The American Couple Who Retired to Italy's Stunning Polignano a Mare
(As featured in cnn)
A recent CNN feature highlights the inspiring journey of Glenda and Randy Tuminello, an American couple who made the bold decision to retire to Polignano a Mare, a breathtaking town in Puglia, southern Italy. The article delves into how the Tuminellos, once based in Spokane, Washington, sold their home, car, and most possessions to embark on a new life in Italy—largely influenced by the pandemic, which caused them to reconsider their retirement plans. They initially intended to spend just a year in Italy but ultimately decided to make it their permanent home. This cliffside town, famous for its dramatic coastline and turquoise waters, captivated the couple with its historic charm, affordable lifestyle, and welcoming community.
The couple's decision was largely influenced by Italy’s enticing offer of a 7% flat tax rate for foreign retirees, a significant incentive for those looking to stretch their retirement funds in a beautiful location. The Tuminellos chose Polignano a Mare not only for its tax benefits but also for its vibrant lifestyle, where they’ve made new friends, including other American expats. They enjoy Polignano's lively atmosphere, often filled with music and festivals, and have adapted to the local custom of leisurely evening walks along the Adriatic promenade.
Their story is a perfect example of how Italy offers a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life, deeply rooted in tradition and community, without sacrificing modern conveniences. While the Tuminellos have embraced most aspects of Italian life, they’ve also faced some challenges, including adapting to the language and dealing with the country’s scorching summer heat.
How Finding La Dolce Vita Played a Role
We at Finding La Dolce Vita were honoured to assist the Tuminellos in unravelling, what seemed to them, a bureaucratic nightmare! The relocation process, especially for retirees seeking an elective residence visa, can be daunting. From securing necessary visas to handling legal documents, our team ensures that our clients’ move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The elective residence visa, for example, is often a popular choice for retirees with a steady income who wish to reside in Italy long-term. However, it comes with rigorous requirements, including proof of financial stability and extensive background checks. Glenda Tuminello emphasised the importance of getting everything right the first time, as the process took nearly a year to complete. This is where Finding La Dolce Vita excels, guiding clients through each step to avoid common pitfalls and ensure success.
"I only wish I had known about Finding La Dolce Vita Relocation a year ago when we began our quest for our ERVs--there would have definitely been a lot more restful nights of sleep! Grazie mille FLDV!" – Glenda Tuminello
As Italy continues to attract retirees and expats with its favourable tax policies, warm climate, and rich cultural experiences, Finding La Dolce Vita is dedicated to helping people like the Tuminellos turn their dreams into reality. Our services extend beyond visas—we also assist with finding homes, understanding Italian property laws, and connecting newcomers with local resources to ease their transition.
Why Polignano a Mare?
Polignano a Mare, nestled along the Adriatic coast, is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and authentic Italian living. Known for its whitewashed houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, it’s a place where time seems to slow down. The town’s rich history, friendly locals, and coastal beauty made it an ideal choice for the Tuminellos, and it’s easy to see why they fell in love with it at first sight.
Despite its small size, Polignano offers everything one could need—good restaurants, local markets, and easy access to the rest of Italy via train. The couple didn’t even find it necessary to have a car, as the town is easily walkable, and public transport allows them to explore other regions of Italy and beyond.
Whilst Polignano a Mare has gained international attention for its beauty, it remains a relatively affordable place to live compared to larger Italian cities or other European coastal towns. The Tuminellos rented a home in the historic centre for $1,200 a month, which includes a spacious dining room, a covered terrace, and a little garden. Although the couple initially considered buying property, the rising costs of homes (many of which have been turned into B&Bs) led them to make the more practical choice of renting for now.
Embracing the Dolce Vita
For Glenda and Randy Tuminello, life in Polignano is everything they dreamed it would be. Even with the occasional language barriers and the challenges of adapting to a different pace of life, they’ve found a sense of belonging that they hadn’t felt in the U.S. Their days are spent enjoying simple pleasures—like morning coffee on their terrace, leisurely dinners, and evening strolls. And whilst they may not be beachgoers, they find the stunning views of the Adriatic from the promenade breathtaking.
Their story is a testament to how embracing a different way of life can lead to unexpected joy. As Glenda says, moving to Italy was a “no-brainer,” and they feel more at home here than they ever did in the U.S. They’ve left behind materialism in exchange for a more community-oriented, family-centric way of living, something that resonates deeply with many expats who choose to make Italy their home.
At Finding La Dolce Vita, we’re passionate about helping others find their own version of the dolce vita, whether that’s in a quiet seaside town like Polignano or a bustling Italian city. Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible so you can focus on enjoying the beauty, culture, and lifestyle that Italy has to offer.
If you're inspired by the Tuminellos' story and considering your own move to Italy, get in touch with us at Finding La Dolce Vita. We're here to guide you every step of the way, from navigating legal requirements to helping you settle into your new Italian home.
For the full CNN feature on the Tuminellos, click here.
Finding La Dolce Vita Relocation
At Finding La Dolce Vita, we understand that relocating involves more than just finding a new home. Our comprehensive services are designed to ensure your transition is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We handle all the paperwork and liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf, making the visa and residence permit process straightforward and stress-free. Our house-finding services range from live remote video tours and lease negotiation to property management and home inspections. We correspond with real estate agencies and landlords on your behalf, providing you with expert advice on investing in real estate and assisting with mortgage arrangements, interior design, and renovation services.
Settling into a new home and adapting to a new lifestyle can be daunting, but our services make this process seamless. We offer airport welcome and transfer services, assist with opening bank accounts, taking out health insurance, and registering at a doctor's practice. Our team helps connect utilities, obtain an Italian driver's licence, and complete all necessary bureaucratic forms. We can even assist with pet importation, purchasing or registering a vehicle, and organising orientation tours to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. For those seeking an even higher level of personalised assistance, The Butler™ offers a bespoke lifestyle management service. We can set up your home before your arrival, organise personal shopping, and arrange for language lessons or social activities. Our services extend to finding domestic help, arranging chauffeur services, and even performing home checks during your absence.
With over 30 years of experience living in Italy, our founders understand the intricacies of relocating and settling in a new country. Our tailored approach ensures that each client’s unique needs are met, making the process not only seamless but also enjoyable. Contact Finding La Dolce Vita today and let us guide you to your Italian dolce vita. For more information on our services, visit our website or contact us directly.
La Dolce Vita awaits...
