In response to rising living costs in the United States, one American family has made the decision to purchase an affordable house in Italy. Chris and Jennifer Tidroski, originally from Prescott, Arizona, have followed the increasing trend of U.S. citizens looking for a more budget-friendly and unhurried life by acquiring a neglected property in a sparsely populated Italian village.

Back in 2021, the Tidroskis acquired a residence in the historical district of Latronico, a picturesque town in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata, for just 26,000 euros (approximately $27,274). Since then, they’ve invested an additional 50,000 euros ($52,450) in renovations.

Their goal is to move, accompanied by their seven-year-old daughter Lidia, as soon as their house is fully ready and they obtain the necessary visas. Chris Tidroski, a 49-year-old former osteopath who currently is employed as a bowling instructor, emphasized that the expenses associated with living in the United States, especially healthcare costs, had become unmanageably high for their family.

In addition to financial concerns, they cited political polarization in the U.S. as a factor influencing their decision to relocate to Italy and move out of United States. They expressed a desire to reconnect with Chris’s Italian heritage, as his great-grandfather had emigrated from a village near Latronico to the United States in the late 1800s.

Their journey to Latronico began when they learned about the town’s housing scheme, “Your House in Latronico,” which encouraged expats to settle there by offering affordable properties. After exploring various options, they settled on a two-bedroom home measuring 125 square meters, complete with a parcel of land. The purchase process went smoothly, and Chris then flew to Italy to complete the paperwork.

Since acquiring the property, the Tidroskis have upgraded the floors and given several rooms, including the kitchen, dining area, bedrooms and bathrooms, a makeover. They’ve also made improvements such as new roof tiles, heating, air conditioning, updated plumbing, and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior walls. The renovation process was lengthened due to a lack of builders in Italy.

The Tidroskis faced difficulties in securing an elective residency visa (ERV), intended for non-EU citizens, which demanded an annual “passive” income of 38,000 euros (approximately $39,850) for a couple. Confronted by income constraints, they investigated alternative options, but none appeared workable. Chris has initiated a mission to trace his Basilicata heritage, aiming to apply for Italian citizenship through descent as a means of overcoming the visa challenge.

Despite the delays and setbacks, the Tidroskis have fallen in love with Latronico and eagerly anticipate starting their new life in the town. They appreciate the relaxed pace of life, afternoon siestas, healthy and fresh produce, and the proximity of a delightful butcher shop near their home. Chris advises potential international buyers to thoroughly research the residency and visa requirements before embarking on property hunting in Italy, emphasizing that owning a house does not grant residency rights.

In conclusion, the Tidroskis’ journey from the U.S. to Italy reflects a desire for a more affordable and culturally enriching life, despite the challenges they’ve encountered along the way.