Why We Left Texas for a New Life in Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, lies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, which has made it a cultural melting pot throughout history. It is an autonomous region of Italy, with its capital in Palermo.

Sicily offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. With its stunning coastlines, historic landmarks, and affordability, Sicily presents a compelling option for retirees seeking a fresh chapter. In 2024, my husband and I, both in our 60s, made the life-changing decision to leave Texas and make Carini, Sicily, our retirement abroad home.

Today, as we reflect on this monumental decision during a peaceful walk through the woods, we’re reminded of the key reasons that led us to this island and the new life we’ve embraced.

Here’s Why We Took the Leap

• The Financial Factor
• Personal Growth and a New Chapter
• Personal and Cultural Connections
• Overcoming Challenges
• Embracing a New Lifestyle
• Sharing Our Journey

The Financial Factor

One of the most compelling reasons behind our move to Sicily was financial. Retiring in Texas meant high costs, especially with taxes, Medicare, and other deductions cutting into our Social Security. It was getting harder to stretch what we had.

Sicily offers a far more affordable way to live. Housing, groceries, and dining out are often 50% to 75% cheaper than back in Texas. Fresh seafood and produce are both affordable and top quality. This lets us enjoy a healthy lifestyle without constant budget stress.

If finances are tight, retiring abroad might offer the breathing room you’ve been needing. It sure did for us.

Personal Growth and a New Chapter

Leaving family behind in Texas was the hardest part. We have three adult kids and four grandkids, and none of that was easy to walk away from.

But this move was also about growth. The Psalms talk about children being like arrows sent out into the world. That hit us. We raised our kids to build their lives. Now, it was our turn to do something meaningful with ours.

We stay in touch with regular video calls and have planned visits. We didn’t say goodbye. We just redefined what family connection looks like across an ocean.

Personal and Cultural Connections

For Croce, this was a homecoming. He was born and raised in Sicily, and the island holds memories of childhood, family, and a way of life that never left him.

We came back to reconnect with his roots, siblings, nieces, old friends, and to live the culture that shaped him. Shopping at local markets, slow dinners with loved ones, being close to nature. That rhythm feels right for us now.

Sicilian food is part of the story, too. Fresh, seasonal, and made with care. It’s not just good, it’s meaningful.

Overcoming Challenges

There were challenges, no doubt. The hardest was leaving our kids and grandkids. The hugs, the routines, the retirement party, those things still tug at us.

But we felt called to this. Croce especially. And our family backed us. We made sure everyone knew this wasn’t a goodbye. It was a change in how we live and stay connected.

With strong Wi-Fi and a flexible mindset, the world doesn’t feel so far apart anymore.

Embracing a New Lifestyle

Sicily gave us a new way to live, one where we actually slow down. Morning walks, shared meals, quiet moments. That’s the rhythm now.

Our little town of Carini gives us history, nature, and calm. We’ve got a budget that works. We track our expenses, plan carefully, and it’s doable on Social Security alone.

Life doesn’t have to be expensive to be full.

Sharing Our Journey

We’re not just living this story, we’re sharing it. Through our blog and YouTube channel, we want to give others a look at what it’s really like: the costs, the culture, the surprises.

Whether it’s walking through Palermo or showing what groceries cost, we’re committed to telling it like it is so others can learn from our path.

Retiring in Sicily has been transformative. We’re connected to family in new ways, living slower, and experiencing more with less. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

If you’re thinking about a similar move, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes the leap is what brings it all into focus. We’re trusting God for each step forward. So far, He hasn’t let us down.