A New York City couple, Cassandra Tresl and Alex Ninman, relocated to rural Italy in 2023, citing the prohibitive cost of homeownership in the United States. The pair purchased their first home in the Abruzzo region for approximately $13,000, a stark contrast to their previous rent of nearly $3,000 per month in Brooklyn.
Their decision to move abroad was influenced by the birth of their daughter in 2020, which prompted a reevaluation of their financial future. Tresl recalled that buying a home in New York City was financially out of reach. Following a trip to Spain in 2018, where she observed a different pace of life and community interaction, Tresl felt inspired to seek an alternative lifestyle.
Settling in Abruzzo
The family settled in a hilltop village in Abruzzo with a population of around 1,300. They purchased their home for €11,500 (about $13,000) and invested an additional $17,000 in renovations and furnishings. The most significant renovation expense was $3,000 for the plumbing system.
Despite challenges such as navigating Italian bureaucracy and adapting to a slower pace of life, Tresl expressed a strong preference for their current living situation. A return trip to the U.S. solidified their decision, with Tresl noting, "When I go back to Seattle just to visit my family, I go to the grocery store and I'm like, 'How is anyone supposed to live?'"
Financial and Lifestyle Changes
The move has significantly reduced their monthly expenses. Full-time preschool for their daughter costs $70 per month, with utilities such as electricity averaging $170, water around $80, and Wi-Fi at $15. Each mobile phone plan costs approximately $14. The couple also benefits from Italy's tax system, paying no property tax on their primary residence and a modest annual tax on their second home.
Tresl noted a surprising number of young families in their rural community, contrary to common perceptions of depopulation. Her daughter is set to begin first grade at the local state school, and Tresl expressed confidence in the standardized education system.
Second Property and Income Stream
Subsequently, the family purchased a second property for approximately $20,000 and invested another $17,000 in renovations. This second home has been converted into an Airbnb, managed by Tresl's husband, generating an average of $1,100 per month. The property is booked about 35 percent of the year, primarily by Italians seeking a quieter escape from larger cities.
Tresl initially continued her remote work for a New York-based tech startup but has since accepted a marketing position with an Italian travel company, acknowledging a reduced salary but valuing her improved work-life balance. The couple, who did not speak Italian upon arrival, have learned the language, and their daughter is now trilingual.