8 Things to Know Before Moving to Abruzzo

Real-life tips and practical insights from foreigners living in Abruzzo – basic things you need to know before buying a home and settling in this hidden gem of Italy.

Moving to Abruzzo can feel like an exciting adventure – affordable homes, picturesque landscapes, and a warm community await you. Yet, before you pack your bags and sign on the dotted line, there are several things to know before moving to Abruzzo that will make your transition smoother.

We weren’t familiar with this hidden gem ourselves until we spent a few years settling here, so consider this post your friendly guide. From language hurdles to winding mountain roads, we’ll walk you through each tip, drawing on our own experiences and practical know-how. By the end, you’ll feel prepared, informed, and excited to call Abruzzo home.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Quick List: Things to Know Before Moving to Abruzzo

🇮🇹 Learn Italian (or start ASAP!) – English isn’t widely spoken, even in cities. Basic Italian will go a long way.
🏡 Rent before you buy – Spend time exploring different areas firsthand to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
🗺️ Expect winding, rural roads – Short distances can still mean long drive times in the mountains.
🌆 Pescara is functional, not charming – Great for services, but don’t use it as your reference point for Abruzzo’s character.
🌍 Yes, earthquakes happen – Learn about seismic zones and consider retrofitting older homes.
🐾 Life is a bit more “Southern” here – Expect a laid-back, community-oriented vibe with flexible schedules and local quirks.
🚆 Train travel is limited inland – If you won’t be driving, stick to towns with strong coastal rail connections.
💶 Understand the housing market – Prices vary by province, and older homes often require significant renovation.

8 Things to Know Before Buying a House in Abruzzo

1. Learn Italian Before Moving to Abruzzo

One of the most important things to know before moving to Abruzzo is that English isn’t widely spoken here. Even in Teramo or Pescara, don’t expect to waltz in with only English – you’ll need at least basic Italian to get by, especially when chatting with the older generation. Sure, you might manage “Buongiorno” and “Grazie,” but we’ve found that learning Italian quickly upon arrival makes life immeasurably easier.

Why it matters: From grocery shopping to signing utility contracts, most conversations happen in Italian.
Dialects galore: Each province (L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara, Teramo) has its own dialect variations. Don’t be surprised if locals slip into Abruzzese slang!
Quick tips: Download language apps like Duolingo or Babbel before you arrive. Enroll in a local Italian course within your first month to fast-track fluency.

With just a handful of common phrases, you’ll feel more confident exploring cobbled streets and chatting in village piazzas. Embracing the language is one of the first things to know before moving to Abruzzo – it’s the key to integrating into community life.

2. Rent First: A Smart Step for Buying a House in Abruzzo

Before committing to buying a house in Abruzzo, consider this essential tip among the things to know before moving to Abruzzo: rent for an extended stay first. Photos and video calls can’t reveal everything about a property or its surroundings. We know a couple who bought a house in the hills of Abruzzo – only to realize the winding, cliffside road gave them constant motion sickness.

Explore different towns: Spend at least one month in a coastal town (like Ortona) and another in a hilltop village (like Pacentro) to compare lifestyles.
Assess your commute: Drive the route during daylight and at night. You might discover that a 20-minute drive feels like an hour when the road snakes through mountains.
Sample local services: Test out nearby markets, healthcare facilities, and restaurants to ensure they meet your needs.

By renting first, you’ll pinpoint the exact area suited for you and avoid buyer’s regret. This approach ranks high among the crucial things to know before moving to Abruzzo for anyone looking to purchase real estate here.

3. Expect Longer Drive Times

Many newcomers underestimate Abruzzo’s geography. One of the top things to know before moving to Abruzzo is that the region is predominantly mountainous countryside. While a straight-line map might show “only 30 km” between points A and B, real travel often means navigating dozens of tight switchbacks.

Mountain vs. coast: If you choose a hilltop hamlet but still crave beach days, factor in at least an hour’s drive to Pescara or Francavilla al Mare.
Plan for slow travel: Even local urban buses can take twice as long as you’d expect because they zigzag through tiny villages.
Vehicle choice matters: A compact car with good suspension is a must. SUVs or sedans with higher clearance handle rougher side roads more comfortably.

Understanding this road reality is essential among the things to know before moving to Abruzzo – it ensures you match your lifestyle expectations with realistic travel times.

4. Pescara Isn’t a Glamorous City, It’s Just Functional

If you hear “Pescara” and imagine a bustling Italian metropolis, prepare to adjust your expectations. While Pescara is the regional hub (boasting an airport, train station, shopping malls, and hospital), it isn’t the charming seaside city you might picture. In fact, one of the eye-opening things to know before moving to Abruzzo is that Pescara can feel quite commercial and crowded in summer.

Summer crowds: During peak season, the paid beach strips fill with rows of umbrellas. If you envision a tranquil coastline, you might be disappointed.
Urban vibes: Pescara lacks the medieval alleys and historic center you’d find in, say, Siena or Bergamo. It’s functional—restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife—but not particularly scenic.
Use it as a service base: We recommend Pescara for practical errands: airport travel, large-scale shopping, or specialized medical care. For authentic coastal charm, visit nearby towns like Vasto or Ortona instead.

Remembering how Pescara functions rather than enchanting can help you gauge your homebuying prioritie.

5. Earthquakes Are Real But So Is Seismic Safety

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Abruzzo sits on seismic fault lines. Yes, the L’Aquila earthquake in 2009 made headlines worldwide. But here’s another critical entry for your “things to know before moving to Abruzzo” list: many Italian regions contend with earthquakes and landslides, and Abruzzo has strict building codes in place.

New vs. old construction: Newer homes must comply with seismic-proof regulations. Older stone houses can be retrofitted by licensed professionals.
Risk zones: The national seismic map shows “red zones” around L’Aquila province, whereas our Southern Abruzzo village sits in a moderate-risk zone. You can look up risk maps on the official Civil Protection website.
Insurance and inspections: When buying, budget for a structural inspection focused on seismic compliance. You can also purchase specialized earthquake insurance for added peace of mind.

Understanding and preparing for seismic realities is non-negotiable. A well-informed buyer knows this among the things to know before moving to Abruzzo, so you feel safe and secure in your new home.

6. Abruzzese Culture Is More “Southern” than “Northern”

Abruzzo occupies a fascinating cultural crossroads, rooted in both central Italy and influences from the south. One of the most eye-opening things to know before moving to Abruzzo is that life here runs at a more relaxed, sometimes chaotic pace compared to northern regions.

Unplanned spontaneity: Don’t expect strict schedules – shops might close for Extended riposo (siesta) without warning. A pharmacy might shutter at 1:00 PM and reopen at 4:30 PM.
Community ties: Neighbors will know your business – literally. But from our experience, that translates into sincere friendliness; people genuinely care about you.
Dogs roaming free: It’s common to see friendly strays or village dogs wandering town squares without leashes – part of the local charm.
Time flexibility: If you schedule a meeting for 9:00 AM, arrive knowing locals might stroll in around 9:15 or 9:30. This relaxed attitude is one of the things to know before moving to Abruzzo if punctuality matters greatly to you.

Embracing this vibrant, sometimes untamed way of life makes settling here infinitely more enjoyable. It’s a trade-off: less structure, more authenticity.

7. Train Travel Is Limited – Plan Your Mobility

Many imagine Italy as a compact web of frequent trains. In Abruzzo, that’s only half true. When considering things to know before moving to Abruzzo, remember that train service dominates the coastline but quickly disappears inland.

Coastal convenience: The Adriatic line runs from Vasto in the south up to San Benedetto del Tronto. You can catch a direct train from Vasto or Pescara to Milan or Bari. It’s straightforward, for coastal residents.
Inland challenges: If you plan to live in Campo di Giove or Scanno, the nearest station might be 45–60 minutes away by car. Don’t assume a 10 km distance equals 10 minutes – mountain roads apply here, too.
Bus alternatives: Some mountainous villages rely on regional buses that run infrequently. Check the Trenitalia regional bus map and schedules online before choosing a home near high-elevation towns.
Car necessity: For most first-time buyers looking to stay in Abruzzo’s interior, a car is essential. If you’re set on public transport only, focus your home search on Pescara, Chieti, or Teramo.

Understanding train limitations and realistic transport options ranks high on your checklist of things to know before moving to Abruzzo – it helps you decide where to live based on your commute preferences.

8. Renting vs. Buying: Timing and Market Insights

While we touched on renting in point 2, there’s more to the real estate landscape here. When crafting a list of things to know before moving to Abruzzo, consider market timing and regional price variations:

Seasonal slowdowns: The market can slow down between November and February, so if you’re aiming for a great deal, start your search in late autumn when fewer buyers are active.
Price ranges by province: Coastal properties (Chieti coastline, Pescara) often range from €1,500–€2,500/m², whereas inland mountain villages (L’Aquila, Teramo hills) can dip to €500–€1,000/m². Use real estate portals like Immobiliare.it or Idealista to compare listings and gain inspiration.
Renovation considerations: Many older homes come with stone walls and wooden beams but require upgrades – check for electrics, plumbing, the roof, and heating as some of the most expensive renovation projects. You can budget around €800–€1,200/m² to modernize a traditional country house, but we’ve also done it for far less if you’re savvy and handy yourself.
Local notaries and bureaucracy: Be prepared for paperwork – seeking a local notary (notaio) is necessary for closing. If you don’t speak Italian fluently, consider hiring a bilingual real estate agent to navigate contracts and cadastral documents.

These insights help you gauge affordability and timing – key items under your umbrella of things to know before moving to Abruzzo when buying a home.

FAQs: Things to Know Before Moving to Abruzzo

What are the best towns in Abruzzo to buy a house if I rely on public transport?

Focus on coastal cities like Pescara, Ortona, and Vasto – these have frequent Trenitalia connections and regional buses. Inland, Teramo and Chieti have train stations, but further mountainous villages may lack daily service. Always reference the national train and bus maps.

Is it safe to live in Abruzzo considering earthquake risks?

Abruzzo is seismically active, but modern building codes mandate seismic-resistant construction. If you purchase an older property, you can retrofit it to meet safety standards. Consult the Civil Protection seismic risk map to determine your home’s risk classification.

Do I need a car if I move to Abruzzo?

For most of Abruzzo, especially inland villages, a car is essential. Coastal train service is good, but bus schedules inland can be infrequent. If you plan to live away from major cities, renting or buying a car is one of the things to know before moving to Abruzzo to ensure you can navigate winding roads and remote areas.

How can I improve my Italian quickly after moving to Abruzzo?

Enroll in a language school (whether in-person or online) within your first month. Attend community events, chat with neighbors, and use language exchange apps. Immersing yourself daily – ordering coffee (“un caffè”) or asking for directions will fast-track your fluency.

What’s the cost of living like in Abruzzo compared to other Italian regions?

Abruzzo is generally more affordable than regions like Tuscany, Lombardy, etc. Grocery costs and dining out are about 10–15% lower. Property prices inland can be as low as €500/m², compared to over €3,000/m² in Florence. Keep utility costs in mind: heating in winter can be higher in mountain areas.

Are there English-speaking expat communities in Abruzzo?

While Abruzzo doesn’t have large expat hubs like Tuscany, you can find small networks in towns such as Sulmona, Chieti, and L’Aquila. Online forums (Facebook groups) dedicated to “living in Abruzzo” or “expats in Abruzzo” can connect you with fellow English speakers.

Moving to Abruzzo is an exhilarating journey, and knowing these essential things to know before moving to Abruzzo will help you skip the common pitfalls. From mastering basic Italian and renting before buying to understanding seismic safety and train limitations, you’ll be ready to embrace everything this captivating region offers. Pack your enthusiasm, brush up on your Italian, and get ready to discover why Abruzzo truly is a must-visit (and must-live) destination.