When reaching well-deserved retirement, the fear that the monthly pension won’t be enough to make ends meet drives many to consider moving abroad. But so does the desire to improve their quality of life and seek a seaside destination.
Destinations like Portugal, the Canary Islands, or Bulgaria are extremely popular due to their low cost of living and tax breaks. However, moving abroad often means being separated from children and grandchildren and having to adapt to a different language and culture. According tothe French edition of Grazia magazine, the perfect alternative for those who don’t want to leave Italy exists, and it’s called Bari.
Why Bari? And how is it different from Rome?
For those living in Rome or Central Italy, the prospect of moving to Puglia offers an unparalleled logistical and economic advantage compared to moving abroad, while also marking a clear difference in lifestyle.
Unlike moving to Spain or Eastern Europe, Bari is close by. With about a five-hour train or car ride, or a flight of less than an hour, it’s very easy to return to the capital to visit family or host grandchildren for the weekend. It’s the perfect “stopgap solution”: you change your life without cutting your ties.
Rome is a stunning but frenetic metropolis, characterized by traffic, immense distances, and exhausting daily stress. Bari, on the other hand, offers a more human-scale environment, where life flows at a more relaxed pace, perfect for those who want to enjoy their golden years without the anxiety of the clock.
The advantages of Bari according to the magazine
Journalist Elisabeth Sall has highlighted the strengths that make Bari the ideal destination for retirees, allowing them to shelve their plans to flee abroad. According to the magazine’s survey, it is possible to live comfortably in Bari on an income of 1,200 euros a month. A figure that in Rome would force many sacrifices, but which in Puglia allows one to avoid constant sacrifices.
Furthermore, the presence of the sea and a distinctly Mediterranean climate that remains mild for most of the year play a fundamental role in well-being and health during old age.
Living in Bari would mean enjoying the beauty and culture of Southern Italy, with walks along the waterfront and excellent food, while spending less than what is required in Italy’s major urban centers.
