This week we continue our investigation of Italy with the recollections of one of our readers/friend who currently lives la dolce vita in Italy…

Why I Retired in Italy

After years of dreaming about our ideal retirement, my spouse and I finally took the leap and made Italy our permanent home. It was not an easy decision, but once we visited Bologna, we knew we had found our place. Now, every day feels like we’re living a scene from a romantic European film — but with just enough practical challenges to keep things interesting. Here's a glimpse into why we chose Bologna and how our life here has unfolded.

Why Bologna? A Perfect Mix of Tradition and Convenience

Bologna may not have the same name recognition as Rome or Florence, but that’s part of its charm. Known as La Dotta, La Grassa, e La Rossa (The Learned, The Fat, and The Red), Bologna offers a vibrant cultural scene, an unmatched food tradition, and a gorgeous terracotta-colored cityscape. It’s also home to the oldest university in the world, which keeps the town buzzing with youthful energy despite its ancient streets. For us, it’s the perfect blend of tradition and modern life.

Our days here are wonderfully predictable. We start each morning at a local café, sipping cappuccinos and savoring a cornetto while watching the world come alive. Bologna’s portico-lined streets invite leisurely walks, rain or shine, and it’s not uncommon for us to stumble upon impromptu street performances or weekend markets.

Daily Life: Simple Pleasures, Italian Style

Living in Bologna has transformed how we approach daily life. One of our favorite routines is visiting the open-air market in the Quadrilatero district. Shopping here isn’t just a chore — it’s a social event. We chat with the local butcher who remembers our preferred cuts, the cheese vendor who always offers samples of pecorino, and the baker who teases us if we arrive too late and miss the fresh focaccia. Neither their English or our Italian is perfect, but we make do, and everyone is super friendly.

Dinners are often spent enjoying tagliatelle al ragù, the traditional Bolognese pasta dish, at a cozy trattoria, or cooking together at home with fresh produce and local wine. We’ve also discovered the joy of aperitivo — a pre-dinner ritual where we relax over spritz cocktails and light snacks with friends, both locals and expats like ourselves.

Bologna’s sense of community has been one of the biggest surprises. From the friendly neighbors who check in on us to the various clubs and events that have welcomed us, we’ve built a new support network here. Our Italian is still a work in progress, but the locals are endlessly patient, and every conversation is an opportunity to learn.

Travel Opportunities: Europe at Our Doorstep

One of the many reasons we chose Bologna was its unbeatable location. The city is a major transportation hub, and our apartment is just a short walk from Bologna Centrale, the central train station. Thanks to Italy’s high-speed trains, we can be in Florence or Venice in under two hours and in Rome in just over two. Having the Marconi Airport nearby makes it easy to explore even farther afield.

In the past year, we’ve made the most of Bologna’s proximity to other European destinations. We spent a week wandering the canals of Amsterdam, took a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps, and enjoyed tapas in Barcelona. Vienna’s Christmas markets were unforgettable, and we even managed a sun-soaked getaway to Malta in early spring. One of our favorite trips was to Paris, where we celebrated our wedding anniversary with a river cruise along the Seine. Are we rich? Not even close. You’d be amazed how inexpensive it is to travel through Europe once you are in Europe.

It’s hard to describe the sense of freedom that comes with knowing we can hop on a train or plane and be in another country in just a few hours. Retirement here has opened doors to travel experiences we’d only dreamed of before.

The Challenges and Joys of Living Abroad

Of course, no move comes without challenges. Navigating Italian bureaucracy has tested our patience more than once and learning the nuances of cultural differences — like the importance of greeting everyone in a shop with a cheery buongiorno — has taken time. But these are small hurdles compared to the joys we’ve discovered.

One unexpected joy has been the slower pace of life. Back in the U.S., it felt like we were always rushing — to meet deadlines, to run errands, to keep up with the fast pace of modern life. Here in Bologna, we’ve learned to slow down and savor the moment. Whether it’s enjoying a long lunch with friends or simply sitting on a park bench watching children play, we’ve embraced the Italian way of living fully.

A Life Well Lived

Retiring in Italy has been everything we hoped for and more. Bologna has given us a sense of belonging, a fulfilling daily routine, and access to experiences we never imagined possible. The food, the friendships, the travel opportunities — it’s all part of a life we feel deeply grateful for.

If you're thinking about retirement in Europe, I can’t recommend Bologna enough. This city has captured our hearts, and it’s hard to imagine ever leaving. Each day here feels like a gift, and we’re determined to enjoy every moment. As they say in Italy, la dolce vita — the sweet life — is not just an idea. It’s a way of living, and we’re proud to call it our own.