Tony and Francine Smarrelli left New York for coastal Calabria, slashing expenses and embracing a slower lifestyle.
A Radical Relocation Leads to Financial Relief
Tony Smarrelli, 74, and his wife Francine, 75, had their “Italian dream” moment during their 50th wedding anniversary trip to Venice. Inspired by the trip, the couple from Syracuse, New York, decided to leave the United States and relocate to Scalea, a coastal town in the southern Italian region of Calabria. Their move, finalized in December 2023, resulted in significant cost savings and a complete lifestyle overhaul.
“Monthly expenses in the US before leaving were between $4,800 to $5,000,” Tony told CNN. “In all, we are about $3,000 less monthly living here in Italy.” That reduction stems from cheaper housing, utilities, healthcare, and daily living costs, offering a more manageable retirement.
Buying and Renovating Their Italian Home
The couple purchased a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom home in Scalea for €150,000 (around $162,000) in November 2023 after spotting the property online. The residence includes a dining room and a walk-in closet — features they say would have been unaffordable in a similar US home. Within weeks, they sold their American home, secured visas, packed their belongings, and returned to Italy in December to start their new life.
Renovation followed swiftly. They invested an additional €80,000 (about $86,500) to retile the property, update the plumbing and electrical systems, and install two new bathrooms and a kitchen. The result: a fully customized retirement home with sea views and a slower-paced lifestyle.
Affordable Italian Living Draws More Americans
The Smarrellis’ story reflects a growing trend of Americans seeking more affordable lifestyles abroad, particularly in Italy. Since CNN began reporting on Italy’s one-euro home initiatives in 2019 — designed to revive underpopulated rural towns — American interest has surged. While early efforts focused on enticing foreigners, local Italians are now increasingly investing in these same properties.
Scalea, though not part of the one-euro program, offers many of the same benefits: a picturesque location, affordable real estate, and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The Smarrellis say their decision was driven not only by cost but also by a desire for a calmer daily rhythm and a connection to their Italian heritage.
Challenges and Rewards of Starting Over
Despite the romantic allure of “la dolce vita,” the couple acknowledges the challenges of international relocation, especially in retirement. Renovations, language barriers, and administrative processes demanded patience and persistence. However, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
“Everything fell into place very quickly,” Tony noted. “It was a good choice.”
Their story is part of a broader narrative around post-pandemic migration, especially among retirees looking to stretch their dollars. As remote work and digital flexibility have grown, many Americans are reevaluating traditional retirement models and exploring affordable alternatives abroad.
A Growing Interest in the Italian Lifestyle
Italy continues to draw global interest for its cultural richness, scenic landscapes, and quality of life. While headlines this summer focus on billion-dollar events like Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding in Venice — an occasion criticized for overtourism — many people are instead drawn by Italy’s quieter charms.
CNN’s travel coverage highlights that you don’t need a billionaire’s budget to enjoy the best of Italy. Stories like that of the Smarrellis demonstrate how retirees can access the Italian lifestyle at a fraction of US costs, especially outside of big cities.
And it’s not just retirees. Younger Italians are also investing in small-town real estate opportunities that were once primarily targeted at foreigners. For instance, in Sambuca di Sicilia — dubbed “Italy’s Little America” — locals are now reclaiming homes and rebuilding communities.
As more people explore ways to lower expenses and improve their quality of life, stories like the Smarrellis’ offer both inspiration and a practical blueprint.