A Washington couple in their 70s moves their entire lives to ITALY to escape ‘materialistic’ America – and its high taxes – despite not even speaking the language… and say they feel more at home than ever in The United States
- Glenda and Randy Tuminello, from Spokane, Washington, decided to move
- The couple moved to the Puglia region of Italy full-time in December 2022
- It has had its benefits, but it has also not been without challenges
A couple in their 70s has moved their entire lives to Italy in an attempt to escape ‘materialistic’ America – and its high taxes.
Glenda and Randy Tuminello, of Spokane, Washington, initially planned to spend a year in Europe to celebrate their retirement until the coronavirus pandemic disrupted their plans.
It prompted them to reconsider their long-term dreams and the duo decided to move to the Puglia region of Italy full-time in December 2022 instead.
But it hasn’t been without its problems, as the couple doesn’t speak a word of Italian and already misses American food.
Glenda and Randy Tuminello initially planned to spend a year in Europe to celebrate their retirement, until the coronavirus pandemic disrupted their plans
The couple, from Spokane, Washington, decided instead to move full-time to Italy’s Puglia region (stock image) in December 2022
The couple said they were drawn to Italy from the beginning after Randy’s own grandparents migrated from Cefalu, Sicily, to Louisiana in the early 20th century.
He told CNN Travels: ‘My roots were a big factor in choosing Italy, it’s like coming home, and we feel more at home here than we ever did in the US.
‘My wife is Italian through and through and loves everything Italian.’
The duo spent time researching several regions that enticed newly retired immigrants by offering a seven percent flat tax — before ultimately making the switch.
Former high school math teacher Glenda said: ‘We decided to sell our house, our car and all unnecessary possessions and make Italy our retirement home for good.
‘We chose the beautiful Polignano a Mare, which offered a flat tax rate of seven percent.’
The couple now rents a two-bedroom house, partially furnished, for $1,200 a month.
The white stone house with vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors features an office, spacious dining room, balcony, veranda and covered terrace.
The couple, who have lived in Polignano a Mare for almost a year (stock image), cited a host of other advantages, including the town’s historic features, seaside location and affordable lifestyle.
“We initially wanted to buy it, but with the economy uncertain, it was best to rent,” says Randy, who previously worked as a consulting executive.
‘It was a decision taken at the right time as rental prices are now skyrocketing and the houses for sale are quite expensive as there are few of them and most are used as B&Bs.’
The couple, who have lived in Polignano a Mare for almost a year now, cited a host of other advantages, including the town’s historic features, seaside location and affordable lifestyle.
Despite the couple leaving their children and grandchildren in the US, Randy claimed their motivation to move was due to their preference for Italian culture.
“The materialistic aspect is not as prevalent in Polignano as it is in the US, and there is more of a sense of community – of family and friends,” he said.
The shift in prospects in the region has also made them feel more secure that there is ‘never any danger when walking through the beautiful streets at night.’
But the move has not been without drawbacks.
Glenda and Randy are already missing some American dishes, such as barbecue sauce, peanut butter and lemon curd.
They have also struggled with the language barrier, as they do not speak Italian.