Village life in Italy – Why it is becoming attractive again
A Morning in the Village – Idyllic Life with New Meaning
The sun rises gently over the hills, neighbors greet each other on the piazza, children play safely in the streets. While Rome or Naples move at a frantic pace, village life shows another side of Italy: safer, more affordable – and slower.
“I think people in Italy live their lives better than we do. It’s an older country, and they’ve learned to celebrate dinner and lunch…”
— George Clooney
This way of life is what draws people back to the countryside: slower rhythms, more enjoyment, stronger community ties, and direct contact with nature.
City vs. Village: Two Worlds, Two Budgets
Anyone who has looked for an apartment in Milan knows how expensive city life can be. A small apartment often costs $1,200 or more per month. In villages across Le Marche or Apulia, that same amount could get you an entire house with a garden. Even daily groceries show the difference: markets with fresh local vegetables, olive oil from a neighbor, or wine from a small family vineyard are not only cheaper, but also higher in quality than what city supermarkets offer.
Community Instead of Anonymity – and Greater Safety
A village means not just lower costs but also closeness. People know each other, help each other, and meet on the piazza. Children grow up with more freedom because petty crime is rare. While big cities deal with pickpockets and break-ins, villages provide safety through social bonds and natural community oversight.
Families in Villages – New Chances for the Next Generation
Many Italian villages have aging populations, and schools have closed over the years. But where families return, opportunities reappear. In Cavazzoli near Reggio Emilia, the elementary school had once closed – today there is even a kindergarten again because more children live locally. Primary schools exist in many regions, sometimes very small, often supported by school buses. Preschools are less common, but in small villages, community support often fills the gap.
Doctors, Work, and Modern Projects
Healthcare is another concern. General practitioners are usually available in villages; specialists and hospitals may be several miles away. Communities respond with telemedicine and small health centers – security for seniors and reliability for families.
Jobs no longer come only from farming or crafts. Increasingly, villages embrace remote work, co-working hubs in restored stone houses, and tourism projects. In Northern Italy, digital nomads benefit from high-speed internet in mountain towns, while in the South artists, start-ups, and sustainable agriculture are bringing fresh energy.
Living in Earthquake Zones – Risk and Opportunity
Incentives – Opening the Door to Village Life
Without targeted programs, Italy’s villages would be less attractive. In Trentino, families can get up to $110,000 in grants for purchase and renovation. In the South, towns like Candela offer cash bonuses and discounts for new residents. The message is clear: Italy sees its villages as models for the future – and the strategy works where people are ready to participate actively.
Conclusion – A Real Alternative
Village life in Italy is no longer a nostalgic dream. Lower rents, less crime, stronger communities, and state incentives make it attractive again. Of course, specialists may be further away, preschool spots can be limited, and jobs aren’t always right next door – but for those seeking peace, nature, and affordable living, Italian villages are a true alternative. Maybe this is what Clooney meant when he spoke about the art of enjoying life: a village in Italy offers exactly that – simple, safe, and full of life.
Infobox – Quick Facts
Cost of Living
- City: small apartment in Rome/Milan often $1,200+
- Village: entire houses for $450–650 rent, purchase prices much lower
- Markets & local products: cheaper and fresher
Incentives
- Trentino: up to $110,000 in purchase & renovation grants
- Candela (Apulia): $850–5,500 in bonuses + family discounts
- Sisma Bonus: tax breaks for earthquake-safe renovations
- Southern Italy – grants up to $16,000 in small towns
Families & Community
- High average age, few children – but new families bring energy
- Elementary schools often available; preschools less common
- Strong local support networks
Healthcare & Work
- General practitioners in town, specialists further away
- Telemedicine & health centers expanding
- Work sectors: crafts, farming, tourism, remote work, co-working
Safety
- Cities: higher crime rates
- Villages: lower crime, neighbors provide natural prevention
Anja Sersch