Europe
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2025 Best Places to Live in Southern Europe

by Lara Bianco on February 9, 2025
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Southern Europe is one of the most attractive regions in the world, with beautiful places to explore and numerous thriving cities rivalring each other in historic wealth, brimming with life and charm. But a few places truly stand out above…

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Living in Spain
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2025 Best Countries to Live in Europe: Where Quality of Life Meets Affordability

by Lara Bianco on January 7, 2025
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Finding the best country in Europe to live means analyzing the economy, safety, healthcare, education, weather, and many other factors that will contribute to your quality of life. But let’s be real, for most people who are considering a move…

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Beach Costa del Sol Spain
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To Beach or Not to Beach: Best Ways to Enjoy Winter in Spain’s Coastal Paradises

by Lara Bianco on January 5, 2025
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When it comes to winter beach vacations, Spain’s coasts rule in Europe. Maybe in the entire world, if you ask us. From the warm and lively Costa del Sol to the rugged beauty of Galicia, the Spanish coastline is as…

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Mykonos Greece
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What Home Size You Can Buy in Five Popular Mediterranean Countries for the Price of a 500-sqft Condo in New York

by Lara Bianco on August 23, 2024
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Do you ever daydream of owning a beautiful villa under the Tuscan sun or a charming beach house in the Greek islands with views that make you shout “Mamma Mia”? Meanwhile, you’re living the reality of New York’s impossible real…

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Walking in Rome Italy
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Living in Rome Italy: Is Rome a Good Place to Live?

by Lara Bianco on August 13, 2024
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If moving to Rome is in your forseable future, congratulations! The Italian capital is one of the most amazing places on planet Earth you could choose to live. This guide will walk you through the most important aspects of life…

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Naples Italy
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Is Naples Italy a Good Place to Live? 6 Essential Things to Know About Living in Naples

by Lara Bianco on August 13, 2024
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If moving to Naples is in your plans in the near future, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime. Living in Naples is the essence of Italian living in every way: the people, the lifestyle, the vibe and the…

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Tuscany Italy
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Italy in the Fall: The Most Magical Places to Visit in the Autumn

by Lara Bianco on August 11, 2024
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Autumn in Italy is completely enchanting with a dash of nostalgia. As the summer crowds dissipate, the country reveals its true colors, with landscapes painted in vibrant hues of rust, orange, and yellow. The cooler temperatures make it perfect for…

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Blonde kids playing on the beach
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Best Places to Live in Spain for Families

by Lara Bianco on August 10, 2024
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When moving to Spain with your family you have to consider a host of things in addition to what you would normally think of with a regular move abroad. Schools, transportation to school, safety, entertainment options for kids and good…

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Padua Veneto Italy
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Is Padua Italy a Good Place to Live? Guide to Living in Padua for Newcomers

by Lara Bianco on August 4, 2024
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Living in Padua, Veneto Padua (Padova in Italian) is a historic city located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Venice and 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Verona. With a population of…

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Turin Italy
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Is Turin Italy a Good Place to Live? Discover Italy’s Most Underrated Big City

by Lara Bianco on August 4, 2024
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Living in Turin, Piedmont Turin, known as Torino in Italian, is the capital city of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Located about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Milan and 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of the French border,…

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Best places in Italy for families
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Best Places in Italy for Families

by Lara Bianco on August 4, 2024
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If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination to live abroad, look no further than Italy, because Italians love children and value family-life more than anything else. This beautiful European country has plenty to offer families of all sizes, from mountains…

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Vienna Austria
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Northern Europe Outperforms West in Best Cultural Cities for Retirees

by Lara Bianco on July 17, 2024
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For those who want to enjoy retirement in an urban setting, with direct access to a variety of world-class cultural events year-round, Europe is the place to be. But not all European cities are equal in their offer of concerts,…

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Santa Margherita Liguria Italy
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Where to Retire in Europe: Top Countries with Visas for Retirees

by Lara Bianco on July 5, 2024
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If you’re considering retiring in Europe, several countries offer retirement or elective residence visas specifically designed for retirees. In this article, you will find out which European countries have visa programs for retirees along with some key points you must…

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Oradea Romania A sunny view of a picturesque European town square with ornate, historic buildings featuring red-tiled roofs and a green turret. The square has outdoor cafes with umbrellas, a stone-paved ground, and a few trees, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
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Hidden Gems in Europe: The Prettiest Towns in Transylvania Romania

by Lara Bianco on June 8, 2024
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If you’re looking for an amazing, less crowded place in Europe to visit this summer, away from the tourist hordes in Italy or the scorching heat of Spain, head over to the incredibly beautiful Transylvania, Romania. Transylvania is a region…

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Syracuse Sicily Italy
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14 Charming Italian Towns Where You Could Own a Big House for Less Than $250,000

by Lara Bianco on May 30, 2024
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Are you dreaming of owning a nice little villa in Italy? Look no further than these incredible Italian towns where you can splurge on a large home of at least 2,000-sqft for just $250,000, and at the same time enjoy…

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Apartment Building Italy
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A Confused American’s Guide to Real Estate Terms in Italy

by Lara Bianco on May 26, 2024
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Confused about Italian real estate terms? Struggling to understand what’s what when it comes to buying a home or renting an apartment in Italy?  So, you’ve decided to buy property in Italy. Bravo! Maybe you’ve watched “Under the Tuscan Sun”…

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Modena Italy
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14 Lesser-Known Towns to Buy a House in Italy for Less Than $200,000

by Lara Bianco on May 12, 2024
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Are you looking for a dream home in Italy without breaking the bank? If you prefer to live in a lively urban area, Italy has a quite a few beautiful cities and towns you may have never heard of, which…

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