Starting Over in Sicily: Answering Your 17 Most Asked Questions

Sicily, with its stunning coastlines, deep historical roots, and welcoming Mediterranean climate, is an ideal destination for those seeking a fulfilling and affordable retirement. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s genuinely like to start over in Sicily, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll be sharing our firsthand experiences, offering a casual, unfiltered look at our journey. We’ll tackle questions about cultural adjustments, the cost of living in Sicily, navigating expat life, and the surprising differences we’ve encountered since relocating. From our initial impressions to our current routines, we’ll discuss the challenges and joys of building a life in this beautiful region. 

We hope this blog provides valuable information and inspiration for anyone considering a similar adventure.

👉 Here’s an outline of the questions we’ll answer on this blog:

• Where were you born and raised?
• Do you speak Italian or Sicilian or both?
• Where do you live now?
• Are you working and what do you do for income?  
• Is it a big adjustment going from the United States to Sicily? And if so, what is the biggest adjustment for us?
• How many children do you have?  
• What’s one thing you miss from the USA other than family?
• How long did it take for us to get our residency? 
• Are the locals friendly here?
• Are you part of any expat communities?
• What is one thing you dislike the most in Sicily?
• What is your favorite thing about Sicily?
• What’s your favorite local food?
• What is your daily routine difference here in Sicily?
• What surprised you the most in Sicily?
• Cost of living in Sicily?

Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps.

🔹 Where were you born and raised?

Croce was born and raised in Carini, Sicily, where he spent his childhood before moving to the United States as a teenager. I, Carol, was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in various states, including Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. My father was in the Navy, so our family moved frequently. This gave me a diverse upbringing and exposure to different cultures and environments.

🔹 Do you speak Italian or Sicilian, or both?

Croce speaks both Italian and Sicilian fluently, having grown up speaking both languages. He also speaks English, making him trilingual. I speak English and am currently studying Italian to improve my communication when running errands, shopping, or having conversations with locals. My goal is to be able to hold fluent conversations in proper Italian without hesitation.

🔹 Where do you live now?

We currently live in Carini, Sicily, which is located in the Province of Palermo. Carini is a charming town with a mix of modern conveniences and deep historical significance. It offers a peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle while still being close to the vibrant city of Palermo. The town is known for its rich culture, local markets, and friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to settle.

🔹 Are you working, and what do you do for income?

I work full-time as a transcriptionist from home, providing a steady source of income. Transcription work allows me to have a flexible schedule and work remotely. Croce is retired and receives Social Security benefits from the U.S., which helps us manage our daily expenses. Between my work and his pension, we are financially stable and able to enjoy our time in Sicily without financial worries.

🔹 Is it a big adjustment going from the United States to Sicily? What is the most significant adjustment for us?

Yes, moving to Sicily, Italy has been a significant adjustment! The biggest change is the slower pace of life. In Sicily, people prioritize family, social interactions, and enjoying life, whereas in the U.S., work often dominates daily life. Here, personal connections matter more. It took time to get used to longer meal times, frequent social visits, and a more relaxed work-life balance, but now we appreciate it.

🔹 How many children do you have?

We have three children—two daughters and a son—all of whom live in Texas. While we miss them dearly, we stay in touch through video calls and messages. Additionally, we have four wonderful grandchildren, three granddaughters, and one grandson. It’s tough being far from them, but we cherish every moment we spend together during visits and online calls.

🔹 What’s one thing you miss from the USA other than family?

Croce misses proper home insulation. Houses in Sicily are built differently, often with cement walls, which makes them cold in the winter. I miss Ziploc bags! The ones available here are not as durable, and I haven’t been able to find good quality ones in local stores. Someone mentioned that IKEA might carry them, so I may have to make a trip there soon.

🔹 How long did it take for us to get our residency?

We have one more step for the completion of our residency. We submitted our lease agreement, identification, and required documents. We received a letter from the Comune stating they have logged us as residents. However, we are waiting for the municipal guard to visit our home and verify our residency. Once this step is completed, we will be done with residency.  We’re already residents of Sicily, with the official letter to state as such, but we will be happy when the visit is over and done with!

🔹 Are the locals friendly here?

Yes, Sicilians are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They are always willing to help, whether it’s offering directions, assisting with language barriers, or simply engaging in pleasant conversation. Unlike in some parts of the U.S., where people tend to keep to themselves, Sicilians are very social and genuinely interested in getting to know their neighbors.

🔹 Are you part of any expat communities?

No, we are not part of any formal expat communities. While these groups do exist, we haven’t felt the need to join one. Croce has reconnected with childhood friends, and we have made local connections through daily interactions. Because we speak the language, we integrate well into the community without needing a specific expat network.

🔹 What is one thing you dislike the most in Sicily?

For Croce, it’s the chaotic driving. The roads are narrow, and traffic rules are loosely followed, making driving stressful. For me, it’s the issue of trash disposal. Some areas are well-maintained, but others suffer from improper waste management, which is disheartening. The lack of pride in keeping public spaces clean is frustrating.

🔹 What is your favorite thing about Sicily?

Croce loves the sunny weather and warm Mediterranean climate. I adore the people and the fresh food. Sicily’s food culture is vibrant, warm, and full of life, which makes everyday interactions enjoyable. The local produce, fresh seafood, and delicious home-cooked meals make dining here a true pleasure.

🔹 What’s your favorite local food?

Croce enjoys fresh seafood, particularly “Frutta di Mare,” a flavorful seafood dish with various shellfish. I love fresh vegetables, especially eggplant and tomatoes. The produce here is incredibly fresh and full of flavor, making every meal taste amazing. I also have a special love for Sicilian olives, which are incredibly sweet and delicious.

🔹 What is the difference in your daily routine here in Sicily?

Our routines have changed a lot. Croce, now retired, enjoys a slower-paced life, helping around the house and planning fishing trips. I continue my transcription work but now have a more balanced routine, including socializing with neighbors, exploring local markets, and enjoying leisurely meals.

🔹 What surprised you the most in Sicily?

For Croce, the biggest surprise was how congested the traffic was despite the town’s small roads. For me, it was how at home I feel here. Despite missing our children and grandchildren, I have found peace and contentment in the slower pace of life and the beauty of Sicily.

🔹 Cost of living in Sicily?

Living in Sicily is significantly cheaper than in Texas—our cooking gas costs just 25 euro for a tank, which lasts over seven weeks…and counting. Rent, utilities, and groceries are also more affordable, making it possible to live comfortably on a modest budget. We’ll share a detailed cost breakdown soon.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask! We appreciate your interest and look forward to sharing more insights about life in Sicily.