Early Retirement in Italy: Choosing Meaning Over Money in Midlife with Dan Kidson

2025-06-17

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream of living in Italy. He discusses his love for travel, the challenges of finding a home, navigating the visa process, and the cultural immersion he experienced in his new community. Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurdles he faced while purchasing a property and the ongoing renovation challenges, all while emphasizing the importance of community connection in his new life abroad. In this conversation, Dan shares his experiences of living and...

Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurdles he faced while purchasing a property and the ongoing renovation challenges, all while emphasizing the importance of community connection in his new life abroad.

In this conversation, Dan shares his experiences of living and renovating a property in Italy, emphasizing the importance of hiring an architect, understanding the true costs of property acquisition, and the unique lifestyle in a small Italian town. He discusses healthcare, the cost of living, tax incentives for residents, and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy. Dan also reflects on cultural adjustments and the joys of traveling across Europe, offering advice for those considering a move abroad.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 From Corporate Life to Italian Dreams

03:05 The Journey to Finding Home

06:12 Cultural Immersion and Community Connection

09:00 Navigating the Visa Process

12:06 The Search for a Home in Italy

15:09 Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles

17:47 Renovation Challenges and Community Life

30:01 The Role of Architects in Italian Renovations

33:28 Cost Considerations in Property Acquisition

37:27 Living in a Small Italian Town

40:02 Healthcare in Italy: A Personal Experience

44:02 Climate and Daily Life in Basilicata

45:04 Cost of Living Comparison: Italy vs. the US

47:22 Tax Incentives for Residents in Southern Italy

49:00 Navigating Bureaucracy: Driving and Residency

51:03 Cultural Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes

55:03 Traveling Across Europe from Italy

56:37 Advice for Those Considering Moving Abroad

CONNECT WITH DAN

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This episode is brought to you by International Living—trusted since 1979 to help people like you live better, spend less, and move smartly overseas. Their guidance has helped thousands find their perfect corner of the world—from coastal Portugal to mountain villages in Mexico.

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Big thanks to International Living for supporting the show—and for inspiring so many of us to think beyond borders!

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