Moving To Sicily From USA: We’re Ditching EVERYTHING For a Fresh Start
January 14, 2025 · Leave a Comment
Moving To Sicily From USA: We’re Ditching EVERYTHING For a Fresh Start
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, lies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, which has made it a cultural melting pot throughout history. It is an autonomous region of Italy, with its capital in Palermo.
Sicily offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. With its stunning coastlines, historic landmarks, and affordability, Sicily presents a compelling option for retirees seeking a fresh chapter in their lives. In 2024, my husband and I, both in our 60s, made the life-changing decision to leave Texas and make Carini, Sicily, our retirement abroad home.
Today, as we reflect on this monumental decision during a peaceful walk through the woods, we’re reminded of the key reasons that led us to this enchanting island and the new life we’ve embraced.
Here are the primary factors behind our move:
- The Financial Factor
- Personal Growth and Embrace A New Chapter Of Live
- Personal and Cultural Connections
- Overcoming Challenges
- Embracing a New Lifestyle
- Sharing Our Journey
The Financial Factor
One of the most compelling reasons behind our decision to moving to Sicily was financial. Retiring in Texas posed significant challenges due to the high cost of living. With taxes, Medicare, and other deductions taking a substantial portion of Social Security, it would become increasingly difficult to maintain the comfortable lifestyle we envisioned.
Sicily, on the other hand, offers a much more affordable alternative. The cost of living here is significantly lower, with many expenses—including housing, groceries, and dining—being 50% to 75% cheaper than in Texas.
For instance, fresh produce and seafood are not only affordable but also locally sourced and organic, making it easy to enjoy a healthy and delicious Mediterranean diet. This financial relief allows us to live comfortably on our Social Security income, freeing us from the challenge of making ends meet.
For retirees facing similar financial constraints, exploring retirement abroad in locations like Sicily can be a transformative option. It’s not just about affordability; it’s about the freedom to focus on enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Personal Growth and Embrace A New Chapter Of Life
Leaving our family behind in Texas is undoubtedly the most challenging aspect of this transition. We have three adult children and four grandchildren, each of whom holds a special place in our hearts.
The decision to move away from them was not made lightly. However, we saw this as an opportunity to focus on our personal growth and embrace a new chapter in our lives.
Drawing inspiration from the book of Psalms, which compares children to arrows meant to be launched into their own lives, we realized that we had raised our children to be independent and pursue their own paths. Now, it was our turn to embark on a journey of our own.
While the emotional toll of leaving family behind is significant, we’ve taken steps to ensure that our bonds remain strong. Technology allows us to stay connected through regular video calls, and we’ve planned for visits both to and from Sicily. This move is not a farewell but a reimagining of how we connect and support one another across distances.
Personal and Cultural Connections
For my husband, returning to Sicily is a deeply personal journey. Born and raised on the island, Sicily holds a wealth of cherished memories of family, childhood friends, and a vibrant cultural lifestyle.
This move represents a homecoming—a chance to reconnect with siblings, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends while immersing ourselves in the traditions that defined my husband’s upbringing.
Sicily’s slower pace of life and strong connection to nature resonate deeply with us. Shopping for fresh seafood at the local market, enjoying leisurely meals with loved ones, and spending hours together at the table are more than daily routines; they are rituals that bring meaning and joy.
The island’s cultural richness and familial ties make this move not only a practical decision but also an emotionally rewarding one.
Additionally, Sicily’s cuisine is a reflection of its history and natural abundance. From fresh seafood to local and seasonal produce, the flavors of Sicily are unparalleled. We look forward to savoring these culinary delights daily, deepening our appreciation for the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Overcoming Challenges
Our journey to Sicily has not been without its challenges. Leaving behind our children and grandchildren has been the most emotionally demanding aspect. Memories of family gatherings, heartfelt hugs from our grandchildren, and the special retirement party thrown for my husband before our departure remain vivid and bittersweet.
Yet, we remain steadfast in our decision, driven by the belief that Croce has a calling and that this move offers us the opportunity to live life on our own terms. Our family’s unwavering support has been a source of strength.
We’ve promised to stay connected through frequent video calls, and we’ve reassured them that visits are just a flight away. This decision, while difficult, is one that allows us to embrace a lifestyle filled with purpose, connection, and fulfillment.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
In Sicily, we have discovered a way of living that prioritizes well-being, community, and the appreciation of life’s simple joys. The Mediterranean lifestyle emphasizes balance and connection—whether it’s taking a morning walk along the coastline, sharing stories over a meal with friends, or simply savoring a quiet moment in nature. Each day feels like a celebration of the present.
Our new home in Carini offers a picturesque setting for retirement in Sicily. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the island and steeped in history, this small town provides the perfect backdrop for our fresh start.
We’ve also established a clear budget to ensure financial stability, documenting our expenses and savings to inspire others to consider a similar move. Living on Social Security alone is not only achievable in Sicily but also provides room for a life enriched by culture, cuisine, and community.
Sharing Our Journey
As we settle into our new life, we are committed to sharing our experiences. Through monthly updates, we plan to provide insights into budgeting, lifestyle adjustments, and the joys of living in Sicily.
From house tours to tips on navigating local markets, our journey is one we hope will inspire others to explore the possibilities of retirement abroad.
Retiring in Sicily will be a transformative experience. It will allow us to reconnect with family, embrace a slower pace of life, and savor the island’s culinary and cultural treasures. While the decision was far from easy, it is one we approach with gratitude and excitement. As we continue this journey, we look forward to the adventures, challenges, and memories that await us in this beautiful corner of the world.
For anyone considering a similar move, we encourage you to take the leap. Change is never without its challenges, but the rewards can be life-changing.
We are trusting the Lord to supply our needs as we embark on this exciting journey.
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