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Category: Italy

Where is Italy? 

 

Italy map

Italy is the most recognizable country on the map of Europe. Shaped like a boot, Italy is a peninsula in Southern Europe, surrounded by calm blue seas: the Adriatic Sea to the East, Ionian Sea to the Southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the West. The Northern part borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Italy is a medium-sized country, covering around 116,000 square miles, similar in size to the state of Arizona. This includes over 400 islands, the largest of which are Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia, and Elba. The capital city is Rome. The country was blessed with all types of geographies, one more beautiful than the next: imposing mountains in the North, lush rolling hills in the center, stunning coastlines and beaches, fertile plains in the South and everything in between.

Italy is one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, with a rich history and a prominent tradition in arts and culture revered around the world. Its outstanding centuries-old history and culture are very present throughout the country today, and can be admired in all Italian cities, towns and villages. This makes the country a perpetual favorite tourism destination for people from around the globe.

Top 3 reasons to move to Italy: 

  1. Culturally-rich cities, towns and villages.
  2. Italian people’s love of life and family.
  3. Stunning geography.
Montepulciano Italy
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How Much is a House in Italy in US Dollars? Here Are the Most and Least Expensive Cities to Buy a Home

by Christopher Woods on May 10, 2024
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The cost to buy a home in Italy is $378,000, on average, for a 2,000-sq-ft house, according to the latest My Dolce Casa real estate report. By comparison, the median price of a home in the US is $420,800 according…

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Bari Puglia Italy
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Best Places to Live in Italy Under $2,700

by Christopher Woods on April 29, 2024
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Whatever the reason for your move to Italy, you’ll want to know where you can afford to live based on your budget. In this article, we’ll cover the best places to live in Italy on a $2,700 monthly budget. In…

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Trieste Friuli Venezia Italy
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Best Places to Live in Italy Under $2,500

by Christopher Woods on April 17, 2024
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Italy has grown to be the destination of dreams to retire, study or lifestyle change for lots of Americans. Fortunately, the country is not just beautiful, with incredible food, captivating history and UNESCO-protected sites, but it is one of the…

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Assisi Umbria Italy
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Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa Is Finally Open

by Lara Bianco on April 9, 2024
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Great news for digital nomads who want to live in Italy! The long-awaited Italy digital nomad visa program has officially started on April 4, 2024. Here’s what you need to know:  The digital nomad visa is being managed under Article…

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Genoa Liguria Italy
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Best Places to Live in Italy Under $2,200

by Christopher Woods on April 4, 2024
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Is moving to Italy on your wishlist but you worry that you may not afford it? We set out to prove that even on a small monthly income, there are plenty of nice places to live in Italy. As the…

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Perugia Umbria Italy
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Best Places to Live in Italy Under $2,000

by Christopher Woods on March 31, 2024
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It’s the dream of many to explore the unique natural wonders, culture-rich towns, and delicious cuisine Italy offers. Is moving to this country on a budget possible in retirement, after graduating or simply on a low income? What places can…

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Messina Sicily Italy
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Best Places to Live in Italy Under $1,800

by Christopher Woods on March 22, 2024
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Many people are looking for affordable places to live in Italy. Even if your income is limited or have a monthly retirement allowance, you can still find some amazing places to live in Italy for little money. In general, the…

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Taranto Italy
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Best Places to Live in Italy Under $1,600

by Christopher Woods on March 16, 2024
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So you’re planning to move to Italy just after college or have a strict retirement budget, but what are the best places to live in Italy under $1,600 per month? Housing is the largest expense no matter where you live…

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Restaurant in Italy
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Tipping in Italy: When, Whom and How Much You Should Tip

by Christopher Woods on March 9, 2024
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If you’ve spent even a fraction of your life in the United States, you’ll notice that tipping has been ingrained in so much of our culture. From grabbing a quick coffee to getting a haircut, we’re used to seeing the…

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Piedmont Italy
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Best 5 Places to Live in Piedmont Italy for English-Speakers

by Christopher Woods on February 18, 2024
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In the heart of Northern Italy lies the picturesque region of Piedmont, renowned for its stunning and diverse nature, profound historical roots, and unbelievable cuisine. For English-speaking expatriates seeking a slice of Italian life, Piedmont offers a myriad of elegant…

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Valencia Spain
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2024 Best Places to Live in Southern Europe

by My Dolce Casa Team on February 12, 2024
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In 2024, Southern Europe showcases a fantastic list of best cities to live, where life is more than a picturesque postcard; it’s about community, innovation, and tradition. Every year, My Dolce Casa looks at the latest quality of life index…

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Calabria Italy
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Best 5 Places in Calabria Italy to Live for English-Speakers

by Christopher Woods on February 11, 2024
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Calabria, known to many foreigners as “Italy’s toe,” is nestled in the southernmost region of mainland Italy. This affordable region is perfect for anyone looking for the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, beautiful seascapes and landscapes, and a rich historical…

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Perugia Umbria Italy
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Best 5 Places to Live in Umbria for English-Speakers

by Christopher Woods on January 30, 2024
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Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is one of the best regions to live in Italy and it has become especially popular with English-speaking expats. It often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its famous neighbors to the north…

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Expat interview buying property in Liguria
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Expat Interview: What You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Italy as a Foreigner

by My Dolce Casa Team on January 30, 2024
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Imola, an EU citizen from Budapest, Hungary recently bought an apartment in the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy. She agreed to share with My Dolce Casa the details of her experience and her advice for other expats aspiring to purchase…

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Santa Margherita Liguria Italy
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Best 5 Places to Live in Liguria for English-Speakers

by Christopher Woods on January 16, 2024
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As the smallest of all Italian provinces, Liguria is perhaps not as well-known to expats as many of the more popular regions of Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily. Known as the Italian Riviera, the region stretching over 180 miles along the…

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Pescara Abruzzo Italy
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Best 5 Places to Live in Abruzzo for English-Speakers

by Christopher Woods on January 14, 2024
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In the eastern part of central Italy, Abruzzo sits sheltered by the Apennine Mountains, separating it from much of Italian society. The region is truly unique, with untouched landscape of nature, beautiful, spontaneous cities built on hillsides.  For anyone looking…

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Tuscany Italy
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5 Best Towns to Live in Tuscany for English-Speaking Expats

by Christopher Woods on January 2, 2024
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If you’ve ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the beauty of life in Italy, Tuscany is probably what you are picturing and you’re not alone. Many people fantasize of moving to Tuscany, lured by the image of an idyllic Italy…

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Palermo Italy
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Best 5 Towns to Live in Sicily for English-Speaking Expats

by Christopher Woods on December 26, 2023
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Mostly known for its portrayal in Hollywood films and TV shows, Sicily is an incredibly beautiful, serene area. As the third-most affordable region in Italy, Sicily is quickly becoming a favorite for expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more. Quality of…

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Campo de Fiori Rome Italy
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Expat insights: How much does it cost to live in Italy compared to the US?

by Christopher Woods on December 17, 2023
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Since I’ve moved to Italy, every time I go back to my hometown of New Orleans in the United States to visit family for a few weeks, I’m shocked at just how expensive everything is. How can anyone afford to…

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Perugia Umbria Italy
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5 Best places to find cheap houses for sale in Italy

by Christopher Woods on December 3, 2023
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Besides its beautiful cities and towns, charming lifestyle, and incredible culture, Italy is one of the best places for expats to move because of its low cost of living and affordable real estate prices.  When compared to the United States…

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