In a bold move that has captured the attention of many, a New York family has traded in their high-cost city life for a quaint home in Italy, all for the astonishing price of just $13,000. Cassandra Tresl, 33, and her husband made this life-changing decision after the birth of their daughter in 2020, realizing that the dream of homeownership in New York City was slipping further out of reach.
Previously, the family was paying $2,000 a month for a rental apartment—a deal by New York standards, yet still a heavy burden amid the city’s affordability crisis. With the average homeowner’s age in NYC now at a staggering 58.8 years, Cassandra felt the weight of the situation. “I couldn’t realistically see myself saving for a down payment in New York,” she shared, reflecting on the challenges they faced.
In 2022, the couple found a charming house in the Abruzzo region of Italy, purchasing it for approximately 11,500 euros. They made the permanent move in 2023, and Cassandra described the experience as surreal, especially since they were able to buy the home outright. “It felt unbelievable to own a house in cash,” she said, recalling her years in New York from 2015 to 2019.
After acquiring their new home, the family invested around $17,000 in renovations, with the most significant expense being a $3,000 plumbing overhaul. While many might consider their new village remote, the Tresls intentionally sought out a place away from the tourist traps of Italy, settling in a small town with a population of about 1,300.
“Abruzzo appealed to us because we wanted to escape mass tourism,” Cassandra explained, describing their new community as an authentic hilltop haven just three hours from Rome. The move has significantly lowered their living costs, with preschool for their daughter costing only $70 a month—far less than what friends in the U.S. pay.
Utilities are also a fraction of what they were in New York, with electricity averaging $170 monthly and water around $80. Internet service costs just $15, and cellphone plans are about $14 each. In addition to their primary residence, the family owns a second property, purchased for $20,000, which they have turned into a rental generating approximately $1,100 a month.
Professionally, Cassandra transitioned from her remote tech job in New York to a marketing position with an Italian travel company. While her salary has decreased, she feels her quality of life has improved. “I definitely earn less now, but my time is much better spent,” she noted.
The shift to a slower-paced Italian lifestyle has profoundly impacted her perspective. “Living in a small town has forced me to slow down and realize that nothing is that important,” she reflected. The family enjoys shopping at local markets, where they find superior quality meats and cheeses compared to what they had access to in the U.S.
Despite missing friends and family back home, Cassandra is resolute about not returning to the U.S. permanently. “At this point, I can’t imagine living back in the U.S. full-time,” she stated. The financial relief of owning a home outright has alleviated the stress they faced in New York, where soaring housing costs have driven many to seek alternatives.
“The best feeling I have now is a sense of relief,” she expressed, emphasizing the freedom that comes from not having to deal with monthly rent or mortgage payments. This newfound flexibility has allowed her to pursue work that resonates more deeply with her values.
As this family embarks on their Italian adventure, one can’t help but wonder: what other life-changing decisions might they make next?
