Episode #27: Why Americans Are Moving to Milan with Arlene Gibbs

If you have ever wondered whether Milan deserves a place on your list of cities to live in Italy, this Dream of Italy Podcast episode with host Kathy McCabe makes a strong case.

Arlene Antoinette Gibbs is an American writer and interior designer who lived in Rome for years before making the move to Milan. Having experienced expat life in both cities firsthand, she brings a candid and nuanced perspective on what it actually means to relocate within Italy and why Milan is far more livable than its reputation suggests.

Arlene shares why she chose Milan over staying in Rome: better public transportation, a more international business environment and a city that functions as the economic engine of the entire country with thriving sectors in design, fashion, tech and engineering. She also gets into the realities of finding an apartment in Milan, where housing prices have risen 34% and inventory is tight, and why working with a licensed real estate agent made all the difference.

The conversation covers the cost of living in Milan, the city's food scene, the energy of Milan Design Week, the social culture and the honest tradeoffs compared to life in Rome including the winter weather and air pollution. Arlene also shares her thoughts on Turin as an alternative for those who want city life at a slower pace and lower cost.

Which Italian city is calling your name? Let us know in the comments and subscribe for more move to Italy podcasts from Dream of Italy.

Find show notes for this podcast episode at https://dreamofitaly.com/27