In August, my husband and I made a significant life change by moving from Hamburg, Germany, to Sant’Elia a Pianisi, a small town in southern Italy. We had initially become intrigued by the infamous 1-euro housing schemes that promised homes for only one euro, but we were apprehensive about the towns’ reputations. Tales of dilapidation and desolation filled our minds as we considered investing our time and money into a fading village. Considering our backgrounds—residing in bustling Hamburg with over 2 million people—we feared feelings of isolation in a small town of approximately 1,500 residents. However, after personally exploring some properties, we decided to forgo the 1-euro homes and purchased a farmhouse for €29,000 (about $30,400). This decision turned out to be one of the best we ever made.
Upon our arrival in Sant’Elia, our initial fears dispelled as we found the town bursting with life and cultural vibrancy. August brought a wave of festivities, captivating parades, concerts, and gatherings that seemed to bring the entire community together. The town was alive with events that showcased local traditions, including sword fights and fire performances. We were pleasantly surprised to hear a mix of languages like English and German intertwining with Italian, highlighting the town’s connection to its diaspora. Older generations returned from the U.S., having settled there in the mid-20th century, bringing back their stories and nostalgia. This blend contributed to a rich local culture that made us feel welcomed and intrigued by our new home.
Following the excitement of August, we had certain concerns about the possibility of our new town becoming a ghost town. While it did quiet down significantly, it retained a lively atmosphere with monthly parades and weekends that saw crowded restaurants featuring live music. The sense of community remained strong, and we often found ourselves surrounded by families during the quieter afternoons. Visiting the local outdoor market became one of our favorite pastimes, offering fresh produce, cheeses, and a fantastic social backdrop. Despite our concerns about loneliness or isolation, we discovered a supportive and vibrant community that was eager to share its life with us.
While neither of us spoke fluent Italian, the warmth and kindness we felt from the locals transcended any potential language barriers. We endeavored to learn the language and used our basic Italian to communicate. In instances where words failed, gestures and humor became our go-to methods for connection. The townspeople were accommodating, often responding in their own limited English or German, fostering an environment of understanding and friendship. Gifts from our neighbors—such as fresh produce, homemade cheeses, and local olive oil—enhanced our feeling of belonging and gratitude, as we soon realized just how welcoming the community in Sant’Elia truly was.
For those moments when we craved more excitement, the nearby city of Campobasso, just a half-hour drive away, offered additional entertainment and activities. While the winding, mountainous road posed challenges—almost causing our friends to feel queasy during the drive—the charm of Campobasso’s historical center, bustling markets, and various cultural events kept drawing us back. From nightclubs and shopping malls to rich cultural experiences, we received a perfect blend of both scenic small-town living and city life. However, we also found ample activities close to home, as I discovered a local expat Facebook group that continuously showcased regional festivals, musical performances, and community gatherings worth attending.
In summary, our leap from a vibrant city to a small Italian town has been an adventure we wouldn’t trade. We confronted the uncertainties of moving into a new community, stepping out of our comfort zone, and engaging with a culture not our own. Rather than the desolate retirement community we feared, we found a lively town filled with friendly locals, ongoing festivities, and a vibrant sense of community. The balance of small-town charm and accessibility to a nearby city has created the perfect blend for us, allowing us to establish roots and build connections in a place we now proudly call home.
