I am planing on retiring in Tuscany in 2026. I know it sounds too far down the road. For me time and prep, is a must. Outside Florence, I am interested in renting a 1 private bedroom and bathroom, utilities, wifi, gas, electricity, all tax included, if possible (air-conditioning included but not a priority). I will be using public transportation, I shop for local food items, love farmers market. I have dual citizenship European and USA. I welcome any personal experience that you might have with moving from USA to Italy (Tuscany). All your ideas will be taken in consideration. Thanks in advance. Margaret
Moving to Tuscany for a couple of years, and who knows, could become permanent. Starting as temporary resident :)
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Ciao Margaret and welcome to our forum! Hope we can use this platform to build up a conversation, 2026 isn't too far down the road actually, it does take planning and careful consideration to make such a move. The fact you already have EU citizenship will make all the paperwork and bureaucracy much easier, although be prepared for things to always take longer than you think they will take. I'm talking of anything and everything! 
Then you can be pleasantly surprised when they happen faster!
First, have you already been to Florence and Tuscany? If you have, do you already have any place or area in mind? I ask because Florence is expensive to live in, while towns nearby are used by a lot of commuters to come into work every day so not as cheap ad you'd think. There are a lot of connections in public transport to facilitate that in some areas but not in others. Considering you don't plan to drive, you most certainly need to put that high on the list as you select areas in which to focus your search.
Also, you say a "temporary" place - how temporary at first? Because places that might have everything included are rented as short term and cost more than places that are rented by the year but which more often than not do not include utilities or wi-fi. You can also consider that you start with a short term rental and then once you're hear look for something you love, considering you will be able to visit and see.
Ok, I think that's enough to get started. Look forward to hearing your thoughts up to now!
Then you can be pleasantly surprised when they happen faster!First, have you already been to Florence and Tuscany? If you have, do you already have any place or area in mind? I ask because Florence is expensive to live in, while towns nearby are used by a lot of commuters to come into work every day so not as cheap ad you'd think. There are a lot of connections in public transport to facilitate that in some areas but not in others. Considering you don't plan to drive, you most certainly need to put that high on the list as you select areas in which to focus your search.
Also, you say a "temporary" place - how temporary at first? Because places that might have everything included are rented as short term and cost more than places that are rented by the year but which more often than not do not include utilities or wi-fi. You can also consider that you start with a short term rental and then once you're hear look for something you love, considering you will be able to visit and see.
Ok, I think that's enough to get started. Look forward to hearing your thoughts up to now!
Ciao Lourdes, soooo nice to hear back from you. Now I have a connection in Italy! Yes, 2026 is my year for moving forward with my life. I won't need to work in Italy. I grew up in France, I have been in California for many years. In addicting to English I speak French, Spanish and Portuguese. I am retiring, renting a small apartment or just a private furnished bedroom and bathroom on a long term rental agreement (1 year) makes sense. I have Medicare Dental and Vision in California, I am planing on purchasing a Travel Insurance for 1 year, ( just for the move) If I can renew it for another year without traveling back to USA I will do. I own my house, I will rent it during my stay in Italy. To answer your question I spent some vacation time in Florence, Venice, Rome, and Milan, but not enough to have an idea about moving in for a year. I am spending 9 nights in Florence this summer, arriving on 7/24 leaving on 8/3 to France for another 5 weeks. Renting a place for 1 year, outside Florence would be possible, I welcome your expertise. What would you recommend? I am looking forward to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time to read my email. Margaret.Ciao Margaret and welcome to our forum! Hope we can use this platform to build up a conversation, 2026 isn't too far down the road actually, it does take planning and careful consideration to make such a move. The fact you already have EU citizenship will make all the paperwork and bureaucracy much easier, although be prepared for things to always take longer than you think they will take. I'm talking of anything and everything!
First, have you already been to Florence and Tuscany? If you have, do you already have any place or area in mind? I ask because Florence is expensive to live in, while towns nearby are used by a lot of commuters to come into work every day so not as cheap ad you'd think. There are a lot of connections in public transport to facilitate that in some areas but not in others. Considering you don't plan to drive, you most certainly need to put that high on the list as you select areas in which to focus your search.
Also, you say a "temporary" place - how temporary at first? Because places that might have everything included are rented as short term and cost more than places that are rented by the year but which more often than not do not include utilities or wi-fi. You can also consider that you start with a short term rental and then once you're hear look for something you love, considering you will be able to visit and see.
Ok, I think that's enough to get started. Look forward to hearing your thoughts up to now!
Hi Wortilla, Thanks for your input. My plan is to rent a 1 year furnished apartment somewhere pleasant in Tuscany, with a good public transportation system. I won't be working, no need to own a car. I will live there for 1 year, come back to USA to visit family and friends, and go back and forth as pleased. Are you a permanent resident now? I have double citizenship EU and USA. I will use my EU citizenship, to establish in Italy. Any information from you is more than welcome. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
WenSamya
New member
Moving to Tuscany must be so exciting. As someone who's moved around a bit, I can tell you it's a great opportunity to experience new things and grow as a person. One thing I'd recommend is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Learn the language, try the local cuisine, and get to know the people. It'll make your experience so much richer and help you feel more at home. If you need any help with the move, you might want to check out https://discountmoving.ca/ . They could have some tips or services that could make the process smoother for you. Who knows, maybe Tuscany will become your new permanent home!
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Thanks Wen. I agree with what you said. Margaret
Ciao Margaret,
Being a EU citizen will make everything much easier, as you can settle without having a need for a visa beforehand but you will still need to go through the process of getting a permit to stay "permesso di soggiorno" as an EU citizen so prepare for the bureaucracy by reading ahead what steps you'll need to take.
As far as where to base yourself: are you staying in central Florence this July? I would suggest you take some of those days and take day trips to check out Pisa, Lucca and Siena while you're here. They are major towns but still smaller towns compared to Florence which would make good bases. They tend to less costly than Florence (although staying in any historical center will not be cheap) but they will give you easy access to trains to move around while you live here.
There are definitely smaller towns along the train lines you can consider, it depends how much of a small town experience you are looking forward to living. Whereabouts do you live in California and how much of a change are you looking forward to? It might make sense to not go from city to small village at first, until you get a chance to be here and move around and see and experience how locals live. Then if you decide to stick around beyond the year, you will know where you want to go.
As for a private room with all expenses and services included, the bigger cities will offer more choices as they are used to tourism and providing those types of lodgings. But what you want is a studio apartment since you're interested in a kitchen, and most B&Bs that offer rooms will not offer kitchen access.
So I suggest you start looking at small apartments found on AirBnB, for example, to see what's available. Consider that in larger towns where people rent apartments by the week, they will be used to getting that weekly income that by the month might not be convenient so in that case the smaller towns along the train line might work better - for example, Empoli, Lastra a Signa, San Miniato are some towns between Florence and Pisa, or Montecatini or Pistoia on the line toward Lucca.
Hope I've given you some things to consider that will help as you continue your planning! I look forward to hearing back from you.
Being a EU citizen will make everything much easier, as you can settle without having a need for a visa beforehand but you will still need to go through the process of getting a permit to stay "permesso di soggiorno" as an EU citizen so prepare for the bureaucracy by reading ahead what steps you'll need to take.
As far as where to base yourself: are you staying in central Florence this July? I would suggest you take some of those days and take day trips to check out Pisa, Lucca and Siena while you're here. They are major towns but still smaller towns compared to Florence which would make good bases. They tend to less costly than Florence (although staying in any historical center will not be cheap) but they will give you easy access to trains to move around while you live here.
There are definitely smaller towns along the train lines you can consider, it depends how much of a small town experience you are looking forward to living. Whereabouts do you live in California and how much of a change are you looking forward to? It might make sense to not go from city to small village at first, until you get a chance to be here and move around and see and experience how locals live. Then if you decide to stick around beyond the year, you will know where you want to go.
As for a private room with all expenses and services included, the bigger cities will offer more choices as they are used to tourism and providing those types of lodgings. But what you want is a studio apartment since you're interested in a kitchen, and most B&Bs that offer rooms will not offer kitchen access.
So I suggest you start looking at small apartments found on AirBnB, for example, to see what's available. Consider that in larger towns where people rent apartments by the week, they will be used to getting that weekly income that by the month might not be convenient so in that case the smaller towns along the train line might work better - for example, Empoli, Lastra a Signa, San Miniato are some towns between Florence and Pisa, or Montecatini or Pistoia on the line toward Lucca.
Hope I've given you some things to consider that will help as you continue your planning! I look forward to hearing back from you
.Hi LourdesCiao Margaret,
Being a EU citizen will make everything much easier, as you can settle without having a need for a visa beforehand but you will still need to go through the process of getting a permit to stay "permesso di soggiorno" as an EU citizen so prepare for the bureaucracy by reading ahead what steps you'll need to take.
As far as where to base yourself: are you staying in central Florence this July? I would suggest you take some of those days and take day trips to check out Pisa, Lucca and Siena while you're here. They are major towns but still smaller towns compared to Florence which would make good bases. They tend to less costly than Florence (although staying in any historical center will not be cheap) but they will give you easy access to trains to move around while you live here.
There are definitely smaller towns along the train lines you can consider, it depends how much of a small town experience you are looking forward to living. Whereabouts do you live in California and how much of a change are you looking forward to? It might make sense to not go from city to small village at first, until you get a chance to be here and move around and see and experience how locals live. Then if you decide to stick around beyond the year, you will know where you want to go.
As for a private room with all expenses and services included, the bigger cities will offer more choices as they are used to tourism and providing those types of lodgings. But what you want is a studio apartment since you're interested in a kitchen, and most B&Bs that offer rooms will not offer kitchen access.
So I suggest you start looking at small apartments found on AirBnB, for example, to see what's available. Consider that in larger towns where people rent apartments by the week, they will be used to getting that weekly income that by the month might not be convenient so in that case the smaller towns along the train line might work better - for example, Empoli, Lastra a Signa, San Miniato are some towns between Florence and Pisa, or Montecatini or Pistoia on the line toward Lucca.
Hope I've given you some things to consider that will help as you continue your planning! I look forward to hearing back from you
Thanks you so much for the followup. I am staying at 3 different Airbnb locations. Via Maggio, Via delle Cerbine, and Via Taddeo. Total of 9 nights. I am arriving on 7/24 at Peretola Airport @ 2:30PM. What public transportations would you suggest from the Airport to my first Airbnb Via Maggio? I am excited about my soon to be adventure. As I mentioned previously, I will rent a furnished small apartment in less touristy area. I won't be working so car is not needed. My plan is to live in Tuscany 1 year, then come back to California for 6 months then go back either to the same area, or somewhere else, still in Tuscany. WE will keep in touch. I welcome any input from any one reading of my email. Thanks to all. Margaret
Sounds great! I suggest the tram from the airport, you pick it up right outside the arrival terminal as you exit on your left. It will take you directly to the SMN train station in central Florence. From there, depending on the amount of luggage you have, you could take the bus or a taxi to Via Maggio. It is a long street so while it isn't far, I would suggest not walking it. The C4 line goes through the via maggio area so that might work the best, but if you're unsure and want to arrive quickly, the taxi from SMN might be the best option.
Take a look at using Siena as a base, I really like the town, it has the small town feel but you can definitely visit many places from there using buses (more than trains).
Take a look at using Siena as a base, I really like the town, it has the small town feel but you can definitely visit many places from there using buses (more than trains).
Hi Lourdes,
I am trusting that you are doing well. Can the tram ticket be purchased online, or do you suggest purchasing it in the tram, upon my arrival? I am working on the final details and also booking an airfare ticket from Peretola Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle on 8/2. I am arriving in Florence on 7/24 for 9 nights. Thanks for all your suggestions and recommendations. Margaret Grady
Ciao Margaret,
Great to hear you're almost here!
As for tram and bus tickets, you have several options.
First, it is easy to buy actual paper tram tickets at every single tram stop since there is a machine at each stop. You can use an ATM card/credit card or cash to pay for the ticket. You need to "stamp" the time and date on them as soon as you get on, validating them for use. You can do this at the airport when you first get in.... or the next easiest is the next one.
The very recent option to is to pay contactless with your credit card, debit card or with a smart phone or watch, set up with your bank card on your Apple/Google Pay. You can read more about it on the official site: https://www.at-bus.it/en/tiptap
This works best for a single person since only one ticket can be bought on each card, so you can't pay for others. You need to "tap" your phone when you get on and again if you change from the tram to a bus, it should not charge more if you're still within the ticket's validity time (in Florence, it is 90 minutes, in other cities it is 70 min).
I know you're traveling on your own, but for those who are traveling with more than one person, the best option is likely to download the AT bus app and buy tickets or a "carnet" of 10 tickets and "activate" as you need them if you use the app or validate them as soon as you get on the bus if you have paper tickets. Since you're here for 9 days, you could consider the carnet if you're staying far enough from the center that you know you'll be using the public buses/tram enough. It isn't much of a savings to buy a carnet, 10 cents per ticket so I now usually just buy tickets as I go.
Let me know if you have any more questions, hope to help!
Great to hear you're almost here!
As for tram and bus tickets, you have several options.
First, it is easy to buy actual paper tram tickets at every single tram stop since there is a machine at each stop. You can use an ATM card/credit card or cash to pay for the ticket. You need to "stamp" the time and date on them as soon as you get on, validating them for use. You can do this at the airport when you first get in.... or the next easiest is the next one.
The very recent option to is to pay contactless with your credit card, debit card or with a smart phone or watch, set up with your bank card on your Apple/Google Pay. You can read more about it on the official site: https://www.at-bus.it/en/tiptap
This works best for a single person since only one ticket can be bought on each card, so you can't pay for others. You need to "tap" your phone when you get on and again if you change from the tram to a bus, it should not charge more if you're still within the ticket's validity time (in Florence, it is 90 minutes, in other cities it is 70 min).
I know you're traveling on your own, but for those who are traveling with more than one person, the best option is likely to download the AT bus app and buy tickets or a "carnet" of 10 tickets and "activate" as you need them if you use the app or validate them as soon as you get on the bus if you have paper tickets. Since you're here for 9 days, you could consider the carnet if you're staying far enough from the center that you know you'll be using the public buses/tram enough. It isn't much of a savings to buy a carnet, 10 cents per ticket so I now usually just buy tickets as I go.
Let me know if you have any more questions, hope to help!
Hi Lourdes You are such a tremendous source of information for all who are visiting Florence. I friend of mine asked me if she can join me, now we are 2 traveling together. We booked our separate airbnb not too far from each other. We reserved a tuscany day trip to Siena, san gimignano pisa tower, lunch and wine tasting. We will do on our own cinque terre by bus. I am also visiting some apartments that are listed for rent, eventually in a couple of years I may consider purchasing a small single family home in Siena. It's all on baby stage for now. I will come back to you later. Are you based in Florence? Thanks for all your help. Margaret Grady
That sounds wonderful! Sharing the experience will definitely make it special
Yes, we are in Florence, that's why it makes it sometimes easier to have info for Florence right off the bat, for the rest of Tuscany I have to make our own day trips and learn from direct experiences and that helps me answer questions - and other times I need to do some research.
Yes, we are in Florence, that's why it makes it sometimes easier to have info for Florence right off the bat, for the rest of Tuscany I have to make our own day trips and learn from direct experiences and that helps me answer questions - and other times I need to do some research.
Margaret GradyIf you are in Whatsapp, that will be my easy way to communicate with you. I don't have the international phone service. Once in Florence at the airport I will buy the chip for my phone so I can call a taxi in Italy or Uber in France. iTaxi app won't share the data with Whatsapp. I couldn't create an account with iTaxi using my Whatsapp app. Talk to you soon. Enjoy the rest of the week.That would be lovely, get in touch once you're here!
Ciao Margaret,
Hope you don't mind but I removed your number after I jotted it down, so that it won't be public.
As far as taxis in Florence, there are two companies and you will find both right outside the airport terminal - just follow the TAXI signs.
They both have apps for calling them (they are not on itaxi app), so if you're on Wifi once you're here, you can use those BUT you can also use whatsapp to call them - their whatsapp numbers are on their website so you might want to add them to your contacts ahead of time to already have them on your phone:
www.4390.it
That gives you a chance to get a prepaid phone SIM card without being in a hurry, there are loads of shops in Florence where you can get it (you'll need to show your passport). There is TIM, Vodafone, Wind, Iliad. As long as your phone is unlocked, you should be able to switch out the sim card without problems.
Hope you don't mind but I removed your number after I jotted it down, so that it won't be public.
As far as taxis in Florence, there are two companies and you will find both right outside the airport terminal - just follow the TAXI signs.
They both have apps for calling them (they are not on itaxi app), so if you're on Wifi once you're here, you can use those BUT you can also use whatsapp to call them - their whatsapp numbers are on their website so you might want to add them to your contacts ahead of time to already have them on your phone:
Benvenuti sul sito del 4390 | Taxi 4390 Firenze
Benvenuti sul sito di Taxi Firenze 4390. Rapidità, cortesia e competenza, per i vostri movimenti a Firenze con puntualità e comodità.
www.4390.it
Taxi 4242 - Il Taxi a Firenze
Taxi 4242 a Firenze e nei comuni limitrofi. Calcola la tariffa, richiedi un taxi e scegli il tipo di servizio per arrivare dove vuoi rapidamente e in sicurezza.
www.4242.it
That gives you a chance to get a prepaid phone SIM card without being in a hurry, there are loads of shops in Florence where you can get it (you'll need to show your passport). There is TIM, Vodafone, Wind, Iliad. As long as your phone is unlocked, you should be able to switch out the sim card without problems.