Transitioning from Life in a Big US City to a Small Italian Town

Over a decade ago, my family embarked on a new adventure, moving from Columbus, Ohio, to a serene mountain town in southern Italy.

This transition promised lower living costs and savings on healthcare, but it also came with feelings of loneliness and monotony.

I yearn for the connections we had back in Ohio and worry about maintaining my children’s American heritage.

The Move: Expectations Versus Reality

Back in March 2014, when I was five months pregnant, my husband and I, along with our two young children, flew from Columbus to Rome. We were filled with anticipation for a slower-paced lifestyle filled with cultural beauty.

Fresh from completing our university education, we craved something tranquil yet vibrant, far from the hectic pace of our previous life.

Initially, Rome seemed perfect with its thriving population and myriad of activities, including numerous English-speaking communities.

Unfortunately, the costs and challenges of urban life made it infeasible for our expanding family.

This realization led us to Mormanno in the Calabria region—a tranquil, affordable town with a population of just 2,000. On paper, it met all our requirements.

Challenges of Raising Children in a New Environment

After over 10 years here and welcoming three more children into our family, the charm of small-town southern Italy has not rubbed off on me; I actually miss our past life in many ways.

One of the greatest losses with this move has been the tight-knit community we left behind in Ohio.

Previously, we enjoyed close proximity to family and friends, with regular get-togethers and a robust support network.

Being in a foreign country adds layers of complexity. Despite making new friends, nothing compares to the strong bonds we had. Educating my children in both Italian and English has been quite a task.

To succeed academically here, they need to master Italian, but I also wish for them to be connected to their American roots.

Despite becoming proficient in Italian myself, the educational system sometimes confounds me, and reteaching subjects at home is tough.

Finding a balance between preserving our roots and embracing their new Italian environment remains an ongoing challenge.

The Reality of Small-Town Life

Mormanno's tranquility, while initially appealing, quickly became synonymous with boredom.

In Ohio, entertainment was always within reach—whether visiting attractions or indulging in simple pleasures.

Here, fascinating sights are limited, and children's activities are scarce. For enriching experiences like sports, we must venture elsewhere.

Our solution has been to spend part of our summers in Rome, allowing our kids to enjoy the vibrant culture and activities they miss otherwise.

Navigating Healthcare Challenges

In Ohio, I was accustomed to quick access to healthcare, a far cry from what's available in Mormanno, especially for serious issues.

Our family has encountered medical emergencies exposing the gaps in local healthcare, necessitating travel to northern cities for specialized care.

For my daughter’s scoliosis surgery, we went to Milan, and during my high-risk pregnancy, I returned to Rome for essential care.

Similarly, urgent needs for my newborn son required travel to adequate facilities equipped for his heart surgery.

The disparity in healthcare quality between northern and southern Italy is well known.

However, the financial aspect offers a glimmer of hope—expenses here pale in comparison to what we might have faced in the US.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Though Mormanno is not my ideal home, it does present certain advantages.

Our financial outlay for housing and healthcare is significantly lower, allowing us to own a home, a dream unthinkable in our previous lives.

Our income from a copywriting business suffices for a comfortable living, with manageable expenses and the opportunity to save.

While this small-town experience has offered fresh perspectives on success and lifestyle, my fondness for urban life persists.

If circumstances allowed, I’d choose a larger city like Rome, where cultural and recreational offerings align more closely with our desires.

Relocating again might not resolve all issues, but the financial prudence we practice here could eventually make it possible.