Additional Coverage:
- My husband and I moved from Hawaii and bought a house in Italy. We’re spending less on groceries and housing in Europe. (businessinsider.com)
Island Hopping: From Hawaiian Beaches to Italian Villas
After 16 years of calling Hawaii home, one woman traded the lush, fragrant breezes of the Pacific for the azure skies and vibrant bougainvillea of the Mediterranean. While she cherished her time in Hawaii, a long-held affinity for Europe, cultivated during a youthful sojourn in the Greek islands, ultimately led her and her new husband to a life-altering decision during their honeymoon: purchasing a house in Italy.
The couple’s dream of homeownership was unattainable in Hawaii’s competitive real estate market. However, Italy presented a more affordable option.
They connected with a real estate agent in Sardinia and found a sprawling six-bedroom house with a separate apartment, perfect for their bed and breakfast aspirations. Their mortgage is remarkably less than their previous rent in Hawaii.
The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. A change in Italian citizenship requirements has complicated the husband’s application process, requiring them to leave the country every 90 days while navigating the complexities of the Italian legal system.
Despite these hurdles, they’re embracing the slower pace of Italian life. They’re gradually integrating into the local community, improving their Italian language skills, and savoring the fresh, flavorful cuisine.
Simple pleasures, like affordable panini by the river, have replaced pricey cocktails. While they miss the Hawaiian weather and their friends, the lower cost of living and the “work to live” philosophy resonate deeply.
As they patiently await the outcome of the citizenship process, they’re learning to appreciate the Italian mantra, “Piano, piano” – slowly, slowly.