Our Dream Retirement In Carini Sicily Begins Soon: Villa Preview & Relocation Tips

As we near our long-anticipated retirement in the charming town of Carini, nestled on Sicily’s northern coast, excitement fills the air. Carini, a serene gem just 30 minutes outside Palermo, is quickly becoming our ideal destination. 

Located between the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and rolling green hills, this quaint town offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. While its peaceful setting promises relaxation, Carini’s proximity to Palermo ensures that we’re never too far from vibrant city life and an international airport.

Carini’s appeal goes beyond its breathtaking landscape; it provides a fantastic combination of affordability and an exceptional quality of life, making it an attractive choice for retirees like us. 

The local markets offer fresh produce, while the family-owned restaurants serve delicious meals at a fraction of the cost found in other parts of Europe. This unique balance between affordability and charm is one of the key reasons why we’ve chosen Carini as our new home.

As the days tick down—just 90 days until our departure. We wanted to take a moment to update you on the progress we’ve made and what remains on our to-do list. After months of planning, we’re finally getting ready to board that flight to Sicily. 

The excitement is palpable, and it feels like the culmination of years of dreaming, planning, and saving. So, let’s dive in and explore what it takes to turn your Sicilian dream into reality.

💠What We’ve Already Accomplished

There’s a great deal of satisfaction in knowing how much we’ve already managed to complete in preparation for our move.

👉Flights Booked and Travel Plans Confirmed: Our travel plans are officially set. We’ll be flying with Delta Airlines, with a layover in Atlanta, before heading directly to Rome. From Rome, it’s a short one-hour flight to Palermo, where my brother will be waiting to pick us up at the airport. The excitement of arriving in Sicily, settling into our new home, and beginning our new life is finally within reach.

👉Social Security Arrangements: One of the key steps in preparing for retirement was ensuring that our financial arrangements were in place. We have applied for Social Security, and my first check will begin in January. After consulting with the Social Security Administration and completing all required paperwork, we are confident that our financial future in Sicily is secure.

👉Medical Preparations: Another important aspect of our move was ensuring that our health was in top condition. We’ve both had our annual physicals, including blood tests and health screenings. Everything came back great, and we’ve received a clean bill of health. I have one final appointment scheduled for December, but otherwise, we’re good to go.

👉Tax and Legal Preparations: We’ve met with our accountant to discuss the tax implications of moving to Sicily. We’ve also scheduled a consultation with a trusted attorney in Catania, Alfred Zappala, who has years of experience assisting expats with legal and tax matters. He’s helped by giving guidance regarding the process of navigating the Italian tax system and registering our lease agreement once we arrive in Sicily.

👉Downsizing and Donations: We’ve already started the process of downsizing, giving away some of our bigger possessions to family members. For instance, our son is now the proud owner of our rosemary bush, which he’ll use in his homemade bread recipes. We’ve also donated items to the church and Salvation Army, helping to simplify our move.

👉Travel Security: To ensure peace of mind during our travels, we’ve purchased Apple AirTags to place in our luggage. This small but essential security measure will allow us to track our bags in case they are lost or delayed during transit.

💠What’s Still to Do

Although we’ve accomplished so much, there’s still a list of tasks to tackle before our departure.

👉Give Notice at Work: Croce is planning to give two months’ notice at his current job. While the company does not require it, he wants to ensure a smooth transition and give his employer ample time to find a replacement. This is a big step, but one that will help us transition smoothly into retirement.

👉Finalize Housing Arrangements: We’ve already confirmed with the owner of our rental property that everything will be ready when we arrive. The lease agreement will be registered with the fiscal authorities within 30 days of our arrival, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

👉Currency Exchange and Financial Planning: We will need to exchange some of our dollars for euros, carefully monitoring the exchange rate to ensure we get the best value for our money. We’ll also make arrangements to set up a local bank account once we arrive.

👉Flight and Seat Selection: We’ve finalized our flight details, and 48 hours before departure, we will select our seats on the plane. We’ll be flying economy, but we’re determined to make the journey as comfortable as possible. We’ll use SeatGuru to choose the best seats available and ensure our comfort for the long flight.

As the days tick down, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. Retiring to Carini, Sicily, is more than just a lifestyle change—it’s a new chapter in our lives. 

The combination of affordable living, rich culture, Mediterranean beauty, and the welcoming community of Carini makes it the perfect place to begin our retirement journey. 

We can’t wait to explore all that Sicily has to offer and to share our experiences with you along the way.