K
eith Richardson, a retired educator from Southern California, traded in the American commercial sprawl for a tranquil life in Italy's Puglia region. He specifically sought out Nardò, a lesser-known town free of McDonald's and Starbucks, to escape the chaos of his former life.

    Richardson had long been captivated by Italy, drawn to its languages and culture. After decades teaching Spanish at a university, he traveled biannually, exploring the country by rental car. By 2023, his focus narrowed to Puglia, prized for its unspoiled beaches and low-key charm.

    A US-based real estate consultant connected him with an expat friend in Nardò, who showed him properties that fit his criteria. Richardson fell in love with a 667-square-foot ground-floor property in the historic Palazzo Tafuri, boasting Puglia's signature pinkish-golden stone and ornate ceilings.

    He negotiated the price down from $153,000 to $111,000, which he saw as a steal compared to Southern California's skyrocketing real estate. The home's proximity to pristine beaches, historic center, and lively café terraces sealed his decision.

    Richardson praises Puglia's affordability, chemical-free produce, and scenic olive groves, alongside its relaxed ethos, which he describes as the "domani (tomorrow) attitude." He plans to split time between Nardò and California, embracing the "dolce vita" and "domani" lifestyle. For now, he splits his time between the two locations, savoring the balance between Puglia's serene coast and his ties to home.

    The town's understated elegance and distance from mass tourism make it an attractive destination for those seeking a slower pace of life. Richardson's experience reflects a broader trend of Americans seeking affordable, idyllic retreats abroad, with Puglia standing apart from tourist-saturated regions like Tuscany or Venice.