Years ago, I had the opportunity to live on a small island in Washington, called Whidbey. For those familiar with the west coast, you might’ve heard of it, within the San Juans. It was beautiful. Really beautiful! Our lifestyle was simple, it felt like everyone in the town knew each other, nature was often the topic of discussion (I mean, how could it not be?!), and it felt calm, safe really.
I remember thinking to myself, when I’m older, I want to settle down in a town like this. Between returning to my home (city-like) town in Florida to studying, and later on, moving to Florence, I hadn’t revisited the idea.
Earlier this year, I was searching for a new rental as my contract was coming to an end. Months were flying by, I was touring place after place with more cons than pros, and more scams than actual properties, and I knew I needed to press pause. I should add… our rental team offered me plenty of guidance, but I wasn’t certain on my criteria enough to commit to a long-term find. Anyways… I ended up securing a short-term stay in a small Tuscan town, about a 25-30 minute train from the center. My family thought I was crazy, but let me tell you, I loved it, and not just because rent was significantly lower.
Choosing between a small town and medium to large city really depends on the person, but if you’re still on the fence, this might be just the read you need.
So, the town, Montelupo Fiorentino. Like the name sounds, it’s part of the Metropolitan City of Florence. To me, it looks as if this town belongs in a storybook. Before committing to the property, I met with the landlord and she drove me to take a look. We crossed a park and bridge where the Arno runs through, and walked down the Main Street. Known for its ceramics, there were shops left and right. Plus, one of the best gelaterias I’ve been to, which we had to stop in.
Before entering the apartment, we greeted an old lady who was people watching from her window. I asked my landlord if she knew her and she said in Italian, “No, but she’s always there.”
The people… This is a concern for many newcomers considering moving to a small town. Will they be welcoming? Will I fit in? What about the language barrier? All good questions.
As someone who can be quite shy, this was also a concern for me. I really think as a newcomer, you should be the one to “extend an olive branch”. I was only in this town for three months and half the time I was traveling, but in the times I did interact with people in the center, the library, park, etc. I found everyone to be kind. It just took that initial leap of faith to say hello, smile, or ask for help (even if I didn’t really need it).
The little things can go a long way. After just a handful of times, looking up to greet my neighbor as I was heading out, whom I refer to with my friends as my third nonna (grandma), she was practically offering to be my emergency contact… to ring the door whenever I needed, to return to Montelupo for help or a simple hello after moving, anything.
It can be uncomfortable being new. It’s not in your head, people are likely looking at you! But, just remind yourself it’s 99% curiosity and not judgement.
And depending on the person, you’ll adapt to things that might seem like challenges at first. For example, in this town there were limited food delivery options, and eateries closed early. This con ended up being a pro. My bank account was happy with the change and it forced me to cook more. There was surprisingly a big supermarket just a few minutes away and a corner shop even closer. You remember to go before a certain time and stock up just in case.
For the commute, make sure to do your due diligence when contemplating making the move without having a car, vespa, etc. In Montelupo, there’s a station right in the center of town. Plus, there are bus and train monthly, quarterly, and sometimes annual passes worth considering. I believe I paid around €60 for the month for the train, which is a GREAT deal. To put it into perspective, a roundtrip ticket (Montelupo - Florence) is around €7.50. I was going around four times a week, which would have been €120 without the membership.
As more time passed, I felt less of a need to go to the city center, and when I did, it felt like a treat. It was a special occasion that became more intentional and fun, even. Another element to consider when making your pro-con list or city vs town list. While spending more time in this nature-filled town, I also became a frequent park-goer, where I encountered people going for evening strolls, catching the sunsets, biking, and more.
Even the commute became a useful time to catch up on texts, emails, books. And when I was “being good”, Italian lessons via podcast episodes. Make sure to download them prior for when you briefly lose service going through the tunnels.
Living in a small town is a chance to embrace a slow-paced, community-oriented lifestyle, where simplicity and traditions take center stage. While I’m writing this from my new long-term rental, closer to the city center, I’m so glad I got to experience small-town living again. Maybe it’ll be a positive experience for you too!
So, where do you see your dolce vita (sweet life) unfolding? Let me know in the comments below and check out next week’s issue for a location spotlight on this adorable Tuscan town.